News from the Hughes
So, this Blog is going to be all about the
wedding, and our whacky adventure in getting to Spain and being a part of the
celebration…. Thanks again to everyone for your wonderful words of
congratulations, the cards, and a special THANK YOU to those friends that were
able to come and the US to share this
wonderful event with us. You helped make it extra special!
The girls and I arrive at the Santa Cruz airport on 9/26/2016 at 5:30
am. Except as we go through Immigration, we’re told that
Priscilla can’t fly to Spain – I PUT THIS UP THERE WITH ONE OF THE TOP STUPID AND FRUSTRAING THINGS WE’VE BEEN THROUGH THE LAST 3 YEARS.
Anyway,
me, Aubri, and Pris tried everything to get that girl on the plane – we begged,
pleaded, cried – nothing would sway the powers that be. Finally Aubri (always the cool head) turns to
me and tells me to get on the plane. How
could I leave them like that at the airport?
But, Aubri tells me Connor needs to have at least one parent at his
wedding and her and Pris would figure something out. So,
with a heavy heart I board the plane, turn to the window and start crying. Pris and Aubri head back to my friend’s
apartment in Santa Cruz – also now crying.
The
next few days were spent helping to get things ready. Connor and Carla have this adorable, little
apartment about 4 blocks from the beach, and they were busy getting it ready for
their move. So, the next few days were
just spent running errands for the wedding, working, and just enjoying being
back in Spain. Barcelona is really such a city.
Connor
and Carla decided to have a wedding that combined the customs of both Spain and
the United States -- they had a Bridal Party, which is not the custom in Spain. Carla’s sister was her Maid of Honor and her
other sister along with Aubri, Priscilla and a family friend were Bridesmaids.
We had 28 friends come for the wedding from
Sweden, Bolivia, England, the U.S., and Poland – some friends we hadn’t seen in
years. It was sooooooo special to have
all of them with us in Spain for such a happy event.
Her
uncle (Andras) gave the wedding talk in Spanish, and a friend of ours from
Sweden translated the talk into English.
He compared Connor and Carla’s marriage to a ship voyage where he’s the
captain who needs a supportive crew. He
compared each part of the ship to each part of marriage, and how it all is
needed to successfully reach your destination (life together in the new
world). Then, at the end of the talk he
gave Connor and Carla a model ship to remind them of their journey
together. SNIFF, SNIFF!
So, the wedding talk and photos took about 1 ½ hours and then it was on to the reception for another 9 ½ hours of activity – About this time me and my girls slip into some flats!
The reception was a 20-minute drive to a beautiful venue on the beach. First, they had appetizers, wine and champagne for 110 guests (close friends and family). I couldn’t believe how much food and wine they put out for everyone – was this really just snacks?
Next, we head inside for a formal dinner….The food was really good and the kids sat at a table with their parents (I sat next to Connor & Carla on the left and her parents were to the right).
In Spain it’s common for the meals to have a
first and second course. At the reception our first course was this
amazing seafood salad followed by beef iN a puff pastry with sliced potatoes
and vegetables. Everything was
really yummy! AND OF COURSE, THERE WAS
MORE WINE. each course was welcomed with music, clapping, and everyone waving their napkins in the air – LIKE I SAID, VERY FESTIVE!
One of the customs at a Spanish Wedding is for the Bride & Groom to give out gifts to close family and friends. I was given a large bouqet of my favorite flowers and a beautiful necklace that I saw my first day in Spain, had decided not to buy (because of the price), and then to my surprise the kids gave me the necklace at the wedding.
After the Dinner the kids had invited 80 more guests – other friends -- who were served finger foods and drinks and then all of us head downstairs for dancing…
AND MORE DESSERT.....
One of my other gifts from the kids was my own Wedding Album and professional photos, but I had to leave before they were ready. Connor is trying to get me on-line access but I might have to wait to get them when I go back to visit in July. In the meantime, a lot of friends sent me these photos. HOPE YOU ENJOY!
Hi Everyone:
Connor married Carla
Conca Rodriguez on October 8, 2016. So much has been going on the last 2 months
and I was trying to just write one blog that included everything. But, it’s taking too long. To speed things up I decided to just do a
blog about the wedding, and then later I’ll fill you in on everything else we’ve
been up to the last 2 months.
So, this Blog is going to be all about the
wedding, and our whacky adventure in getting to Spain and being a part of the
celebration…. Thanks again to everyone for your wonderful words of
congratulations, the cards, and a special THANK YOU to those friends that were
able to come and the US to share this
wonderful event with us. You helped make it extra special!
NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW…..
First,
I wanted to share with you what was done with all of the messages and signs you
sent us for the kids. The video was put
together by her family and given to the kids as a fond memory of the friends
and family who love them. Just copy and paste the link below to see the video on YouTube:
The Girl’s Can’t Fly to Spain…
So, like any other International trip the
girls and I had spent the weeks prior to leaving getting things organized
around the house. We have 3 dogs and a
friend of ours offered to house sit and take care of them for the 5 weeks we’d
be gone. There were dresses to get made
and fitted for (the girls were in the wedding and I just wanted to look nice),
packing to do, and all the other plans that go along with being gone from home
for 5 weeks. But, everything came
together and it was finally time to leave.
The girls and I arrive at the Santa Cruz airport on 9/26/2016 at 5:30
am. Except as we go through Immigration, we’re told that
Priscilla can’t fly to Spain – I PUT THIS UP THERE WITH ONE OF THE TOP STUPID AND FRUSTRAING THINGS WE’VE BEEN THROUGH THE LAST 3 YEARS.
It was one of those surreal moments that you
make you question “Why of why did I come to another country to serve? Why does
it feel like this world is always messing with us? Why does life have to be so complicated
sometimes?” I just wanted to scream, pull my hair out and yell ACK. Except what good what that really have done?
Come to find out Bolivia had recently in-acted
this new law where minors need a special document to leave the country from
whatever spouse isn’t with them – in this case Andy! Had she been going back to the US, it wouldn’t
have been a problem, but because she was trying to visit Spain – that wasn’t
allowed. Keep in mind that Pris turned
18 just 2 days later.
DO YOU EVER HAVE THOS MOMENTS
WHEN YOUR LIFE FEELS LIKE A CRAZY SOAP OPERA?
Anyway, I get to Peru (my first layover) and
desperately try to contact the girls only to find that we have to buy 2 new
tickets after Pris turns 18 (again just 2 days later). They did give us credit for the first tickets
bought (which we can use next Summer to visit Connor), but we now have to come
up with another $2000 – it was awful -- and it looked like the girls weren’t
going to be able to come.
Anyway, I show up at the Barcelona airport
without my girls – feeling a bit down -- and there to meet me are Connor, Carla
and her mom. All the stress and cares of the last 30 hours (yep, my trip was that
long) just melted away. We leave the airport, I’m exhausted and jet-lagged,
and Carla and her mom decide to take me for a bit of shopping for the
wedding. Again, another one of those
surreal moments! But, in their defense
they just wanted me to be a part of everything.
It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon. We did a bit of shopping for stuff, drank
chilled wine at one of their pretty outdoor cafes, and I had another special,
bonding moment with Carla. I even got to
help her pick out the pretties for her hair on the big day.
Later that night Carla, Connor, and I have a
nice, quiet dinner at a pub in Segur de Calafell. I SURVIVED THE ORDEAL – DAY 1, I CLIMB INTO
BED, IMMEDIATELY CRASH, KNOWING I CAN JUST CHILL THE NEXT DAY.
Day 2 – Carla arrives at 9:00 in the morning
(which for me is still 3:00 am Bolivia time) and invites me to go with her to
do a trial run for her hair for the wedding.
It was honestly so sweet and I love this little gal and her efforts to
include me – BUT MAMA IS SEMI-CATATONIC.
But, I quickly get dressed, grab
some coffee and it’s off to the salon for a practice run. It was nice and the salon gave me yet more
wonderful coffee. We were even able to make appointments for Aubri and Pris to
get their hair and make-up done the morning of the wedding. Later we head for dinner with Carla’s family. DAY 2
Could I picture myself
renting a cute apartment by the beach in Segur de Calfell – you betcha! I could definitely see
myself sitting on the balcony of a cute place, sipping my coffee, watching the
ocean tide come in. The only challenge
is that the preaching isn't good -- I think it's worse than the states. And for now, I’m still really lovin’ Bolivia – but who knows what the
future holds?
A Bridal Shower for Carla…
Aubri and Pris arrive in Barcelona (4 days
before the wedding) and still NO REST FOR THE WEARY. The girls and I had planned on throwing Carla
a Bridal Shower (not a custom in Spain) and last minute we turned it into a
Guy/Gal Welcome to Barcelona/Bridal Shower party for our friends and Carla’s
Family. Aubri, Pris, and I pulled it all
together and it turned out to be a really fun and nice day.
The first part of the party was Guys and
Gals, we ate, drank, and were merry.
Then, we shipped the guys upstairs to the pool while we did the actual
shower. Big surprise, they were fine with sitting by the pool, sipping on
chilled lemon beer and doing guy stuff. Check on the video on You Tube…..
The Big Day Is Here… If I had to sum up in
a few words the wedding event (as you know it's hard for me to say anything in just a few words) I would say
LOTS OF ENERGY, LOTS OF GOOD FOOD, AND LOTS OF DANCING = 11
HOURS OF FESTIVITIES.
The girls all looked beautiful and the guys
were handsome.
Then, Carla walked down the aisle with her father. She looked so stunning and her dress was absolutely beautiful. It’s hard to see the detail from the video, but it was really beautiful.
Then, Carla walked down the aisle with her father. She looked so stunning and her dress was absolutely beautiful. It’s hard to see the detail from the video, but it was really beautiful.
Her
uncle (Andras) gave the wedding talk in Spanish, and a friend of ours from
Sweden translated the talk into English.
He compared Connor and Carla’s marriage to a ship voyage where he’s the
captain who needs a supportive crew. He
compared each part of the ship to each part of marriage, and how it all is
needed to successfully reach your destination (life together in the new
world). Then, at the end of the talk he
gave Connor and Carla a model ship to remind them of their journey
together. SNIFF, SNIFF!
Then, Carla’s father (who doesn’t speak much
English) gave a closing prayer in English.
In his prayer he says that Connor’s father isn’t in his life right now, and while he’s not Connor’s father, he views Connor as his son (he has 3
daughters but not a son). SNIFF,
SNIFF!
The kids took the time to take photos with
everyone that wanted a personal photo with them and it gave everyone a personal
momento of the day (one of many). Now,
it was on to the Reception…..
9 ½ Hours of Fun with Friends & Family….
So, the wedding talk and photos took about 1 ½ hours and then it was on to the reception for another 9 ½ hours of activity – About this time me and my girls slip into some flats!
The reception was a 20-minute drive to a beautiful venue on the beach. First, they had appetizers, wine and champagne for 110 guests (close friends and family). I couldn’t believe how much food and wine they put out for everyone – was this really just snacks?
Next, we head inside for a formal dinner….The food was really good and the kids sat at a table with their parents (I sat next to Connor & Carla on the left and her parents were to the right).
In Spain it’s common for the meals to have a
first and second course. At the reception our first course was this
amazing seafood salad followed by beef iN a puff pastry with sliced potatoes
and vegetables. Everything was
really yummy! AND OF COURSE, THERE WAS
MORE WINE. each course was welcomed with music, clapping, and everyone waving their napkins in the air – LIKE I SAID, VERY FESTIVE!
The kids had made gifts for each family (a
glass bottle with sand and a personal note from them to each family. Then, the gals got another gift of fingernail
polish that matched the color of the girl’s dresses in the wedding.
A Special Surprise for Connor & Carla…. One of the families
that came to the wedding are friends of ours that live in Bolivia 6 months and Sweden 6 months - The Borg Family! Not only did Stefan translate the
wedding talk in English, but Evita’s father planned a special musical treat for
Connor and Carla…..
Next, Carla loves ABBA and her parents and good friends of theirs put
together a video of her favorite ABBA songs -- it was hilarious and really touching. They gave the video to them at the wedding. The video is about 15 minutes long, but here is just a sample....
Gifts for Family & Friends…..
One of the customs at a Spanish Wedding is for the Bride & Groom to give out gifts to close family and friends. I was given a large bouqet of my favorite flowers and a beautiful necklace that I saw my first day in Spain, had decided not to buy (because of the price), and then to my surprise the kids gave me the necklace at the wedding.
Presents were also given to Carla’s parents,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends. ALL TO DANCING -- LOTS AND LOTS OF DANCING. I honestly
don’t know how Connor and Carla found the energy to keep up the pace. Oh, to be
young again!
Next We Have Dancing Cake…
Then, the cake is brought out – again to
music!
AND I DON’T EVEN REMEMBER HOW OR WHY THIS
DANCE GOT STARTED!
Let’s Get This Party Started…
After the Dinner the kids had invited 80 more guests – other friends -- who were served finger foods and drinks and then all of us head downstairs for dancing…
AND MORE DESSERT.....
The truth is it doesn’t take much to get
Spanish people to dance. I learned it
doesn’t take much to get all Europeans to dance – JUST THIS….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68lVE6GsQYE&feature=youtu.be
After the kids got in they all went and grabbled their parents or friends and dragged them out onto the dance floor. Connor came and got me. The rest of the night the dance floor was packed, and 11 hours later the day had ended, the first of my children was married, and the next few days the girls and I enjoyed spending time with the friends who had come (the kids were on a 10-day honeymoon in the Canary Islands).
Because there hadn’t been much time to visit before the wedding, we tried to make the most of our last few days with everyone. Ann and Jasmine were the last to leave and the girls and I felt some sadness and a bit of homesickness as they got on their plane and headed back to Indianapolis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68lVE6GsQYE&feature=youtu.be
After the kids got in they all went and grabbled their parents or friends and dragged them out onto the dance floor. Connor came and got me. The rest of the night the dance floor was packed, and 11 hours later the day had ended, the first of my children was married, and the next few days the girls and I enjoyed spending time with the friends who had come (the kids were on a 10-day honeymoon in the Canary Islands).
Because there hadn’t been much time to visit before the wedding, we tried to make the most of our last few days with everyone. Ann and Jasmine were the last to leave and the girls and I felt some sadness and a bit of homesickness as they got on their plane and headed back to Indianapolis.
Photo Fond Memories…..
One of my other gifts from the kids was my own Wedding Album and professional photos, but I had to leave before they were ready. Connor is trying to get me on-line access but I might have to wait to get them when I go back to visit in July. In the meantime, a lot of friends sent me these photos. HOPE YOU ENJOY!
The Trip Home and our English Convention
The girls and I left Spain and headed back to
Bolivia just in time for our 3-day Convention in English at the Bethel Branch.
I had attended the convention in Spanish and a friend had sent me her notes in
English (which helped me so much to follow along). But still, so much was
missed and now we got to soak up each and every precious minute of the program.
It’s such a loving gift that the Bethel
Branch gives to us. They even hosted a Pioneer School in English the week after
the convention. It’s those things that
helps keep us all here and keeps us going.
We left for Tarija the Tuesday after the
convention and got home safe and sound. When
I’m back home with our friends and the San Lorenzo congregation, it's hard to imagine being anywhere else, and the thought of
leaving our congregation and our friends is just hard. We got back just as a family in our
congregation was having to leave for Argentina.
Their 5-year old daughter needs heart surgery and there is a chance the
surgery will be done for free if they can go to Argentina. So, we got back and then scrambled to help
the family get ready for their trip. We’re all waiting right now on pins and
needles to see what’s going on and if she’s alright.
So, while I treasure the wedding in my heart
and always will, it’s time to jump back into our life here in Bolivia, trying
to do what we can to encourage and in the process also be encouraged.
We miss all of you and I hope you enjoy the
blog. I’m going to try and finish up the
other blog that’s more about Bolivia and what we’ve been up to the last 2 –
wait make that 3 months??????
Love Tracy
