She is from Monroe, Louisiana, and he is from Rwanda. They met during a type of volunteer mission trip she took there, the rest is as they say, history.  While they had a civil ceremony in Rwanda, where they live, they wanted a wedding here in the United States for Betsie’s family, and to bring all those who love them together in one place to celebrate their love. Two countries, one blended group of people, all because two people fell so beautifully in love. These are the kinds of stories I love, the enduring ones. the ones that cross every boundary, the ones that may be hard, but are worth every obstacle.

We didn’t even know for sure there would be a wedding. When it came time for David’s visa to be approved, there was hoop after hoop, snag, after snag, but as it so often does, prayer changes things and in the end, all the doors opened and there we were, on a muggy hot Louisiana Sunday, trying hard not to cry with them as they read their vows to each other. It was beautiful and I am so thankful I got to be a part of this day, this memory of a lifetime with such a wonderful couple and their loved ones.

Betsie & David,

Brave, true, and unselfish. that is how I see you both. You stood in the middle of difficulty to accept something different from the norm, to cross cultural differences, and countries to love each other. I am in awe of you both. You are such examples of strength and hope, and God’s enduring love for us all. Be bless without measure throughout your lives. Always hold to God’s unchanging hand, and never give up you dreams, you are strong enough to achieve them, you have already proven that.

Much love!