and such and such

Lomé Artisan Fair
Today Alphonse and I took the time to visit the artisan fair in Lomé that was run by some Peace Corps volunteers. There were artists from all over the country there to promote their work. They had some beautiful silver jewelry, like earrings, bracelets, and rings and then there were artists selling their batik fabrics. One man has this beautiful batik of village huts of all different colors that I am going to order from him before I leave Togo, another batik artist made Obama batik with the president’s face on it. A woman was selling batik bags, sandals, clothes, ties, stuffed animals, etc. There were also woven fabrics, painted cards and calabashes, and there were some woodwork such as sculptures and masks. Alphonse and I took the time to wish everyone luck in selling their work and I took some pictures. My posters that I designed are hung up all over Lomé and they also made some large banners and T Shirts.

Wedding Updates and Such
Alphonse and I did not just come to Lomé for the artisan fair, but we are also trying to get all of the wedding plans and purchases made before we head back to village. We are almost finished.
So far:
- ordered and paid for our rings that will be silver with mine saying Alphonse and his saying Jessica
- turned in most of the documentation for the marriage certificate, still missing 2 things that we will turn in later, we paid for the certificate and the stamps already along with confirming the date
- we went to a bakery and picked out the cake we want, a volunteer is buying it for us as our wedding gift
- found a picture of the kind of dress I want made, it is a vintage style dress and it will be yellow and white, I gave it to the seamstress and paid for it, the yellow material for the dress was a gift from Alphonse’s aunt
- a tailor went with Alphonse to a boutique and bought his material for his tux, black and white with a tie made out of the same yellow material as my dress and paid it
- decided to have the reception on the roof of Alphonse’s uncle’s house. Yves, Alphonse’s cousin decorates for celebrations as a hobby, so tomorrow he is coming to take a look at where we are going to have it and he tells me he loves Alphonse and me so much he is going to make it spectacular!
- went to the US embassy for all information needed for the visa for Alphonse, we have an appointment on Tuesday
- went to the market and bought Alphonse’s shoes
- discussed the menu for the reception, family members are helping us cook the food
- found a car to use
- discussed prices for photos and video

What is left:
- I need to buy shoes
- paying for the food
- finish the paperwork for town hall
- set aside money to get my hair done
- pay for photos and film
- find a DJ
So far, so good, we have about 7 weeks left!
I love you all xoxoxo!



The entrance to the artisan fair with my banner.


One of the artists selling his painted calabashes.


Alphonse looking at the batik fabric.