I'm engaged!

That’s right. You’re not going crazy or having hallucinations. You read that correctly. I’m engaged to be married! Dave Cummings, a fellow missionary to the Shan people and my boyfriend of the past couple months, popped the question last week and I said yes! We’re still playing around with dates for the wedding, so I’ll have to keep you updated on that front. But the bottom line is we plan to be married in less than a year!

So that’s the short version. But if you’re like me, and you enjoy knowing all the juicy details, read on…

It’s hard to know where to begin. Every time I think about ‘my story’ with Dave, I am overwhelmed with awe and joy. Awe at the way God literally dropped Dave into my life. And joy in the knowledge that I’m preparing to live the rest of my life with my best friend.

Though Dave and I met in 2003 (when he was a member of a short-term team I helped train), our story as a couple begins on an island in Southern Thailand just 3 short months ago. We were on vacation with a small group of single missionaries. We had a blast swimming, diving, snorkeling. We ate loads of seafood. And played countless games of rummy and Mexican train. But my favorite times from that vacation were those when I was simply talking with Dave. We talked about everything: family, God, theology, ministry, passions, past relationships, future hopes. You name it, we talked about it. And by the end of the vacation we were a couple.

It took me only one month after that to know Dave was the man I would marry. I mean, I had prayed for someone just like him. Someone who shared my passions for discipleship and missions. Someone who had a heart for the Shan people. I yet even as I prayed, I doubted such a man even existed. And even if he did, and even if God brought him to me…what were the odds that I’d actually get along with this person, be attracted to him, and have it be mutual?!!! It seemed impossible. But that’s exactly what happened. God brought Dave to me. And I’m so thankful!

So, how did Dave propose? Well, it was last Monday (March 23rd) and we were in Chiang Mai following a week-long conference. Dave took me up to the top of this mountain where the Queen of Thailand has a garden. It’s a beautiful spot and a favorite of ours. He had crackers, cheese, grapes, and champagne all set out. The moment I saw the champagne, I knew something was up. I mean, what were we celebrating?

When Dave saw me notice the champagne, he grabbed my hand and said, “Before we drink that, I have a few things I want to say.” Now I wish I could tell you what followed. But seriously, my brain went to complete mush the moment I realized he was about to propose. I know he talked about being amazed at God’s work in our relationship up to this point. And how he wanted to see God continue to work in our lives together forever. Something like that. Followed by some other (I’m sure) really nice things. But, again, it’s all a blur. :) What I do remember is him getting down on one knee, pulling out a ring, and asking me to marry him. I didn’t hesitate for a second. I said, “yes, of course!” And we kissed. And we prayed. It was beautiful.

I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this man!