I realized that I might have posted the Groom's wedding cake upside down. I don't read Hebrew, nor can I read it backwards and upside down at the same time. So, in my previous "post", I might have incorrectly described the inscription wrong.

Now, you Hebrew scholars, tell me what it says, please!

I love this shot of Karen and Thomas. Look at the beautiful wedding dress and how it fits Karen perfectly.

Judy

The wedding cake was wonderful. Karen did a great job in picking out the cake from Casa Linda Bakery, local family bakery that is famous for creating wedding cakes. It was a white cake with red fruit filling. Karen chose the white tiered wedding cake that was accented with a blue and silver heart ribbon that encircled the bottom of each layer of the cake. The icing was decorated with large poka dots. Unique and beautiful. The top layer had 2 silver shaped hearts. Karen and Thomas were going with the "heart" theme.



A Texan and southern wedding tradition was a chocolate groom’s cake. Besides the unique decorated Hebrew scroll on top, the cake was delicious. The Hebrew lettering was from Song of Solomon, “I am my beloved's and he is mine”. And again, the chocolate groom,s cake was completely eaten up.



Ginny, the deaf interpreter along with Karen and her 2 friends, Natasha from Texas and Erin from MBI.



Most everyone stayed around for the reception, yet by the time the Bride and Groom left for their honeymoon, only close friends and family members were still at the church. Picture of Karen with the Groom's cake before it gets devoured by the wedding guests.

More photos to follow.

Judy

On Saturday, June 28th, Karen became Mrs. Bartz. Clear blue sky. Temperature was close to 95 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. Karen and Thomas' wedding ceremony was held at North Highlands Bible Church in Dallas. This is the small Baptist church where I attended during Junior High and part of High School. I attended Pioneer Girls here at NHBC.

Thomas' family was here for the Wedding. Thomas grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He has 2 brothers and a sister. One younger brother, Charles; older sister, Carrie who has 3 young kids; older brother, Russell who is getting married in September. Thomas' parents are both school teachers.




Carrie's two younger daughters were the flower girls in the wedding. I understand Carrie made their dresses. I love the sash and how they match perfectly with the bridemaid's dresses.

More photos and blogs later...when I get a chance.

Judy
new email address judystewart@caminternational.org

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bartz

June 28, 2008 Karen and Thomas get married.


What a beautiful bride!



Look at that smile!


Thomas Bartz - just before Karen walked down the isle.


The Stewart family.

Here is the first of several blogs including photos of Karen's special day.
It is late.
I am tired.
We took tons of picutes.
Lots of friends and family attended the wedding.
More details soon to follow.
Will write more.

Judy
new email address judystewart@caminternational.org

New CAM Missionaries, Niel and Diana Thomas, are also "finishers", where they have completed and retired from a career in the states and are now in Spanish Language school in Antigua.



We visited with them over lunch along with friends, Forrest and Carol Kendall. This new restuarant, Mono Loco, had good food and a nice atmosphere. We understand it is the "happening" place in the evenings for the young people. I noticed large screen TVs over the bar, internet cafe and a tourist shop. The Mono Loco (Crazy Monkey Restaurant) was advertizing Direct TV of the Hockey and Basketball Playoffs. So, I guess if you were young, single, studying Spanish and wanted to catch up on US sports, this would be a place to be on Friday nights.

Glenn and I try to meet or talk with the newer missionaries quite frequently to see how they are doing in their adjustment to Guatemala culture, their fustration with the language learning process and just to basically encourage them and give them a "high five".



Note the deep Windows on this house. I love the blue and yellow.



Typical corner shot in Antigua, Guatemala.

More later,

Judy
new email address judystewart@caminternational.org

My friend, Carol, invited me to a Ladies Missionary Retreat at the Luthern Center in Antigua. Carol was visiting with her Guatemalan friend that comes and sells her tapesty to visitors and friends.



Now Where did I put my money?



Notice the belt that the Guatemalan lady wears around her lower back to help her stablize the loom?



It takes about 2 months to make a complete wall hanging.

Judy
new email address judystewart@caminternational.org

2008 Guatemala Interns arrive for 6 - 8 weeks of ministry.

Glenn and I joined Mike and Sandi Glick in their home with the new arrivals of college and post-college Interns. These folks will be doing a variety of things this summer.




2 of the Interns will be working on Missionary video presentations. How cool is that? They are assigned to live with different CAM missionary families and just follow them around in their ministry. They'll later put together a short video clip for the missionary to use.




Another Intern will be living out in the mountain community of Patzún, where Ken and Cindy Spaugh work. I think 2 other Interns are currently serving there this summer. I believe they'll be doing light construction and also ESL classes for some eager Guatemalans.

Several of the young people are from TEXAS A & M. Go Aggies. Some are from the Dallas Fort Worth Area. They are going to have some life changing experiences here this summer as they rub shoulders with the CAM missionaries and Guatemalans. Thank you for your prayers for these young people.

Judy
New Email address Judystewart@caminternational.org