After two days in Minneapolis with my best friend, Molly, she and I went to breakfast (Monday). After breakfast, she said, "I have something to give you," and presented me with some daisies and a card. The card simply said, "There are a few things I need you to do for me: 1. Text me the words, "Got it," 2. Pack your bag for five days, you're going to the airport very soon, 3. Don't ask Molly or Aber anything, they have been instructed to remain silent. See you soon, Dave." As soon as I sent him the text message, he responded with a flurry of information and instructions.

 

Next thing I know, I'm at the airport waiting to get on a flight to Atlanta. I was panicked because I wasn't sure where I was going and I wasn't sure if Dave was coming with me. I thought maybe he was sending me to his parent's house in Myrtle Beach for a relaxing vacation (but I didn't want to be alone). I got a text message from Dave stating that he was on his way to Cleveland and I was put at ease. He was supposed to be at training for work, so I wasn't sure how this was all happening. His best friend, Chris, called me and helped me change around my flights. I got on a flight to Cincinnati, which would connect to an Atlanta flight.

 

I got to Atlanta and met Dave at my gate. I think it was about 5:30 when I arrived. Soon after, Chris appeared...with a video camera. We walked around the airport and Chris stopped for a smoothie. All the while, neither of them were talking to me about the obvious. In my head I was thinking, "hello. i'm in an airport. please tell me where i'm going." We walked for a bit more and finally ended up at a gate. It said "Manchester," and I thought he was just playing a joke on me.

 

When he handed the gate agent BOTH of our passports, I realized it wasn't a joke. I'm not sure I can explain the feelings I was having...I was 100% excited and 100% terrified. I called my mom to tell her where I was going and then the next thing I knew, we were ready to board the plane. We found out right before that we would be flying "business elite," which was so crazy. As soon as I saw where we were sitting and was offered champagne, I was 100% little girl in a toy store. What an incredible flight! It was an amazing experience. I could have stayed on that plane for days.

 

After an "energizing" drive to our hostel (hostels in Europe are awesome and hotels are bad, generally...it was gorgeous and wonderful), we set out to explore a bit. Dave wanted to find his grandparent's cottage in Youlgrave. It's a village that means a lot to his family...and I'm pretty sure it will mean a lot to ours as well. After walking and looking and going back and forth, Dave wanted to take my picture in the center of the village (in front of the memorial fountain). He ran over for a timed shot, and when I stood up, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him... (and i said yes...duh).

 

Somehow, he managed to keep the whole thing a surprise, from the trip to the proposal, and I was completely blown away by him and everything he planned and all of the things we did together in England. Even when in England, I never suspected for one second that he would be proposing...I thought we were just going because our friends were there! I am still in awe of what he did. He is the most romantic and amazing man...I feel so honored and blessed. It was all so incredible. I can't really find the words to do it justice...it was perfect.

 

So...I just wanted to share that with everyone...it's a long story to tell, and there's lots more, but this is the "in a nutshell" version.  Please pray for us as you think of it during this time. To say that we're "excited" doesn't even come close...