We're Getting Married!

Rees and I met at a Launch Global meeting while I was on Home Assignment sharing the miraculous things I had seen our God do over the last few years. The next afternoon we got coffee with one of her roommates and went on a few brief dates getting to know some of the basics of each other's lives. The week before I left Texas, Rees came to Austin. We went hiking, she met my parents, and our relationship took a step forward. I headed back to Chad via North Carolina and Grenada the next week. On my way to Grenada, Spain to see my brother, I looked at the real-time map on the plane. Stunningly, I was cruising over Cuba. Apparently, my brother lived in Granada, not Grenada, an island off the coast of South America. In Grenada's airport, they told me I needed to return to the States or fly to England that day. I elected to return to Texas and got to spend an entire week with Rees. Our relationship took off as we got to know one another, and found being together felt so natural.

The Thursday before our engagement day, Joshua asked me if I wanted to go on a date Sunday, and suggested hiking. That sounded like a lot of fun, so I said yes. If you know Joshua, you know that he is extremely laid back. Changing plans does not stress him out. Throughout the next four days, Joshua seemed adamant about sticking to our original plan. Although I was a little curious about his responses to some things, I let it go, not wanting to read into anything too much. The morning of our engagement, Sunday the 22nd, was a typical Sunday. I woke up and went over to Joshua's apartment about fifteen minutes early so we could ride to church together. After church, we headed to River Place, the hiking trail he wanted to go on. After going to a few incorrect trailheads and finding a restroom for me to use, we finally started our three-mile hike. As we walked, Joshua was intentional to ask me questions about the memories we had made together. We reflected on all that God had done throughout our relationship and laughed a lot. We neared the end of their trail and stepped onto the dock. I looked to my right. A table with roses was set up looking out over the water. At that moment, I knew what was happening. Joshua led me over to the table. He affirmed our relationship, told me how much he loved me, shared His intention in marrying me, and THEN he asked me to be his WIFE. I wish I could tell you exactly what he said, but I was so overwhelmed with excitement that I am not sure I heard much. What I do know is that I gave him the most joy-filled and confident YES. It was a day I will never forget!