"I now pronounce you..."

"...husband and wife."
Two of our good friends will be getting married tomorrow.

HOW WE GOT TO KNOW THE COUPLE:
Arika started working for STEM by helping out with Mission Maker sales. Her and Erin hit off when they were assigned to the golf fundraiser. They both have the same personalities. Arika may be a little bit more laid back, but the two mesh so well together.

I met Ibrahima the night he arrived in the states (early January). He has a great sense of humor to go along with his big smile (sound like anyone you know ). We both like to joke so the girls always have to be on their toes. Even though he speaks very little English (he's starting English classes next week), we don't have a problem communicating. Possibly because guys don't need to talk to enjoy each others company. That's where the burping and farting come in. ;)

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE COUPLE:
Arika hails from the "gem state" (Idaho) and came to Minnesota in order to go to school at Bethany College of Missions. Whereas Ibrahima Gaye (pronounced: Eee-bra-hee-ma Guy) grew up in Senegal where he left the Muslim religion to follow Christ. The two of them met when Arika went on a mission outreach to Senegal.

MY APPRECIATION FOR ERIN:
As for Erin and my involvement in the ceremony, Erin is one step shy of the wedding coordinator position. So you know EVERYTHING is going to be organized. Me on the other hand designed the programs (pictured above) and will be video taping the wedding. Fun!

After getting a tiny glimpse of the effort Arika and Erin have put into this very quick wedding, I have come to appreciate Erin's hard work on ours three years ago. You really have to be organized in order to accomplish a successful ceremony and that is NOT me.

CONGRATS TO THE COUPLE:
So, congrats to Arika and Ibrahima. They have already been through a lot and we have seen them persevere. This is one of the few marriages will truly last "til death do us part."

—b