It’s only 16 days until my wedding, and my wedding dress only exists on paper and as a few pieces of cloth.

About 2 weeks ago, I went to the seamstress/designer with a picture of a wedding dress from a magazine and a sketch I had made.  We spent about an hour discussing the details and looking at other pictures.  Finally we decided that I wanted the bodice from this dress, the shape of that dress, the back of another, and the train and waistline according to my sketch.  Sound complicated?

Then there was the question of buying cloth.  I don’t know taffeta from chiffon, so I felt useless when the seamstress asked about it.  Finally, she insisted that  I go with her to the market to shop for the cloth. Last Saturday we went off and visited about 20 small shops.  At each one we examined, compared, and bargained.  Walking through the market streets, we weaved a path around vendors hawking materials, other shoppers, and broken sidewalks.  (Imagine the crowds of a mall the week before Christmas, in 100 degrees, with everyone yelling).

I had a piece of red cloth to match, and I swear I have never looked at so many types of deep red clothe.  By the time I went home, my eyes were trained to see only red.  Ever coca-cola sign popped out at me.

The seamstress has promised that I can come in next week for a fitting.  I hope they won’t run behind.  Right now, I can’t really imagine what the dress will look like, or what  I will look like in it.  I also hope I will actually look good in this shape and style of dress!

Eric befriends a deer

See more pics from our vacation on www.flickr.com/photos/ohkamala

2009 was an incredibly moving year, personally.  One year ago, I never would have guessed where I am now.  So much has happened; there has been the expected events such as finishing up Peace Corps and adjusting to office work life again. I’ve been sick and healthy.  And then there has been other news.  I’ve stayed in Africa, adapted to a new country, gotten engaged to my best friend, and missed both my brother’s wedding and my grandmother’s funeral.

How does one take stock of a year like that?  How can I  thank all the people who have brought joy to my life in the past year? How can I possibly express all my hopes and prayers for the next year?  In particular, I am praying for my aunt Sharon, and sending all the love and good vibes possible to her family.