One Year Ago...

Yesterday, one year ago...

Russell came to Holland to ask if he could court me with the intent of marriage!

July 14, 2009

It all started with Prince Charming on the far right...

then, 9 months and 3 days later....

Russell & Hannah became the bear bride & groom!

We've almost been married 3 whole months! Wow!

I never thought a year ago that I would be where I am today, or that I would be dealing with the things I am dealing with right now. Despite the devil's fierce opposition, GOD IS GOOD! In the last several weeks there have been times when it seemed like God was so far away. The Psalms have become my prayer when I haven't had the words to express my sorrow. This afternoon I was reminded of Russell's and my verse---the verse we claimed for our relationship:

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 27:13-14

This is another similar verse God has given me to cling to:

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31:24

This temporal world is a cruel place. Life isn't fair. People aren't fair. Circumstances aren't fair. Innocent people suffer while truly evil people get by with their wickedness. It seems so unjust. But there is a Judge in Heaven who judges righteous judgement. The wrongs that have been done will one day be made right, and true justice will prevail. In the past it has always been my parents who have dealt with the brunt of the suffering of the ministry. Now Russell & I are experiencing it first-hand. After 6 weeks of marriage life was just beginning to become scheduled...routine...organized, when our world was turned upside down by the ministry being forcibly shut down, false accusations, arrests, the loss of job and income, and the inability to get a new job because of the charges. One year ago I never would have imagined it... And still, in all the chaos, there has been such an overwhelming peace in my soul. I don't know what the future holds...but I know Who holds the future. This situation came as no surprise to God. "For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him." (Job 23:14 ) It is a comfort to know that long before this seeming disaster broke out, the Lord appointed it for us. It wasn't a surprise to Him, though we were surprised by it. He has a plan for us, even in this, and though we walk in present darkness, we believe to see the goodness of the LORD. "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me." (Psalms 56:9)

A couple weeks ago Russell and I tested something to see if it was God's will. We told the Lord we would know something was His will if He gave us $200, because we didn't have the finances to do it otherwise. Well, the very next day a letter arrived from my grandparents. Enclosed in the envelope was a $100 check for Russell's belated birthday. Even as I was opening the card and saw the $100 I inwardly battled with my flesh, hoping beyond hope that there would be at least another $100, yet not having the faith to believe it could really be possible. After all, why would God bother to look down from the heights of Heaven and hear ME??? I am nothing. I'm a O, written in pencil, and then easily erased. Folded inside the card was a separate letter, and inside I could see there was another check. Could it possibly be another $100???? No! It wasn't a $100 check. It was a $200 check!!! I was blown away...and how foolish that I should be when Russell and I had asked the Lord to give us that exact amount. Not only that, but I realized that the check was in the mail on its way down from New York before we ever asked God for $200.

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer;

and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

Nobody can tell me there isn't a God,

and nobody can say the Bible isn't true.

Well, that whole story really had nothing to do with this post about 1 year ago, but I just couldn't help but brag on the Lord a little. ;) Russell may not have a job at the moment, and our bank account may be running a little low, but I know my God will never desert me. There has never been one day in my life that I did not have enough food to eat. The Lord has given me over and above my needs and has supplied even my wants. I am SO blessed!

It is well with my soul. The blood of Jesus Christ has washed away my sins, and not a person on this earth can take my salvation from me. Yes, they can hurt me physically and emotionally, but spiritually I have a foundation in Christ my LORD which can never be moved. It is well with my soul! Praise God!!!

Hello-Goodbye TV show

Remember the interview at the airport when Russell came to visit in me in January? The one I knew they would never air? Well...I take it back---they actually aired it! They cut out some of the good parts, but it was still nice. My family told me a lot of our neighbors and an older lady from our first church in the country saw it and were shocked and impressed. It is kinda neat being on TV! Some guy even wants to meet my family after seeing it.

You have to watch it for a bit before they get to the part where we are in it, and it is in Dutch.

Here is the link if you would like to watch it. CLICK HERE

The Courting Carriage...uh...Computer

The Amish use a horse and carriage for courting...

...and others use ACER computers.

In memory of that old work horse, which carried us to each other across the many miles and then kicked the bucket just before Russell and I were joined on the same continent.

Thanks, you old ACER! You did a good job!

A Deep Satisfaction In God

Several years ago I read a book by Joshua Harris called Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship. This excerpt made a big impression on me and has been in my Bible for a very long time. I was just thinking on it the other day, so I thought I'd share it...

_____________________________________________

A couple committed to God’s glory places their ultimate hope in God, not in each other. Before two people can please God as a couple, they must first be individuals who want God more than anything else and who know that only He can satisfy the deepest longings of their souls.
One of my favorite authors, John Piper, has made his life message this simple but profound truth: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” What does this mean? It means that we can exalt God by trusting in Him and desiring Him above anything else in life--more than companionship, more than romance, more than marriage. When we do, our lives say louder than words that He is more fulfilling than all these things.
Unlike all the fleeting pleasures of this world, when we make God the object of our soul’s longing, He truly satisfies us--we find the lasting peace and joy we long for. Only then can we have a healthy, happy relationship, because instead of the relationship being our reason for living, it becomes an expression of the fact that we’re living for Someone greater.

Written by Joshua Harris

A year ago today...

...Something very special happened to me. Actually, it started several years back.
Let me tell you the story...

I was 17, and the date was May 12, 2005. In response to my heart's desire for a husband, God gave me a promise in Psalm 84:11. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Marriage is a good thing, as it says many times in the Bible. I knew God would reward me if I did right.

The Lord confirmed His promise to me once again in Romans 11:4 on December 18, 2006, when my heart was broken and I was convinced that not a single godly young man existed. "But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal."

In January 2008 my parents gave me this painting for my 20th birthday. I call it my "Waiting Painting," because the girl looks like she's waiting expectantly for the fulfillment of her dreams...a special someone.

In October 2008 I met the young man of my dreams. Russell. Even before I met him face-to-face I knew I could love him my whole life long. After a week's visit with his family he went home, and I never expected to see him again, though in my heart I wished it to be otherwise.

All through November and December I desperately tried to fight off and ignore the feelings I had for Russell. God hadn't said yes, and I had already learned a hard lesson about leaning on my own understanding regarding such matters. Our hearts often lead us astray, so I knew I needed a definite answer from the Lord. What I didn't realize is that Russell had been praying about me for months. On November 7, 2008, the Lord told him I was going to be his wife.

Meanwhile, I was still searching for answers. Mom saw the tug-of-war going on in my heart. She encouraged me to pray and get an answer from God. So, on the night of December 27, 2008, I prayed and asked the Lord to show me if Russell was meant for me. I prayed 3 specific things:
1.) That God would give me a verse in the next couple of days.
2.) That it would be in my daily Bible reading.
3.) And that it would jump off the page and practically knock me over with its clarity. I wanted a yes or no. No maybe stuff.
Then I went to bed with perfect peace. It was all in God's hands. I let go.

Very early in the morning, on December 28, the Lord spoke to me in Isaiah 66:9. "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God." I knew from that verse that God was preparing me...He was going to do something. The answer was coming.

What beautiful rays of cheerful morning sunshine warmed me on the morning of December 29, 2008, as I lay on my bed and began to read my Bible! The answer came that day in 1 Samuel 9:24. "...Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee..." Those words seemed to stand 2 inches off the page. Those words were just for me. Those words were a "YES!" Those words...and the only person to fit them was...Russell. God told me that Russell was going to be my husband.

Now, one year later, I have an engagement ring on my finger. Those words spoken to me last year surely came to pass, as all of God's promises have come to pass and will come to pass.

Not only does God fulfill His promises, but He also gives us the desires of our heart...when we delight in Him. As a little girl I remember my mom telling me how Dad gave her a Bible when they met and fell in love. I always wanted my future husband to give me a Bible. The very morning God told me Russell would be my husband is the morning a package arrived in the mail. It was a late Christmas gift...a Bible from Russell to me.

On July 14, 2009, Russell asked to court me. We got engaged on October 23, 2009. Our wedding date is set ~ April 17, 2010!

God still speaks. God still answers prayer. God still reveals His will to those who earnestly seek His direction for their lives. Praise God! All the glory for this love story belongs to Him alone!

Read the full-length version of our story here: A Love Story Written in Heaven

We're in Florida!

Well, as you can see from the title of this post, we have safely arrived in Florida. Our trip was quite smooth and uneventful. Mr. Kamps brought us to the airport. The sunset was too beautiful for words as we drove over the big bridge. No painter could paint something to match that beauty! How lovely are God’s paintings! I’m so glad He chose to use the vast sky as the canvas for His masterpieces. We get a free art show every time we stop to admire the sunrise and sunset! We got breakfast at McDonald’s after checking in at the airport, and I found a gift for Russell. I was glad when we were finally on the airplane and on our way.

The flight to England was only 55 min. As we flew higher and higher and the earth grew smaller and smaller, I stood in awe as I considered these thoughts: It’s just like Satan told Eve when she lusted after the forbidden fruit and then ate it. We are gods in our own eyes. We live in our own little world, have our own priorities, our pomp and prestige… We are gods in our own eyes, thinking the world in its entirety revolves around us. And then, when you get in an airplane and see vehicles as tiny ants and lakes like little rain puddles…well, suddenly you realize what a nothing you are! The earth, our lives and all that we are, is in the hands of a mighty God. I am nothing…and still the Lord chooses to acknowledge my existence, take notice of my needs, and answer my prayers. A few tears trickled down my face with this realization. It was also because, as I saw us leaving the Dutch shoreline, I realized this is the last time I will ever take a pleasure trip away from Holland and the last time I’ll be leaving without leaving my family behind.

As we flew over England I spied a beautiful English castle. It was lovely! I want to look it up on Google Earth. We had a few hours layover in England. There was lots of security points all along the way. It’s so interesting trying to be wonder woman--give your liquids in a bag, jacket, shoes, belt, unpack your laptop, and then set your luggage on the conveyor belt, then hurriedly collect it all once again upon reaching the other end of the line. Dad had a shaving razor in his carry-on, and security saw it and weren’t worried about it. But, they ended up taking our PB and salmon pate...that dangerous peanut butter!!! =D To make a long story short, Mom’s carry-on was too big for British Air regulations, so she had to grab some of her stuff and put it in a paper bag. She was just saying that she really needed a stronger bag when a woman came up to her and gave her a brand new bag that perfectly fit her things. The Lord is so good to meet all our needs! We also met a nice, super friendly Texan. He asked Dad if we are Mennonites because, he said, he noticed that Dad’s ladies were dressed so conservatively. The guy said he appreciates that and ended up being saved as well. He and Dad talked for about an hour as we settled down in seats and waited for our gate info to come up. That meeting was God-ordained and lifted our spirits tremendously.

Russell picked us up in Atlanta, Georgia at the very end of a long and tiring day. It was so nice to see him again! This has been our 3rd visit, but our first as a courting couple. Russell had a cute little teddy bear waiting for me at the hotel. We drove down south the next day after getting a refreshing night’s rest and ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel, which was heavenly! I ordered the Old Timer’s breakfast--grits, biscuits and gravy, eggs, turkey sausage, and hash browns, and tea. Yum! After we ate we looked around the Cracker Barrel shop. They have such cute stuff there! Russell calls it a woman’s heaven. He’s right, too! (chuckle) And I found a birthday present for Lydia! I love secrets, especially when I know them! =D

Lyd took one picture...

...then I took another.

I am so glad Lydia, Josiah, and Russell get along so well.

During the drive home Russell stopped by this neat little town with very old, quaint houses. One of them looked like a replica of the White House. Very stately! I just loved all the houses with porches and the fancy wood work. What is it about a porch that makes a house look so homey? Russell parked the suburban and we walked around for a while. It was nice to stretch our legs after 10 hours of flying and several hours of driving to boot. We arrived in Panama City by mid afternoon. I felt sorry for Russell; he was tired himself, having just gotten back from a trip to Arizona. We greeted the rest of the Maynard clan and met several folks on the property. Then we got settled in our place. I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but the Maynards and several of the workers at the boys’ home and their families live in houses around the log cabin where the boys stay. It really is like a camp ground, and you feel like you’re far away even though you’re located close to town. I love the beautiful nature, although I don’t much care for the introduction to cockroaches and other bugs. (cringe) Lydia is having lots of fun (NOT!). =D For dinner we went to Olive Garden with the Maynards and then went straight to bed.

I thought this house was so cute with the blue stars under the windows.

On Thursday Lydia got to ride Aaron’s horse, Oreo. She had fun. Meanwhile, Russell, Mom, and I went grocery shopping, which was also fun…and I don’t like grocery shopping! I guess just about anything, even a doctor appointment, can be enjoyable when you’re with your best friend. Before going to bed that night the three Maynard boys came over to our little house and we played several games of Pit. It was fun…almost like old times.

Russell gave me this bear and surprised me with a vanilla candle after we left Cracker Barrel. He bought his mom one too. He's so sweet!

On Friday Russell drove Mom, Mrs. Chris, and me to visit the doctor. It was a long drive and took about all day. We met Bro. Bob and Mrs. Robyn for lunch. That was enjoyable. And that evening held a surprise for me…

Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

Hello, everyone!
This post is going to be a rambling session, so prepare to be bored. =D I figured I’d better write one last journal post, since the next couple weeks are going to be very busy and you’re probably going to hear little from me. Perhaps you heard the old wedding custom of the bride having something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue with her on her wedding day. Well, I’m going to have some fun with it today. (giggle)

Something Old
Where has time gone? On Oct. 14th it was one year since the Maynard family came to visit us and Russell and I met face-to-face. Oct. 15th was a year since I graduated. It seems like just yesterday that I was standing in the church’s kitchen, waiting to walk down the aisle to Pomp & Circumstance and Russell was passing by on his way to the front of the auditorium where he and his brothers were going to sing. I didn’t realize then what was going through Russell’s mind as my eyes met his gaze with a smile. Could I ever have imagined that he was praying about me being his wife or that 6 months from today we will be getting married? No…never! God is so very good to this girl to give her such a special young man.

Something New
The chilly days of autumn are upon us here in Holland. I think it has been unseasonably cold. We have been lighting candles just to take the initial morning chill off the room. Yesterday we finally broke down and turned the heat on, so we’re thawing out nicely now. (chuckle) It kinda sad when you find yourself huddled around a candle to warm your freezing hands. =D
The leaves on our currant tree, which were a brilliant display of gold and orange several days ago, have now fallen to the ground, marking the completion of another year’s growth cycle. I love that verse in Genesis 8:22 that says, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” It’s a blessing to know that, while this earth remains, the seasons we depend on will come and go has they have since God first established them.
We are enjoying the delights of the season. For family night last night we opened the first bag of pepernoten. Pepernoten (I guess the direct translation would be pepper nuts, also called spice nuts) are tiny, hard cookies with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. You could say it is the Dutch people’s version of our American pumpkin pie--a similar flavor while having a different texture. Last year we invented this interesting game of throwing pepernoten into the air at whoever is sitting on the opposite couch and having them attempt to catch them in their mouth…kinda like basketball, only using cookies. (chuckle) You should see Dad! He’s really good! =D Well, that’s enough personal info on our family’s odd ways of having fun.

I got contacts on Tuesday! I like them well enough…as well as anyone can like a piece of plastic in their eye. (chuckle) Actually, except for my eyes feeling somewhat dry, they really aren’t that bad. It’s nice to have my peripheral vision back, which is something you miss out on with glasses. And I also discovered through the process of a painful day’s wear that regardless of what my optometrist says, my contacts do need to be gently rubbed clean in the new-and-improved “no rub” solution. I guess it was supposed to be one of these miraculous self-clean things, but…I have sad news! It doesn’t work! Not for me, anyway. But, praise God that things are going okay, because I would really like to wear contacts when a certain special day arrives, even though Russell tells me I look beautiful with or without glasses. =) He’s so sweet!

And that brings me to the next “something new.” My family and I are leaving to go to Florida in just 3 days!!! It will be so wonderful to see Russell again! When I think that we have only seen each other in person for a grand total of 2 weeks, I can hardly believe it. By the time we get married in April we will have spent 8 (possibly 9) weeks with each other. Is that wild or what? Russell’s and my courtship would be different enough if it was long distance State-side, but I must say that having an international courtship has made our relationship very unique indeed. I know most couples don’t have their wedding date picked out before their engagement, but in our case we had to.
Along with our other luggage, we have packed 4 large containers full of my belongings. We should be able to get all my things to Florida between this load and the next, when we leave for the wedding. If you think to, please pray that everything arrives safely and without breaking. After 14+ years of packing, Mom is quite the expert, but that’s not necessarily a guarantee when airport security rummages through our luggage and shifts it all around. They’ve just made luggage rules even more strict and have reduced weight limits per suitcase from 70 pounds to 50. Trying to pack so each suitcase doesn’t exceed the weight limit, is full enough so everything doesn’t shift around, and is packed well enough so it doesn’t break is a great challenge!!!
Anyway, our next 6 weeks in Florida are going to be packed with activity. I have a doctor appointment on the 23rd, the next week the Maynards’ church is holding a camp meeting, then the week after that our family + Russell is heading to NY to visit our family up north. By the time we get back to FL we will have used up about half our vacation. The next 2-3 weeks will be taken up with as much wedding preparations as we can get done, seeing as this will be the last time we are in the States before the wedding. There is so much to do. I’ll spare you all the details. (chuckle) As Russell so perfectly worded it, we are going to hit the ground running. Please keep our family in prayer if you think to! =)
I’m so thankful for the Maynards and all the sweet people in their church who have sacrificed time, money, and energy to get the house ready for our family to stay in. Several miracles have happened along the way as everyone has worked hard to make it livable again. I don’t know if I mentioned this before, but the house where my family will be staying is also the house Russell and I will be living in temporarily after we get married until we can move into Russell’s house which is bigger. I think the Lord worked it out perfectly--I will get to live in Russell’s and my house for 6 weeks and get used to the feel of things. Being a bride isn’t the only thing that’s going to be new for me in 6 month’s time. I’m going to be moving to a new country, new state, with new surroundings, new family, new church, new friends, and living in a somewhat-new house with a new husband and a new marriage. That’s a lot of new-s (no pun intended) for a 21, going on 22-year-old girl who has a hard time adjusting to change. I’m gaining more and more respect for Rebekah with each new day. What a brave girl!!! Though I have an advantage over her, what we both solidly have in common is the knowledge and assurance that fulfilling God’s will may not necessarily mean the most common way things are done and it may not be the easiest way, but the Lord’s grace is sufficient to carry us through the unspeakable joys of marriage and intense sorrows of longing for loved ones so far away.

Something Borrowed
I either took these pictures with Lydia’s camera, or I borrowed the pictures from her. So, this covers my “something borrowed.”

Standing strong! Stand strong, Christian, and let your light and beauty shine for the Lord! =)

My last summer at home... See Dad studying on the patio? I love this picture!

While in the process of making muffins, I couldn’t help but notice the date on this can of pumpkin...April 2010! Pretty important month! And, yes, I am sentimental...although I didn't go so far as to keep the top. (giggle)

Family that I love so dear,

Very soon we won’t be near.

Let’s cherish the moments within our grasp,

Reach for the hand that’s still there to clasp.

Our lives are on the brink of great change.

At first it’s going to feel very strange.

But the Lord will be with us even in this,

Making it easier when each other we miss.

Cause north or south, east or west,

Living in God’s will is always best!

Have you ever looked up the trunk of a huge tree and felt like you were going to fall on your bottom as the full impact of its height hit you? Do you see me--the little speck in the right corner of this photo? As I stood underneath these enormous trees, I couldn’t help but feel tiny and insignificant in comparison...and, yet, my God is so much greater than these puny splinters (as He must see them). The Lord is so much bigger than me and all my “big problems.” It makes me wonder why I so often lean on my own understanding instead of just trusting Him...He whose enormity exceeds these enormous trees a million times over. And then to think...that He would bother to take notice of me! Wow!

It's hard to believe we’re already half-way through the month of October! Isn’t my Cherished Teddy cute? I have a particular liking for bears...especially one great big teddy bear whose name starts with an R. (chuckle)

Yes, the leaves in the background really are that bright!!!

Something Blue

It may sound odd, but in some ways I’ve already started detaching myself from my family, as I know they are doing with me too. We’re all attempting to emotionally prepare ourselves for the separation we know is going to take place soon. In some ways I am mourning the inevitable loss of my family and childhood years that can never be recaptured. They went by so quickly. During dinnertime and the cozy evenings spent together in conversation, I find myself laughing and joking with my family or simply joining in on a serious discussion. Sometimes, as I listen to the merriment taking place around me, I picture in my mind’s eye the setting before me…but without me in it. Just Dad, Mom, Lydia, and Josiah. Lately I find myself turning away as tears fill my vision. At times I can’t even explain the conflicting emotions I feel of out-of-this-world joy and then unutterable sorrow that sweep over me, catching me completely off guard. Maybe I’m strange. Maybe not…I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong. I am thrilled about my upcoming wedding and the fact that I’m going to belong to Russell. He is the incarnation of all my dreams…and more! When the Bible says that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think it sure was right!!! I could not be more blessed, and for that I thank the Lord!!! Well, this wasn’t something that was truly blue, as in the color blue, but at times it makes me feel a little blue, in a manner of speaking.

Now...for something that truly is blue!!! In just 3 days I’m going to see Russell’s blue (greenish) eyes! No more skype and blotchy web cams!!! Praise God! Goodness, if I didn’t know how handsome Russell is I’d really have to wonder about it when his face looks like a peach-colored ball with black holes for eyes. (chuckle) I will be SO glad not to use skype for 6 weeks. Thank the Lord! (glad sigh)

Well, this has gotten long…too long. I need to run. The packing continues! =) In the next few weeks I’m probably going to have very little time to do major emailing with those of you who I regularly keep in contact with. I’m going to try to do some picture posts and a general update about what’s going on while we’re in Florida.

Thanks for listening to my heart and thoughts!

Lord bless!
Hannah

P.S.

If you all would please pray for Bro. Mischa and Bro. Glenn, who are taking over the church in my dad’s absence, we would really appreciate that! No doubt, the devil is going to be working overtime. Please pray that the evil forces of Satan will be bound and cast into Hell where they belong.

Also, I’d like to thank those of you who took time to write me personal emails of encouragement regarding my previous posts. I hope you received my emails in response. Thanks for being a blessing to me! =)

Courting ~ Day 1

Well, it's more than a month later and I've finally gotten around to posting my courtship pictures. If you read our courtship story (Read HERE) then I don't have to explain that Russell traveled all the way from Panama City, FL, to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to ask me in person if he could court me. I received the surprise of my life in more ways than one! First, his visit came as a complete surprise. Second, I never in a million years thought Russell was coming to ask to court me. He spent a week with me, so there are more pictures to follow. (I'm going to have a list on my sidebar of all the important posts regarding Russell's and my relationship so it's easier for everyone to keep up. Look under "Russell & Hannah.")

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A glorious sunrise heralding the dawn of a glorious day! Lydia took this picture at 6:00am, just before my family kelt down and prayed together for Russell and me in Dad's office and then went to wake me up with the news that Russell was arriving in Holland that very morning.

Getting ready to head to the airport. Do I look nervous? As I got ready for the day I kept saying things like, "He's going to run the other direction... My hair turned out horrible today. Should I wear these shoes? I look ugly!" And Mom had a soothing response for everything I said. Thank God for moms!!!

Having parked the van, we noticed our family's reflection in the windows of the airport. A unique picture!

Russell and me walking through the airport together. It was so wonderful to see Russell again after 9 long months of waiting and secrecy! I felt sick while we waited for him and Bro. Buddy to get their luggage and come through the gate. As soon as I saw Russell everything was okay.

Russell wasted no time! He went into the bathroom not much after they walked into the house. After making a ton of noise (he was unpacking his gift, but I was wondering what on earth he was doing), he came out with something that just about threw me for a loop. We had all been talking. Then suddenly everyone turned to look at the doorway. There was Russell...and he was holding a bear! A very cute bear that was dressed like a prince and holding a silk pillow with a glass shoe on it. In the glass shoe was the most beautiful ring I had ever laid eyes on--a heart-shaped garnet with two small diamonds on either side, set on a perfect-width gold band.

On a side note, I wonder who came up with that? Kinda funny. It's a common thing for girls to have bears. However, you won't catch a guy with a bear unless he has an important question to ask. Maybe it's a security thing. The guy thinks the girl will see the bear and feel all warm and fuzzy inside and that will make her say yes like he wants her to. (chuckle)

Russell acted like the bear had something to say to me. Then he said the bear was a little tongue-tied at the moment, so he would do the talking. In this picture he had just sat down and told me that he asked my dad's permission to court me and he had his approval. Then he concluded, "So, now I’m just here to ask you personally. With your permission, can I court you?" (The poor guy was so nervous!)



I said "yes." Then I lowered my head in disbelief. Could this be real? And Russell smiled...I think for the first time, looking a little less apprehensive.



Then there was the soft sound of laughter from both our families. Russell and I both laughed a little bit too. I was happy!

Accepting the bear.



Slipping the ring on my finger and looking at Mom. "Does it go on this hand?" Just making sure! Here in Holland people wear their engagement/wedding rings on their right hand.



Showing off my gorgeous ring! Garnet is my birthstone and how fitting that it should be in the shape of a heart!



Passing Prince Charming for his inspection.

Meet Prince Charming. Isn't he....charming in all his princely finery? (chuckle)



Admiring the ring.

Then later on Russell gave me this enormous bear. Bro. Buddy called him "Russell Bear" at one point, so that's what I decided to name him. Russell Bear. =)

Russell Bear and me. (This picture was actually taken several days after Russell left and I was lonely for him.)

My three guys.

We went for a walk together before dinner. It was an unusually warm day. Russell and Bro. Buddy brought their hot Florida temperatures with them, much to Russell's disappointment.

After dinner Lyd, Joe, Russell, and I went on a bike ride through the fields. I thought this picture was very fitting. Russell and I have embarked on a journey together...and who knows what's around the next bend in the road. Only the Lord knows, and by His grace we will make it through!

See Russell's picture post (HERE).