So, those of you who are regularly involved in the daily grind of my life already know this, but for those of you who don't know, I'M ENGAGED!!! Now some of you may be wondering, 'wait, how long have you known this girl?' but rest assured, there is an unparallelled level of confidence between me and Michelle. We met at a mutual friend's place (Katie Visco, one of the youngest women to ever run across America!) during one of her bi-weekly devotionals. Michelle had to leave early for a friend's birthday party, and when she stood up, my mind was blown with crazy appeal. She had this energy that just draws people in, and sure enough, I was caught in her vortex. I mentioned that we both attend the Austin Stone and that we should definitely catch up sometime for coffee and conversation about churchy things. Facebook of course helped solidify the connection.
Days later she shows up late to one of my Outdoor Movies (fundraiser series I did for the World Race). She ended up staying late (until 1ish?) with another friend, Ellie Heard (who is incidentally sigining up for the Race this coming January) just talking and laughing. Then it became known that I work on bikes, so I offered to build her tri-bike since her previous 'mechanic' wasn't working very timely. Several Outdoor Movies and bike rides later, Michelle invites me on her family vacation to Colorado. Of course I say yes and left my job just in time.
We drove together to Amarillo first to meet some of her family. It was truly some quality time in the car; pit stops, potty stops, picture taking, music booming, jokes & laughs. We arrived at Big Tex for dinner after checking out Palo Duro Canyon State Park. I was slightly nervous about being introduced to her family with such rapidity, but it turned out to be a great experience, naturally. Michelle and I then went back to the state park for a night showing of the park's own theatrical production, Texas! It was awesome! Acting, dancing, singing, laughing, and a lightning bolt! Serious Fun. You should go. Seriously.
Her folks got an extra room at a local hotel so we had pleasant accomodations before heading back to the state park the following morning for a bike ride. If you've ever been to Palo Duro Canyon, you know about the huge hill that goes in and out of the park. Well, that's what we cycled…. UP. It was in that tiring, heavy-breathing moment that I found it appropriate to tell Michelle that I love her. The poor girl was huffing and puffing and had no response until we topped the hill, which then went something like, 'Wait, so back there, did you tell me you love me?' Yup!
We were both rich with happiness of course. The following day in Colorado, I surprised her with a hot air balloon ride where she told me that she loves me too! It's been a downhill whirlwind of love ever since! So logically the next step is a proposal right? We decided that we are definitely getting married and a proposal would be fitting before I leave on the WR. After the ring was finally ready (thanks to Bjorkheim's in Austin!) I took Michelle downtown to one of our favorite locations, Butler Park, which has a nice hill overlooking the city. It was there where Ellie was sneaking to take pictures and I popped down on my knee after reading some scripture and asked Michelle one of the most important questions I'd ever ask anyone, "Will you marry me?" And there you have it. She said yes! And we are now officially engaged to be wed in about a year 🙂 Love feels good. Thank you God.
