Maybe I will start with Engagement...want the story? Here it is!
It was a really cold December 27th evening in Eastend, SK and this very excited girl was waiting very impatiently for her boyfriend to arrive. So impatiently, in fact, that every 5 minutes she would perk up at any sound the wind made. She was watching TV downstairs to pass the time when the phone rang and the butterflies started taking off inside her stomach and hitting the walls. But, the number on the screen said "S Wig" referring to her grandmothers number. She tried to relax and maybe try sleeping, but it was no use. She was just waiting and waiting for him to come and nothing worked to pass the time. About two hours later, the phone rang again and it was for her! Oh dear, oh dear.
"Hello?"
"Courtney...uh, you need to come and get me. I lost control of my car on the ice and landed in the ditch. I am really stuck and need you to come get me. I am near the old...While Valley Church? Do you know where I am talking about?"
"Yeah, I know exactly where you are. Did you want me to get Dad to come with me to get you out?"
"Nah. We can get my car in the morning sometime. Just drive out here and pick me up, k?"
"Alright sounds good to me."
She hung up and walked upstairs. Everyone in the living room was looking at her.
"What? I need to go pick up Mark, he got stuck in the ditch. Dad, should you come with me?"
"No, honey, you go ahead, we can get it tomorrow."
"Okay."
So off she went, all the while wondering why in the world everyone was looking at her like they knew something was up.
But, the closer she got to the point of destination, the more she was becoming skeptical and in a cold-sweat. Why had daddy said the exact same thing Mark had? Why didn't be come with me and pull the car out?
All these questions would soon be answered, for there was Mark's car parked in front of the church - not stuck in the LEAST and soft light emanating from the church windows in the dusky light of the evening.
She parked her car beside his, got out slowly and took a deep breath. No. It can't be! But, it HAS to be! Oh my goodness. Thoughts just whirled through her head as she approached the red roses leading the way up the steps. Oh my goodness. She thought again. She opened the door and nearly stepped on about 2 dozen more roses just in the front entry way. Picking them up was seeming an impossible task. She looked towards the inside doors and tilted her head at the way the light seemed to be moving. She opened one door and joy just flooded her heart and soul and mind as her eyes focused each tealite lining the sides of the aisle, the stunning red roses scattered on the carpet, the tall pillar candles set in a careful pattern, and then finally on Mark at the front of the church, on one knee, holding a little red box. I dropped the roses I had been collecting, ran down the aisle and fell into his arms. I couldn't stop smiling and shaking as I hugged him. In a soft voice he said,
"You need to stand up so I can ask you a question."
I stood up and waited while he asked me the question every little girl dreams about hearing from the one she loves.
"Courtney Linn Wig. Will you marry me?"
"YES!" He stood up quickly and pulled me into his arms - I pretty much melted. And standing there, in the church of my childhood, with the man of my dreams, we sealed the deal with a kiss. A promise.
I was so excited to get back to grandma's and tell everyone of the news! When we got there, we walked in and I jumped up the stairs and yelled,
"I'm engaged!" And just held up my hand for everyone to see. I gave people hugs and admired my beautiful ring with them and then I noticed my sister, Demara. She was teary-eyed.
"You're engaged?" She said with a quivering voice. I went over to her and hugged her HARD. "I can't believe you are engaged. You are grown up. You're engaged!" She kept repeating that while I hugged her as she cried a little bit. Happy of course, but sad for a change that meant me going away.
...
So, that started the journey for Mark and I...and, believe me, adventure is going strong to this day - every day something new happens and I am so thankful for this man God arranged for me to meet and eventually marry. Life is incredible and especially when you have the peace of God to carry you through and a husband that prays for you. Every day. Yes, everyone, life is good. Thanks for reading.
