First off, we just want to thank you for being a part of our wedding. We are ridiculously excited to be starting our married life together!

As some of you may know, Andrew helped start Next Step Ministries, a faith-based non-profit that takes thousands of students on mission trips. Last February he had the opportunity to spend some time in Fond Blanc, Haiti, a mountain village 2 hours north of Port-au-Prince. He fell in love with the beautiful people and serene landscape, but was also struck by the immense needs. Nearly 500 students went to school under a tent and the nearest medical clinic was more than a days walk. Next Step decided to help, and starting in 2013 they will be working with local Haitians to build a school, medical clinic and orphanage.

So what does this have to do with our honeymoon?

Andrew really wanted Karina to spend some time in Fond Blanc so she could understand his passion for this Haitian village. As Next Step works to develop a medical clinic, Karina's doctoring skills will, no doubt, be a great resource. Unfortunately, her intense residency schedule prevented her from escaping in the foreseeable future. The only option: combine a trip to Haiti with our honeymoon.

Conveniently, the Dominican Republic just happens to share a land mass with Haiti. We've decided to get a little rest, relaxation, and adventure on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic in a place called Cabarete. We will be staying in an eco-lodge on the beach, learning how to surf, enjoying some local cuisine, maybe indulging in a massage (probably more for Andy), repelling down waterfalls — not to shabby. After a few days in paradise, we'll fly to Haiti and spend some time in the village of Fond Blanc. Karina will have a chance to meet some of the local leaders and gain a better understanding of the path ahead.

So where do you fit in?

If you would like to help us get to the Dominican Republic and Haiti in lieu of a traditional gift, we have some options for giving below. We have also identified some very inspiring and reputable non-profits doing great things in Haiti today. We would be equally thankful if you decided to read about their missions and solely donate a gift in honor of our marriage.

In the end, we just feel so blessed to have you all by our side as we start this new adventure together! We can't wait to celebrate with you on June 16th!

Non-Profits:
<a href="http://www.pih.org/"> Partners in Health </a>
<a href="http://www.mohhaiti.org/"> Mission of Hope: Haiti </a>
<a href="http://www.charitywater.org/"> Charity Water </a>
<a href="http://www.rebuildglobally.org/"> Rebuild Globally </a>