In our continued efforts to keep the wedding simple and non-traditional, we decided not to have a formal registry for gifts. The truth is that we already have too much 'stuff' and are working hard to cut back and lead a more basic life. We already have two toasters, two blenders and two sets of dishes. We have no use for silver or china.
Instead, we are asking those who wish to bless our marriage with a gift to contribute financially to our future plans and/or to donate to our favorite causes. If you want to, and can afford to make a contribution, these are our areas of need:
1. The wedding night and our honeymoon! We are spending our wedding night at the the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast -- stay in a suite designed by a local artist and soak in the private hot tub for two! Then, this summer we'll take a romantic honeymoon... the ideas have ranged from New York to Ouray, Canada to Bali, Hawaii to Thailand. The final plan will depend on the money that is available. ($1500-$6000)
2. Our kitchen remodel. After getting married, we'll be living in Austin's basement apartment. It is a fun space with a lot of potential... and a very small kitchen with bright turquoise cabinets... and no counter space... and no ventilation. Since Austin is snagging a wife with a culinary education, he really ought to fix up the kitchen. Amen for IKEA! (approx. $4000)
4. Cause #1: Scum of the Earth Church building fund. Our church (Scum of the Earth) is an inner city church who shepherds a population that may otherwise be left out at traditional churches. Their building was recently found to be out of code by the fire department and Scum spent close to $300,000.00 to bring it up to code. The building is the location of our wedding and is part of the heart of the church. We are dedicated to helping them pay off the loans we took out to be able to meet there again. ($250,000)
5. Cause #2: Send Lillian to college! When Lisa went to Uganda over the summer, her heart was captivated by one of the women there who had so much potential, but so few resources. She so badly wanted to go to college and believed that God would send her even though her monthly income is roughly $70/month and she uses that to support her sick mum and her little sister, Prosper. Austin and Lisa have started a fund (with a friend's help) which will pay for her tuition to attend college for 3 years to earn a degree in project development in Uganda. ($4500 over three years)
6. Cause #3: Camp Barnabas. Another cause that is near and dear is Camp Barnabas, a christian summer camp for kids with special needs. They make camp possible for ALL kids, including those with terminal conditions, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and autism. Help send a kid who can't afford it to camp! ($700 per camper)
Now for the details! If you would like, you can donate using the the 'Donate' button at the top of this blog to pay with PayPal (3% fee). OR, you can send a check to Austin's place (Lisa's future home!) OR you can bring it to the wedding or to the wedding shower if you can make it! Let us know which fund you would like the to support and we'll put it in the right place. If you can't contribute, please don't fret! Come and celebrate with us anyway! Thank you all so much for supporting us and being such a dedicated network of loved ones. You guys are the best!
Austin Rial
508 S. Lincoln St.
Denver, CO 80209
