I am married!!!!

Um... those three words sum it all up right now. I am so content and happy that I really can't think of anything else to say....

More to come later!

where it all began

There once was a lad who, handsome and strong as he was, allotted himself no comfort in the realm of women, for he was a steadfast and upright sort of fellow who did abstain from the wanton pleasures that the world afforded. Though his intentions proved pure and his actions noble, he possessed in himself a quiet sort of manner that gave little assurance to anyone that showed him interest. Such was the case for Miss Porter, who felt strongly within her heart that he, Master Sawatzky, would make an excellent partner. Unfortunately, she also possessed a quiet manner that thus hindered her from showing him excessive favour. So they dwelt in exceedingly oppressive silence, he giving little occasion for hope, and she too timid to assume anything beyond acquaintanceship.

It so happened that there was an annual ball to be held on the twenty-fifth of the sixth month to honour those who had successfully passed through twelve years of education, at which Master Sawatzky was esteemed. Miss Porter, one year short of completing twelve, found herself not escorting Master Sawatzky, as she had hoped to, but the quiet and shy Master Rogers. She nearly concluded that all was lost when she espied the amiable Miss Penner clutching his arm. She remained determined, however, and displayed a brave face, attempting to prove to be equally amiable as Miss Penner.

The shadows grew long and the air cool, and Miss Porter conceded to accompany Master Rogers to a party of the dry sort. There did she find, to her delight, Master Sawatzky present, and bereft of his Miss Penner. Great as her joy was in the occasion, Miss Porter was still held captive to her petty little fears, and thus did not attempt to speak to him. It came about throughout the course of the evening that he and she found themselves situated beside one another, being warmed by the comforting blaze of a fire. It was, of course, he that instigated the polite conversation that ensued. Miss Porter, though attempting to appear engaged in his chatter, was slightly bewildered by his obvious effort to make her feel validated and entertained. You, therefore, can then understand her shock when from his mouth this proposal did proceed:

“Whilst thou do me the honour of accompanying me to yonder theatre for what is deemed to be a pleasant presentation?”

Miss Porter did not hesitate, lest her surprise be revealed, and replied, “It is agreeable to me.”

There is not much more to be stated concerning this event, for the evening quickly drew to a close. The guests gave their many thanks to the hosts, and Miss Porter was promptly taken back to her estate by Master Rogers.

When the morning sun had dawned the following day, Miss Porter found herself at quite the moment of crisis. She, knowing not why Master Sawatzky had decided to lend her his affections in such a manner and at such a time as he had, proceeded to lay her troubles on her good father and mother. Imagine her surprise when she was met not with the usual counsel, but shock that was nearly more intense than her own had been the night before.

“My fair daughter, I do believe there is a matter which your mother needs to discuss with you, for this did not happen of mere chance!” said her father.

Mrs. Porter could hardly contain her excitement, and ran up to her daughter exclaiming, “Most assuredly, most assuredly! Know you how highly your father and I think of Master Sawatzky? Though I formerly conceded to desist in pestering you with my desire for your engagement to him, I did not cease praying earnestly on the matter. On the evening before last, I presented one last request to our Heavenly Father that if He should so will it, Master Sawatzky would attempt to win your affections on the night of celebration. Therefore, my daughter, I find that, in all matters, my prayers have been diligently hearkened to and my happiness has been made complete!”

This confession from her own kin left Miss Porter in a curious state of astonishment mingled with fear, for she was by no means certain of Master Sawatzky’s affections for her. But, at the urging of her mother, she dictated and sent forth a lengthy letter informing him of her desire and inquiring of his.

The days that followed were of torment, for poor Miss Porter received no news either feeding or extinguishing her pitiful flame. Before long, the day on which he and she had agreed to attend the theatre came. Miss Porter mustered up as much courage as possible, for she knew not whether her letter had changed Master Sawatzky’s opinion of her. As he approached her, she scolded herself for being such a fool, for he was not alone. Now, you see, she thought to herself, he never had any intention of pursuing me at all. I have only succeeded in losing my most esteemed friend. The gentleman knows no other way to inform me other than to confound me by insisting upon bringing his younger brother.

Though the presentation at the theatre was well done, and though the company was still amiable, Miss Porter had entered into such a mind of defeat that she found very little pleasure in anything. Her mood was so horribly soured that when she received a letter later in the days that followed, she, at first, gave it little thought. Willing her mind to focus, she read the following:

Dear Miss Porter,

I received your letter last evening, and am admittedly shocked and ecstatic by its content. I confess that I have secretly desired your affections, but have not had the courage to confirm them. Please be assured that I feel as you do in every aspect. If only I had not been the fool and insisted my brother accompany us to the theatre. For this I must apologize, but only for a moment, for I believe we have more important matters to discuss at present.Sincerely,Andrew Joseph Sawatzky

Though her mind protested to this confession convincingly, Miss Porter could not help but be filled with the most severe joy she had ever been exposed to. Hope replaced doubt, and she forgave all the imagined faults she had ascribed to Master Sawatzky. As you might have expected, the fortunate pair did in fact enter into a most beautiful courtship, which, in time, progressed to a most timely engagement. Whether or not they lived happily ever after, we do not know, for theirs is a story which has not yet been finished.

the story

Okay, this note is for everyone wondering just exactly how and when I got engaged to Joey Sawatzky. Sit down, hold on tight...

It was Friday at about supper, and I had no idea I would even see Joey at all. We had planned to go on a date the following day, but as far as I knew, Friday was an average day. He phoned me, and soon he was over at VVBC for supper. Right after supper, my old youth group showed up to do some grounds work for the camp, and Christine & Tracy (my youth leaders) chased me down to say hi and to check my finger for a ring--just a joke. We laughed about it, and even thought about how funny it would be if I had a fake ring on that finger just to trick people.

Camp was pretty full of people, and this being the first time Joey and I had seen eachother in a month, we didn't want to be stuck amongst a crowd. It was pretty chilly outside, so our best option was to go for a drive. We headed south of camp on random country roads until we came to a sign that said, "No thru road". "This looks good" said Joey, and I just thought, "ummmm....?!?" Joey drove until he literally couldn't drive any further, and we got out to walk.

It was still really chilly. Perhaps worse. The terrain wasn't very suitable for walking, so we slowly turned back to the car, and I was trying to figure out something we should do. Shivering from the cold and hugging Joey to keep warm, I asked, "what are we going to do?!?"

And that's when it happened. He said, "What I came here to do" and bent down on one knee. (I think I gave him a really awkward look. I was confused because I thought he was pulling out a camera. "we came here to take pictures?" It just didn't make sense!) "Andrea, will you marry me?"

At this moment I forgot to breath, reverted back to my childhood, sped forward to the future, started to cry, started to laugh, and fell to my knees, all the while trying to spit out, "yes... Yes... YES!" I hugged him so tight, and I couldn't stop crying/laughing. I hadn't even seen the ring! All I know is that the man of my dreams was on his knees, completely vulnerable before me, and I loved him more than I could have ever thought possible.

I don't really know how long we knelt there in the sand together, but it seemed like an eternity. Sometime or other we remembered the ring, and he opened the case and I put it on.  (Funny how I never told him what I like, yet he bought exactly what I would have picked. NO ONE knew what I liked.) When we stood up, I could feel him shaking... not just little shivers, but big waves. He was so nervous! I don't blame him. He could not have planned a better time. I definitely did not expect to be engaged this spring!!!

Anyways, we drove back to VVBC to show everyone the ring and spread our joy. I phoned my parents (my mom's reaction was pretty close to mine, I think), and Christine and Tracy just had to laugh at the irony of how we had been joking about me being engaged prior to Joey's proposal. It was just so perfect!!!

Thanks to all of you who made a point to remember Joey and I in your prayers. I am not exaggerating when I say that God used you to carry out His will in our lives. Please keep thinking of us... I'm sure there are going to be days when I'm sure I've gone nuts and I'll need to have a good cry, but I am facing it head on--God's guiding us.... and I am so excited!

-Andrea

interruption

I have been sucked into a world I fully anticipated entering but never really expected! 12 days ago Joey proposed to me... and I said yes! I am engaged to be maried, and I could not have been prepared for it EVER in my whole entire life. There are certain things you can dream about, but you will never fully understand them until they turn from dreams to reality. That is how I feel! In the not-so-distant future I will not be "just me", but one with someone else. What a strange, intrusive, wonderful thought! What a timely interruption this is in my life... I can't even explain it. I'm afraid I am probably just going to make you more left out of the loop by writing this than if I had said nothing at all. All these things, these thoughts, these moments I will treasure up in my heart, known to no one else but God. He is a good God...

Spring is the revival of the world!

It's 10 degrees Celsius here. I think that's enough said! Oh, and I heard the familiar honking of a Canadian Goose returning from it's vacation. The world is waking up! Praise God for His faithful provision.

“As long as the earth endures,

seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night

will never cease.”

Genesis 8:22

...splendor...

I look outside this morning
to see tall, warmly clothed evergreens
frosted in shimmering white.
Royal purple sky melts
into brilliant pink,
backdropping serene hills
quietly lapping at the edges
of this quaint little valley.
As the sky lightens
and the vibrant colours fade to pastel hues,
the edges of the giants of the prairies catch fire,
set ablaze by the enduring rays
of the morning sun.
It is one last dance,
a final measure in a beautiful concert
of divine music, unheard by man,
but absolutely deafening.
The whole creation sings praises
to the glorious name of the Great I Am,
and all the people can do
is stand in awe.