We’re getting married!

It was as if the Lord was determined to bring us together. We first met per a customary introduction prompted by school locker placements in 2014. We spotted eachother at church the following weeks, and, admist that time, I passed my brother’s room to notice Deven- his newest friend- through his doorway at the first of many hangouts. Our relationship stemmed from a gradual friendship, not love at first sight, but frequent laughter, countless antics, and lively conversations. We share the same, then unspoken, moment of realization that our fondness of eachother’s company was becoming something more- at winter camp after washing dishes together sharing heartfelt conversation. BUT it wasn’t until about 9 months later, on October 25th, 2015, after a very casual invitation and uncordinated date to the Homecoming dance that we shared our feelings with eachother. Since then, our lives have been enriched as we witness eachother grow individually and together, continue to accomplish, and strive to fulfill God’s purpose - soon, unified as one.

Deven told me to be ready to be picked up Sunday, by 12:00 pm. It was a calm morning. I made my way down stairs- curlers in hair, comfiest robe. As I turned towards the kitchen, I heard my dad from the next room, “Lily, is that you? Are you all ready?” Obviously unaware of my current attire, I turned the corner to share my hilarious get-up for a date. My dad was standing with his arm outreached- an envelope in hand. He hesitated when he saw I was hardly presentable. “..I was told to give this to you.” I asked if I were to open it then or after I was completely ready. “I’m not sure. I was just told to give it to you.” Completely unsuspicious, the little, lilac envelope sat on my windowsill as I unrolled my foam curlers and traded the robe for a fall inspired look. It was close to 12 pm when I opened the letter, suspecting a romantic love letter inside, but instead were directions to “follow the clues”, and at the bottom- my very first clue. Now the clues themselves were absolutely adorable- riddleesque. Each led to a location deemed significant by a distinctive memory- perhaps meaningful, perhaps funny. There, a colored envelope containing the next clue hung from a balloon. One by one, I solved the clues and drove to the corresponding location. I concluded the last clue suggested the pumpkin patch, and I really hoped I was correct. My parents were in church, and I most certaintly couldn’t spoil the hunt by asking Deven for help. So to the 40-minutes-away, no-phone-service pumpkin patch I drove. I spotted Deven by his car. He greeted me and conversed normally. No obvious ending prize- suspicion grew and the buttferflies began to build. We walked hand-in-hand through the pumpkin patch, until we reached a clearing in the middle amongst the pumpkins. There, he knelt, and a lifelong anticipated moment became reality. Due to excitement, we remember little of what was said, but I can tell you I didn’t think I’d cry. And I didn’t. I wept hysterically. And it was perfect.