Friends

One of my best friends back home in the states, Brooks, told me something that I have found to be completely true. Brooks is getting married in a couple of weeks. But, almost a year ago when she felt affirmed to marry Adam, she said to me that he was her best friend and she was excited to marry her best friend. Brooks moved back to Atlanta after we graduated and began her masters program. She was farther away from the gang of girlfriends that we had and so we saw her a bit less. Through dating Adam and learning to love him, he became her best friend. I understand. Derek has become my "best friend" in a way that only he can. He can't and never will replace the beauty and ease of comraderie that is alive and well between my friends and I, but he has his special place. I'm thankful for him and the blessing of his friendship and love.

But, today, I am missing my friends. I am missing the surrogate family I found in college and high school, middle school and even younger. I'm missing the girls that have perservered through trials and afflictions, bags of oreos, roadtrips and relationships. I'm missing my best friends. I miss the ability to just text them something random that happens in the day or yelling up the stairs when their alarm goes off for hours. I miss the smell of the food they make, their laughs, their tears (which I have seen plenty of). I miss their families, which became my own.

I'm a very lucky girl, because most of those wonderful girls are going to honor me by standing with me as I commit my life to Derek.

I miss "that's what she said" and "dannnng gina" and "dude, you are not going to believe this (nat) and "what it is" (brooks) and "awwwwwwwwwww" (Melsy) and Emilys ability to make crazy noises and Amy's "awkward rain cloud" and Courtney's "I'm kinda a big deal" and Ashley's tackling hugs and Amanda's "ahhhhhhhhs" and Kristi's "nachoooooo" and Lindsey's "impressions of Jesus videos"...I freaking miss you guys so much. Can't wait to see you!!!!!

Waiting for Jesus...

There's a cry in my heart, For Your glory to fall. For Your presence to fill up my senses.There's a yearning again, A thirst for discipline, A hunger for things that are deeper.

Could You take me beyond? Could You carry me through? If I open my heart? Could I go there with You? For I've been here before, But I know there's still more. Oh, Lord, I need to know You.

For what do I have If I don't have You, Jesus? What in this life Could mean any more? You are my rock, You are my glory. You are the lifter Of my head.

 There's a cry in my heart for Christ. In this season, I am realizing the bottomless depth of my need for him to be fully soverign. I feel a cry in my heart for an outlet for the passion I have for Him and His kingdom. As Derek and I prepare ourselves for marriage and as we learn and grow in knowledge of each other, I'm finding in myself a aching need to serve the body. I want Christ to reveal to me his desire for my life in a tangible way...

I have passion for embracing and committing myself to the mission field, whether domestically, internationally or however else. I have a great desire to go back to school to learn how to counsel others and help them realize the beauty and power of our amazing healer. And I have a deep desire to be a wife to my husband, encouraging and loving to his passions for relationships and community.

I'm thankful that He who began a good work is carrying it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Thinking about the future...

Engagement automatically makes you think long term...(or longer term). For Derek and I, thinking long term means thinking about where we are going to live next year in Korea.

But, we are hoping to spend the next year praying over where we will be after Korea. Derek wants to be in Washington. I'm right there with him. It's a long way from home, but we knew that already. Sometimes, I google Washington and think it reminds me of Scotland.

Can one place stay with you always...if so, that place is Barvas, Scotland for me.

 Glencoe, Scotland

With the future comes decisions about the wedding...flowers, food, fun?!? Things are coming together via very helpful moms and dads, encouraging and loving friends, and a very VERY patient fiance! (Derek). We have made three set in stone decisions...where to get married, when to get married and dessert! YEP, dessert is always high on my list of priorities.

We're Engaged!!!!

YES!!! We are ENGAGED!!!

Better yet, we are getting married this August!!! 

I am so excited to marry this amazing man! Each day, I see God's love for me shining through Derek!!

Eight months ago, I came to Korea expecting to find comfort and joy in being alone for the first time in my life. I had never lived alone. I had never been separated from close friends and family for longer than a week. I had come seeking time with God away from life and distraction...

But, on my first Sunday here in Korea, I found myself at Dongsan Church, (Thanks to my great friend, Nancy), meeting Derek in newcomers small group. I'm pretty sure the thought that this man who was so warm and kind would someday be my husband did not cross my mind. What did: This guy pays attention when you speak! And he's HOT! (I consider these bonuses.)

Facebook friends led to facebook chats, which lead to guitar lessons and hanging out. Derek took it upon himself to introduce Amanda (my roommate) and I to foreigners and good food. Bible Study led to us being able to get to know each other more and see each other's hearts. Traveling with friends opened us up to seeing new sides of each other until finally, we decided to start dating. Dating led to engagedment and now engagement is leading us to marriage - IN TWO MONTHS!!!!

Derek is a beautiful blessing to me given by my Father in heaven. I am so thankful to God and to Derek for choosing to live his life as God desires him to do. I am excited and joyful about being his wife and sharing life with him.

I hope you all will celebrate with us as we begin a life together!!!!!!