Details

I was hoping to write something substantial over Thanksgiving break; this did not happen. But I'm aware it's been almost two months since I've last written. I started this blog to share a journey with those who might care about reading about it; I'm aware this is mostly just close friends. But that's ok. Getting it on-screen is a privilege.

So, with that in mind, I can finally state the things I was lamenting about in September.

God put a wonderful man in my life, in a way that only God can do. The details that had to work out just right for us to meet is kind of astounding, but a sign no less of the sovereignty of God.

Last April, preparations for Merrylee's wedding were in full swing. We were having a shower for her, and one of her bridesmaids, Ashleigh, was down from Boston to attend. Unfortunately, Merrylee had to work in the evening, but I told Ashleigh to go ahead and come hang out with me, my roommate Carol, and a couple of friends from Bible study. We went to a roller derby double-header, which was a lot of fun, and then made our way over to Mad Mex for some drinks and food. Nate and Alex (they host our Bible study) got ahold of our friend Everett, who had wanted to hang out, and said that he was going to bring along his roommate.

Turns out, Everett's roommate, Dave, and Ashleigh had gone to the same church in high school...back in Connecticut. So, other than a quick introduction, Dave and I barely paid attention to each other, which was fine, I was glad Ashleigh had someone to talk to and catch up with.

The weekend of Merrylee's wedding Dave brought Ashleigh to lunch, to catch up further, and stopped by our house quickly to drop her off. Again, other than the cordial greetings, we barely said anything to each other.

A few weeks later, I saw Dave at church, and decided to say hi to him. We talked a bit, and I knew that he had come on some rough times in the past year, and at the very least, probably needed some solid friendships. We adopted him into our group of friends, showed him that yes, we can roll with the punches, and would accept him for who he was, burdens and all, and slowly over the summer, we saw him become a happier person, which in and of itself was a blessing.

Dave intrigued me from the beginning. As I stated before, I knew there was a rough story there, and if anyone knows about dealing with tough times, it's me. Not only that, he was hard to get a read on, and I'm pretty good at reading people. But he absolutely boggled me. There was a time I actually thought he wasn't entirely fond of me, but somehow he kept approaching me and our group of friends on Sundays. I'd say that was God's providence.

By the time August rolled around, Dave was rolling around more and more in my brain; however, I was convinced it was a silly little crush that would eventually go away. It didn't.

By September, I was absolutely tormented by this infatuation, as is exhibited in some of my blogs. But it was a burden I knew I must bear, and one that was sanctifying. I had never spent as much time in prayer as I did during the month of September, and the Lord was definitely telling me to keep Dave in my life, and in my prayers.

On October 2nd, Dave and I went to Romeo and Juliet (along with Rachel and our friend Nils), and, after a few drinks at the after-party, it all came flooding out. I tried to keep from admitting what was on my mind --I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship--but he told me to say what was on my mind, and in the morning he would 'hit the reset button'. And so I told him, knowing it might be the only chance I got to do so.

I came away from that conversation with no expectations. I had said my piece and I was satisfied with that, even if it never came up again.

Four days later, I was sitting across from Dave at Borders and he was expressing interest in pursuing a relationship with me.

And the rest is history. The last two months has been nothing short of an amazing (and sometimes trying) start to what we believe will be an amazing journey, God-willing. We are very happy, and look forward to seeing what the Lord has for us in our futures.