He put a ring on it!!!

   Through out my life I have always dreamed of a tall, Christian, gentlemen, respectable, caring, kind, handsome, musical, older than me (haha) man. Yes my prince charming, I never thought this man would enter my life, I prayed to Christ for the right man, that I was not going to short term date anymore but I was going to wait for my future husband. And then on January 7, 2013 I walk into my speech class a there sitting on the second row was a handsome man who swoop me off my feet and made my heart race, yes love at first site guys I never believed in it before but I do now. Nervous as can be I sat beside him and all I wanted to do was talk to him, but it was not till the next class that I got to talk to him. That second class is when I found out his name, Matthew Spinks and that he was a Christian and worship leader. At that moment I was like seriously Lord is this happening to me, I just what?!? I did not think I would find my soul mate, I mean I knew God has someone out there but I had the fear I would settle and end up in a terrible marriage.

                                       I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart 

                                                              But you came around and 

                                             you knocked me off the ground from the start

                                      You put your arms around me

                                               And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go

                                                     You put your arms around me and I'm home 

             

                                                                             - Arms by Christina Perri

  

 As we got to know each other I feel more in love with this amazing man, but my biggest fear was the fact I was about to go on a 6 month journey to Africa. And I was not going to change that for anyone,because I knew that is where God had placed me! But I really wanted to date him, it was a huge complex. Then on February 23, 2013 the magical journey began and there has not been any set backs. Even though he knew I was going to Africa he said he just knew and could not let me go. I could not let him go either. Our love grew and grew and then on June 15, 2013 he surprised me, which is really hard to do, and pulled out a beautiful ring and asked him to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said yes! Who would have thought taking that one speech class would change my future!  

   But this post is not just about my love life it is about the journey and commitment two people make while in this situation, I never thought I would be in this situation. I still remember watching The Other Side of Heaven as a child and seeing the missionary away from his love and seeing how hard it was. Now that is me. But the way I look at it, 6 months is not that long. Those are going to be the best 6 months, seriously, because I am going to be doing something I love. Caring a loving on people in need also learning about different cultures and actually living in them. I cannot fully prepare for what I am going to experience, but I just know I am excited! God has called me over to Africa and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

• It is well, with my soul,
  It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

                            -It is Well by Horatio G. Spafford  

   There are times in our lives that seem that we are in the worst place ever, but there is always hope. In those times I either find a quiet place and breath,  go running, call a friend, or just journal. But this poem always comes to my mind. Growing up my family and I would go to my Nana and Paps's church a lot when we visited them and I remembered this hymn. I love this hymn and the story behind it. Horatio had lost everything, his son from the scarlet fever, then due to the Chicago fire all of his financials and then as his daughters and wife sailed over to Europe. There ship sank and he lost all four daughters, his wife survived. And as he waded over the ship wreck he began to write this beautiful and powerful hymn. His perseverance has always inspired me! As I go over to Africa there will be hardships and then there will be times of missing Matthew, but the Lord has so many plans for us!