Hello everyone! Let’s shortly introduce myself as one of the BIG 5 maids, sister-in-law of Jorden and Kirsten, wife of Niels (part of the BIG 5 groomsmen). Next to being part of the bridal party, I am a mother of 2 awesome boys, Pieter (almost 5) and Julian (2). They are the love of my life and most of our spare time we like to go on adventure with the little ones. We live in a lovely village in the southern part of the Netherlands (Waalre, close to Eindhoven).
My favorite hobbies (next to my 2 sons) are different types of sports: Pilates, hiking and skiing, and cooking. Same as my husband Niels I absolutely LOVE food, experimenting, and cooking nice dinners. Mediterranean cuisine is my absolute favorite! This combines greatly with my passion for travel to explore interesting cultures and beautiful nature.
Professionally I work as a sales manager at Vanderlande, a system integrator for material handling systems for the largest warehouses, airports, and parcel sortation centers in the world. It is my job to help my customers with their logistic challenges and to achieve higher levels of system and process automation. A fun fact is that both my husband and dad worked at the same company. This is also how I met my husband Niels at the yearly Christmas party 9 years ago. Together with my husband we worked and lived in Melbourne for 2 years (pre-kids).
As Jorden is one of the 3 brothers of my husband we met for the first time 8 years ago when Niels and I just started dating. We immediately had a good click and my first impression was what a cool relaxed guy and super interested in other people. Even though Jorden was living most of the time abroad (Geneva, Nairobi) we always had a lot of fun and good conversations when we had the opportunity to see him. Then 2 years later I met Kirsten for the first time just after they both went to the Dutch “Kings Day” in Utrecht.
Fun fact: The second time I met Kirsten at the gender reveal party of our oldest son in Spain we made her (and others) smash an egg on top of her head (to find the right blue/pink egg red). Kirsten is definitely up for a challenge Since that moment we always had a lot of fun and good chats in real-life or Facetime.
I am very pleased to be part of Kirsten’s BIG 5 and I am very much looking forward to meeting you all in Kenya this October! I am sure we will have an awesome time together.
Warm greetings,
Marieke
I met Kirsten on a hike that I was ill-prepared for, in terms of footwear and fitness, in Austria. We bonded over industrial symbiosis and regenerative forestry as I huffed and puffed up the mountain. From that day on, Kirsten and I were inseparable. That summer in Vienna, Kirsten and I would spend our days meeting in the UN cafeteria and evenings talking over her work-famous charcuterie boards and free-flowing prosecco.
As often happens in international development, we soon moved to different corners of this earth but never lost touch.
Like Kirsten, I have spent most of my life traveling the world, hopping from one country to the next. Driven by a passion for economic systems change. I grew up in a small, in Vermont, USA. My father is from Malaysia and my mother is from Maine. My parents were polar opposites in every way and raised me to be able to hold two truths at the same time and see the world beyond black and white.
I've spent my career as an economic policy expert, working with governments to transform their economies to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. In my travels, I have learned much more than I have taught. I witnessed the beauty of strong communities and the depth of care which comes in cultures that have not suffered the intense individualism that weighs on our souls in the US.
I returned home to Vermont a few years ago as I felt that a responsibility to try and bring some of the learnings I've gained from my travels back to the United States. It's been interesting to acclimate back into American society but I am grateful for friends like Kirsten who can also see the world beyond painted borders and dedicate their lives to its improvement. I can't wait to meet you all in Kenya soon and to celebrate the union of Kirsten and Jordan together!
Hello!!!
“Two special people, one amazing love! Blessing to the Happy Couple! On the special day, the beautiful blooming love between our two dear friends became a lifetime commitment.
My name is Rachael Nyanchama, a mother of one beautiful daughter now 12 years of age, who is happy to have Kirsten and Jorden as her auntie and uncle through the genuine friendship that I have with my dear friends who i can’t wait to witness their wedding soon, for we know “Marriage is an adventure that endures until the end of time” and Kirsten and Jorden make the most glorious bond.
I was blessed to meet Kirsten In one of the events in Nairobi and I was happy that we connected in a surprising way, exchanging numbers and we started communicating since then. Through Kirsten, i was happy to meet Jorden and other more friends who will also be in the wedding. Such a blessing.. This two gems
Habari!
My name is Erika Dales, I am honoured to be known as Kirsten's best lady since birth! A little about me...I am Kirsten's slightly older, slightly shorter, slightly wiser (haha!) sister. Tales of the Dales sister shenanigans may or may not be legendary status from our youth...you may get to hear a few of those stories if you're lucky at the reception...who knows?! I currently reside on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, and work remotely as a UX Specialist for a large tourism based marketing agency out on the East coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia - working coast to coast these days! I have two seriously awesome boys, Maximus and Greyson, who just turned 10 and 8 respectively...and are also almost both over 5' tall! My partner Dan is an accomplished chef, as well as my full-time adventure buddy at home and while travelling, so we will be making the trip out together - and are both still pinching ourselves we were able to make it all happen.
Kirsten has been affectionately known as the Wind to her closest friends and family, as she is harder to keep track of than Carmen Sandiego sometimes...we often wonder Where in the World is Kirsten Dales? Africa has always been one of my favourite places since I was a kid, so I was SO BEYOND happy when she settled in Kenya with Jorden and have counted down the days until we could make a visit happen. I have loved hearing their stories of living in Africa, and what better reason to finally make the trip than to celebrate two of my very favourite people.
Congratulations Kirsten and Jorden, we can't wait to see you!
Cheers!
Hi all!
Here’s a short story to introduce myself and tell a bit more about my relation to the wedding couple.
In daily life, I’m a father to my two fantastic sons Pieter and Julian (currently 4 and 2 years old), husband to my beloved wife Marieke (see BIG 5 maids) and we live in the South of the Netherlands.
Running a young family doesn’t leave too much spare time, but there’s plenty of passion to fill up the remaining amount. Firstly I love delicious food, both eating it and cooking. My absolute favorite is the Thai cuisine but I can appreciate a fresh Kachumbari (Kenyan salad) just as much. This combines greatly with my passion for travel to explore interesting cultures and magnificent landscapes. Lastly doing sports is a key element for me to stay energetic and enjoy life to the fullest. Running, (offroad) cycling, swimming, scuba diving, snowboarding, or surfing, if the opportunity is there I’m game!
Professionally I work as a project manager to achieve excellence in product development, supply chain setup, and project execution at Vanderlande - a large integrator of material handling systems. A fun fact is that we lived in Melbourne for 2 years to help build one of the largest warehouses in the Southern Hemisphere.
In relation to the wedding couple, I will probably be appointed a seat on the groom's side. Growing up as four brothers, Jorden and I have gone through all things kids experience: learning to play, how to have a fight (and how to make peace), playing football in the neighborhood growing up to be adult men. Together we talked about anything there is to discuss and made numerous trips together to countries around the globe. To us, home is where the family is and that can be anywhere. Due to this digital nomadic lifestyle, I got to know Kirsten in many different places and usually to the background of special events that makes for a good party with good stories and plenty of laughter. Hopefully, we can continue that trend.
Being a family man, I’m always very happy to spend time with either my own family or with the ‘four bro’s’ as you can see in the pictures. As Jorden's oldest brother, I’m honored to be part of his BIG 5 and I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all in Kenya this October!
Salamu za joto,
Warm greetings,
Niels de Haan
Hi folks!
I am Thijs de Haan, Jorden’s "equally aged" cousin. And with that privilege, it was easy to be close friends ever since we were born. We've spent numerous weekends and holidays together, spending highs and lows in all stages of our lives.
In 2018, Jorden finally returned from one of his long trips to the Netherlands, introducing Kirsten as his “co-worker”. I had the pleasure to show them around my student house in Delft, and later host them as a couple for an unforgettable spooky night in Nijmegen. After that Jorden and Kirsten regularly visited the Netherlands together on short stopovers, also to enjoy the legendary moments on “the islandparties”. Never a dull moment with these 2!
At home, I live with my wife Judith and 2 kids Nora (3) and Pepijn (1, picture) in Nijmegen. My spare time is mostly spent with my kids (who doesn't like to play with Legos and enjoy a ball pit?). When I find some time for myself I either make stuff (woodworking) or sport (preferably extreme sports such as mountain biking and climbing). Professionally I work as a mechanical engineer at the Dutch TSO and am quite passionate about big (steel) constructions.
See you in Kenya!
Thijs de Haan
Greetings!!
My name is James Orguba. I met Jorden through a friend of mine, Somo Abdullahi, whom we mutually call the "Gangster" in Loglogo, Marsabit back in 2014. Jorden, during that time, was on an expedition to undertake research for his studies and incidentally met the "Gangster" while hitchhiking in Northern Kenya.
Jorden eventually stayed at Loglogo for a few weeks to experience the life of the Rendille people, go into the desert to become a 'Moran' warrior, and make more friends including Somo "Gentleman," Hamad, Michael, and Lemantile.
A few years later, Jorden introduced the Loglogo rafikis to Kristen, his uncle, and later, his brothers on different occasions. We have been in touch with Jorden and Kristen and his other family ever since.
On my own behalf and that of the Loglogo rafikis, we are glad that our adventures, personal conversationson with Jorden and Kirsten about many issues about life have not turned out to be a mere encounter with any other tourist, as it is the case in many parts of Africa - but as great lifelong friends.
We still want to organise a traditional wedding, the rendille way for them. But for now, we are excited to join their wedding celebration on 7th October, 2023, their way!!.
Hello all,
I am Sander, Jorden's 2nd brother and proud member of his Big-5. Jorden and I differ only a year and a half, so we grew up very closely. This means that as kids we always had the same interests and were also in a fight every day. I think that since high-school, we, the four brothers never lived in the same country at the same time so we keep finding each other wherever we are. This brought us as a group to many parts of the world and now have the pleasure to come to Kenya again.
Here’s a little about myself. After high-school I moved to Amsterdam where I live with my plants and motorbike. To get food on the table I travel around the world selling steel, mainly for car manufacturers, so if you have a car factory somewhere let me know. After work, you can find me enjoying doing sports such as playing football (with CO-big-5-member Floris), running, or road cycling. On more adventurous trips I like going hiking, snowboarding, scuba-diving, and occasionally try to stand on a surfboard.
I'm honored to be part of Jorden’s big-5 and help celebrate the love between Kirsten & Jorden this weekend. Let’s all make this a wedding never to forget and enjoy everything that will come after.
Looking forward to meeting all of you
I am Floris de Haan, Jorden's 3rd and last brother. Growing up with Jorden and two more brothers, there was never a quiet moment in the house, but I'm sure you will hear enough about this in a few weeks. To summarize: Jorden and I were mostly famous for going on adventures (either outside or on our computer), devouring winegums and listening to Eminem.
A little bit about myself: I am 26 years old, studying for a master's degree in sustainable energy, focussing on a mix of technology, policy, and management. Besides that, I work as a recruitment consultant in IT and related. I have been living in Amsterdam for about eight years with two small periods in Sydney and Madrid. Not as much of a traveler as Kirsten and Jorden but I try my best ;), although I do have some real "warrior" experience from my time with the Moran and Saroya James. I also have some hobbies like surfing, snowboarding, (real) football and hiking.
Now, my moment to shine is approaching as I have been elected as one of the Big Five, which really is a great honour. Of the big five of Africa, I specifically represent the leopard, using my speed and cleverness to ensure this wedding is going to be unlike anything ever seen before in Nairobi.
See you soon!
Hello there!
I’m Bossissi (Boss) Nkuba. Jorden and I have known each other for 7 years when we were working on mercury in gold mining in Congo. What was a professional relationship quickly turned into a strong friendship with episodes in the 10+ million people city of Kinshasa, my hometown Bukavu, the gold mines of Kamituga, Jorden's hometown + Swaziland, Nairobi, Antwerp & Geneva...
Oh, what a city Geneva ! In 2018, Jorden invited me to Geneva for the Minamata COP 2. Though this was THE big international event, what I remember mostly has nothing to do with the science or the politics of mercury reduction... What I remember clear as if it was yesterday, is that I got to meet the girl Jorden couldn’t stop talking about. And immediately I knew why he couldn’t. The Universe being on my side, Kirsten's visa to Kenya got cancelled. What was supposed to be a brief encounter between Kirsten and I, turned into becoming roommates (literally