Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Day 230 and the Proposal.

Friday August 27, 2010
It's been while friends. Our summer apart proved to be more difficult than expected, but it was fun to keep up with each other on the blog when we did, and we're back now that school has started.

And boy, what a way to restart the fall. Cale asked me to marry him!

Our story began just over a year ago when we met right before the start of the school year at a church hangout. I remember being nervous when he shook my hand, I thought he was so handsome. Bailey and I met Claire Bellington, who invited us to her Wednesday night LIFE group; the same one Cale attended. It didn't take me long to realized I liked him a lot, but ultimately until he made a move, we would just be friends. The following months involved a lot of trusting the Lord and being patient, which was not easy, just ask Bailey! haha

In the spring, however, the opportunity presented itself to attend a conference in Maryland called NEXT that June with four other friends including Cale. We had so much fun exploring Baltimore, meeting new people together, discussing theology (which at times was way over my head,) silly things, keeping each other awake on the road, etc... After months of knowing he was someone I respected, I realized on this trip that he was someone I really enjoyed as well.

When we got back from the trip we kept in contact via texting and email, even though he was in Houston for an internship, I still saw him on weekends too. A few weeks later he asked me out on my very first date and we immediately began our relationship. Somewhere between all of the mini road trips, intentional conversations, goofy jokes, prayers and coffee shops we fell in love. It happened quicker than I thought it would, but then again, I think I always loved him.

He proposed this Friday. I was in shock of course. He took me on a picnic to celebrate the conclusion of internship and the beginning of the school year. After we ate, he brought out a puzzle for us to put together. It had pictures we'd taken of us on it over the summer; only, a piece was missing. I stood up to see if I was sitting on it, and when I looked at him, he confessed he had it.
"But before I give it to you, I have to tell you..."
That's really all I remember. The rest is a blur until I heard the words every girl dreams of hearing, "will you marry me?"
I was in shock. I didn't respond right away either, just hugged him for a long time.
Then I cupped his face and finally responded with something like, "Cale I'm scared but I love you now, and I'll love you tomorrow, and two weeks from now, and two years from now... Yes! I'll marry you!"

Shortly after this Ryan and Sara Price came out of the bushes screaming, congratulated us and took some amazing pictures of us in all of our excitement. We drove to Mugwalls (our favorite coffee shop in town) where Cale surprised me with a huge party of practically every person in my life who (whom?) I love and adore. Our families, friends from Conroe, old roommates, family friends, church family,oh it was so special! I first remember hugging my mom and crying a bit. Then I began looking for Bailey. It took a while to find her, amongst all of the people and hugs. But I finally did and was just so thankful to have her there when I'd missed her all summer.

I'm so thankful for Cale and his careful planning and thoughtfulness. The ring is perfect. The proposal was amazing. The surprise party after was icing on the cake. The Lord is so faithful in providing me with a young man like Cale, who loves me so much yet loves Jesus more.

I'm looking forward to this new season of life and hope that Bailey and I can treasure every moment of it. We are busy girls now, both with weddings to plan. We may not post as often, but know that we'll keep it up! Thanks for being patient readers!

Love,
Jessie Jean