A Modest Proposal

Getting engaged was such an interesting experience for me. Throughout my years of dating I can't say I ever really could see a future with anyone I was dating, nor did I feel I had ever fallen in love. Coming from a family where divorce was a popular pattern, the topic of marriage was something so sensitive and sacred to me that I didn't want to spoil and defile it by taking it lightly, being casual about it, and watch my life turn to shambles like everybody else's. I guarded my heart so much that I barely let anyone in or allowed myself to be loved by anyone (romantically speaking). And that is why I am so grateful I served a mission because it prepared me mentally and emotionally to open my heart to someone else and take that next step. While dating Travis there was never a dull moment, I just loved getting to know him and realizing all the crazy little things we had in common, the mission was a really big link between the two of us. And with time I knew the direction that I wanted our relationship to go, we both did, and so we started to pray. At first I wasn't too diligent about it, I thought, what's the rush?! We've only been boyfriend and girlfriend 2 months, we have time! haha Maybe I was trying to avoid the inevitable answer at that time. But when Travis told me he got an answer, I decided to be more diligent about it and pray often and examine my feelings. This was probably the hardest part of our relationship unto this point, because some days I would feel so sure, and other days the adversary would get to me and fear or doubts would creep into my thoughts. I was having an internal battle and I'm so grateful that Travis was so patient with me during this time, he didn't give me an ounce of pressure and allowed me to come to my own conclusions. With that I decided one day to go to the temple and take my issue directly to the Lord. It was there that I received a clear answer in Alma 38 when it reads, "And now, my [daughter], I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is [she] that endureth to the end. I say unto you, my [daughter], that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering." When I read this I knew that God was proud of me and the decision that I was making to marry Travis and was pleased with my answer. It wasn't until I shared this with Travis that I received an overwhelming confirmation from the spirit, because that chapter I read was the very same one Travis had read when he received his answer weeks earlier. I was so amazed at how the Lord worked with us and knew, without a doubt, that this was meant to be and so Travis went ring shopping the very next day :) The day Travis got the ring, I knew it, he didn't have to say it. He was just so giddy and happy and in such a good mood, but I wanted to keep it a surprise so I didn't bring it up. I don't remember how long he had the ring for, but on a cold December Wednesday night, when no one was suspecting (at least not me!) he popped the question!

We were supposedly going to his moms work christmas party in Park City and were following the GPS through the canyon when it had us take an unexpected turn into Vivian Park. "This is definitely not Park City," I thought, and Travis pulled it off so well that his mom had probably given us the wrong direction and that I should call her. I tried texting but she said she was driving and couldn't talk, so we just continued to follow the GPS to wherever this supposed party was. Once at our destination it was completely black and deserted, there wasn't a car or sign of life in sight. Travis tried to convince we to get out of the car with him to look around and I stubbornly rejected to get out in the cold to a party that was so obviously not there! After 5 minutes I finally decided to get out of the car, we walked a bit and in the distance I could see lights, and for a split second I thought, "Maybe the party is here!" But once I got a closer look I could see it was a bridge lit up with candles and lanterns, and on the ground was a rose and a ring box.

After telling me a lot of sweet nothings, he got down on one knee, blinded me with the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen, and popped the question. I said yes and gave him the biggest kiss ever! Then we ran over to our real dinner party at Chef's Table with a beautiful view of the city, neither of us could stop smiling. And ever since I've had this ring on my finger, all my doubts, fears, and worries just blew away. I knew that no matter what, God had brought us together, and that he'll continue to bring us together regardless the obstacles we'll face in our new life together.

I also just want to give a little shout out here to our good friends Suzie & Kyle who are also engaged and soon to be married June 20th! They helped Travis with everything so this could be a special night for the both of us :)