"Life is a funny old thing. Two years ago if you asked me what my possibilities were about getting married I would of said that it would happen when it would happen. I never planned my wedding or wondered what it would be like to married. I didn't know much about being in a relationship. If you asked me what I thought about boundaries in a boy-girl relationship I would smile and say that they are a good idea, but internally I wouldn't really know what they were. Yet here I am. Two years later and I honestly think (and feel) that I am blessed to be in a relationship with a Godly young man, and together we wish to please God.
To rewind, Daniel and I began our relationship in the beginning of 2009, but that is another story. Since then most of our relationship has been long distance, meeting in person about once every three months. This was really hard, but I did grow so much stronger too! We learnt the importance of communication ( <- my advice to couples: Learn how to communicate). Over that time we still did many things together, spent many Saturday mornings skyping, learning about each other, talking etc.
This year Daniel was able to move down Toowoomba to work with a University group called Student Life. And since he has moved down many people have believed it would be only a matter of time before he would ask me to marry him.
About three weeks ago Daniel asked me what weekends I had free, for he wamted us to go a day trip to the beach somewhere. I needed to get some driving hours done and Daniel loves the beach (then again, so do I). We decided to go on Sunday, 14th of Nov. It was the day after a friends wedding and the only day free before I went on my trip to Byron.
At 7am we left Toowoomba and started to head to Rainbow beach. Driving, I wondered if Daniel would ask me up there..... We got there at 11:30 and went a swim in the surf. We lay on the hot sands to dry. Maybe he'll ask soon... After enough sun, we went to the infamous sand dunes that tower 100's of feet above the sea below.
We found a shady spot in the forest, edging the sides of the giant dune. There we had lunch and a doze. This is perfect I thought It is so peaceful out here, so relaxing and natural. Maybe he'll ask out here."
We talked of many things, from expectations to how many kids we wanted, to silly little things that later turn into in-jokes. Soon the afternoon grew old, how time could fun, and how at ease this man made me feel (something rare, believe me). We decided to head to the car. We had a long drive ahead. Our plan was to see the sun set, but we wouldn't have time if we wanted to get to home at a reasonable hour. We decided to stay over at Mum and Dad's place in Crows Nest, and had told them we would get there by 9pm-10pm.
At five we started home, getting light meals on the way, and because to the overcast sky we missed the sunset completely. Daniel suggested to watch the sunrise the next day to make up for it. I aggreed. Sunrises were more our thing any way. Time crawled on the way home. Though we talked of many things there were a few long silences were I got to think. I thought of how blessed I was, then I remembered that of my own exceptions for that day. We were on the way home, and Daniel still hadn't asked me... On the day we all thought he would. . . It was then I realised that I was silly to think like this. I reminded myself that he would ask when he was ready, and I would do far better not worry. So I didn't. I felt at peace once more.
We got to my parents about 10. Dan and I agreed that we would get up at 4am and find a place to watch the sunrise then I went to bed. It had been a long day.
The next morning I woke to the ringing of my phone alarm in my sisters inky black cool room. After some time I got up and dressed and found Daniel waiting. Together we drove around looking for a place to watch the sun rise. Daniel then thought why not go the falls? At first I though that is silly, it's in a forested area, but then he reminded me of how a forest changes hue and be come golden at sunrise. I knew he was right so of we went. We got there as first light started to break. We walked and climbed a little until we found the optimal spot. Nature calls Daniel and he leaves me with the cameras to take photos. I watch and snap as the sun changes colour. As the forest started to wake so did my mind.
the sun shining though the valley by the crows nest falls
Dan comes back and we talk and he asks me about my roots and where do I feel that I belong. We sit timelessly as the leaves turned gold then green. Time did continue to move on, though I barely remember how much so. Daniel took the cameras and shoved them into his pockets. Time to go he said, but before we do lets do a trust exercise. He holds my hands, ok I reply. he asked me to close my eyes and listen to his voice. He led me around the rocks back the way we had come. He sits me down and I think that we are about to go down a big drop... but we don't. He held me tight. Open your eyes. Sarah, the reason I asked you about your roots before is because I would like you to uproot and join me. Start a family together. Sarah, will you be my wife, will you marry me?
I could not believe it.... even now thinking back I start to flood with emotion. I look in front of me an array of objects. The ring box and bible catch my eye the most. I didn't expected it. Not at all. Because my mind was still waking up, or just because I choose to wait patiently I don't know. But I feel so blessed to be asked the way I was.
!!!!! :D
Thank you Daniel"
