Denise has been an unending source of love and support to Nicole since they met in Colorado in 1996. With her kindness, helpfulness, easy-going nature, and gentle humor, Denise is a very beloved friend. The two shared an apartment for six years before Nicole moved to India, so she is actually more of a sister. Denise has two remarkable qualities that have made a profound impact in Nicole’s life—trusting God in the face of serious illnesses (without worrying or complaining), and genuinely accepting each and every person she knows. Nicole is very grateful to have Denise as her maid of honor.

Shini’s friendship has been a great encouragement to Nicole since they met in Colorado five or six years ago. The two have spent many hours drinking tea and discussing all aspects of life and culture. Nicole really enjoys Shini’s warmth, enthusiasm for life, practical wisdom, and commitment to her relationships. Shini’s 25 years of courtship and marriage have shown Nicole what wonderful spouses Indians can be! She feels blessed to have Shini as a friend and a bridesmaid.

Nicole is very proud of her brilliant friend Rachel who is a professor of Chinese studies at Oxford University. Rachel and Nicole became friends in 1993 when they lived in the same building in Taiyuan, China. Over the years they have met up in Australia (Rachel’s home at the time), China again, England (Rachel’s home currently), and Colorado (Nicole’s on and off home). So Rachel deserves special honor as a “four-continent friend!” Rachel’s genuineness, humor, sense of adventure, and sensitivity to others continue to make the friendship worth much more than international plane tickets. Nicole is thrilled that Rachel can be present as a bridesmaid.