Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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So, after writing that “girly” post a few days ago, I had no idea what was in store. I arrived in Manzini, Swaziland around 6pm on Monday the 20th, and could barely hold my bags once I saw Nick through the customs doors. It was the best reunion ever! There were a few of his squad-mates there as well, and I was really excited to see them all and spend some more time with them.


The next morning, Nick told me to dress warm (believe it or not, it’s pretty cold here this time of year) and be ready to leave by 8:15am. His team thought it would be nice for us to have some time to catch up, but he wouldn’t tell me anything more. I had no clue what the day held, but I figured I would probably enjoy it regardless. Plus, I like surprises, so I didn’t even pester him with questions.

The two of us were dropped off at a golf-course nearby and hopped on a golf cart. I have never golfed in my life, so I was a bit skeptical about whatever we were going to do. We drove through the course for a while, and finally reached a point where we met a fork in the road. Nick told me to chose. I didn’t tell him this, but left looked like it lead out, so I chose right, thinking it would weave through the course some more. We rounded the corner, and I thought I chose wrong because we came right to a cul-de-sac. I looked to my left, though, and there was this beautiful table set up right on the course.
It was pretty amazing to sit out in the chilly morning air and enjoy some tea and coffee with Nick, while looking out on the mountains. In fact, it was the best date ever. We were able to have so many of the conversations that we have waited to have in person.After about half an hour, some ladies drove up with tons of breakfast for us: bowls of cereal, plates with a fried tomato, mushrooms, sausage, bacon, eggs, and french fries (no complaints here), and bowls of crepes with cinnamon and whipped cream on top. It was pretty amazing! We caught up on a lot, and I was just thrilled to spend some quality time with him. After a while, we took a few photos and then headed back to the hostel.




Around 3:30pm he said, “Come on. I want to show you something.” So we went outside and hopped on the four-wheeler. I thought it was a spur of the moment idea, and he just thought of something fun to go see. At any rate, we headed out into the bush a bit. After we drove around for a while, we came upon this creek with waterfalls nearby. It was pretty fantastic, and I took in the scenery through my lens.

 


We found a great piece of rock to sit on and chat some more. It was just gorgeous, and again, really great to just talk with one another face-to-face. After a while, Nick turned toward me and sat with his legs crossed, so I laid down on my back and put my head in his lap. We continued to talk until he asked if he could pray over me. Of course I was more than happy to have him do that, and he began praying for me and our relationship, referencing Joshua 24 and the covenant he had made with God regarding family. Nick made this covenant at his training camp (where we met), not knowing who he would be starting that family with.



After he prayed, he asked if I trusted him. I said, “Yes, of course I trust you.” Then things went a little fuzzy for me because I could tell where it was going. He told me that he loved me and asked me to marry him. I’m pretty sure I said “yes” before he even finished asking the question. He presented the amazing ring, and I was so happy and elated that I couldn’t wipe the silly grin off my face for hours.


After we wound up our celebrating down by the river, we headed back to the house, where the rest of Nick’s team and another World Race team were waiting to congratulate us. I could not stop smiling and showing all of them the gorgeous ring. We were able to go out to the Rustic Tavern (my favorite restaurant here) with both teams to celebrate. A completely wonderful and perfect day.


I cannot stop grinning, and it’s incredibly surreal to think that this is finally happening. I get to talk with the man of my dreams about spending the rest of our lives together. We get to plan a wedding and talk about our futures as husband and wife. Man, I am so excited, and we both are eager to get home and make so many introductions. The joys of long-distance relationships. Please keep our relationship in your prayers, as we still have three and a half months left to be apart. Nick leaves Swaziland with his World Race team on Tuesday, while I stay back and do the ministry God has called me to here. Please be in prayer for the wedding arrangements and timing of everything. Praise the Lord for what is coming!

*Look out for new “Engagement Photos” when I get proper internet.