SURPRISE!

This has been a most delightful Spring. There is one thing in particular that makes this Spring stand out from all others. This is an amazing story that I just must share!

You may have seen pictures of a radient bride in the last grouping that I posted! That is my freshmen roommate college, Fanchon. This winter her fiance', Trever, contacted me. He asked me if I would like to come to their wedding, and shared that he was willing to cover my trip in order for this to take place! He wanted to do this all as a surprise and wedding gift to Fanchon! My response? Well, I was completely dumbfounded - and said I can't believe you even have to ask! OF COURSE! Ever since that moment I have been completely humbled that I was on the receiving end of such an incredible gift. You see it is extra meaningful to me as in being so far away from friends and family in the US there are lots of special moments like this that I miss. But because of the extreme kindness and thoughtfulness of another, I didn't have to miss this extra special moment.

The story gets even better. Not only did Trevor pay for my way, but he ended up paying for Bennett's way as well! Now the great significance of this is that Bennett got to spend 4 days bonding with Grandma and Grandpa while I was in SC for the wedding. Raising Bennett overseas, one of the most difficult things is being far from my side of the family - but here I saw in an incredible way that God cares about that concern; and provided through Trevor a wonderful opportunity to make sure we stay closely connected!

Overall, our director gave me (and Bennett) the freedom to stay in the US three weeks. We spent Bennett's 1st Birthday there, Easter...and got to see all of the beautiful blooms of Spring in Ohio!! Bennett loved being with his Grandma and Grandpa! He was learning all kinds of new things with them, to play peek-a-boo, to wave, to clap...and during our stay there was when he really began to get into walking! (This meaning assisted walking, where someone is holding on to either hand as he goes!) Ever since then he definitely has being on the move on his mind...practically ALL the time!!! It was a really rich and treasured time!

Back to the wedding,...it turns out that not only did I get to attend the wedding, but I got to be in it! When Fanchon's mom and dad caught wind of Trevor's idea, they came up with the plan to ask me on Fanchon's behalf to be a bridesmaid! When Fanchon's mom contacted me with this proposition, it was like the icing on top of the cake...and again my response was an immediate and humbled YES! This too was so neat as Fanchon was a bridesmaid in our wedding, and so now I was being given the chance to to get to stand beside her in hers too!

Well, all Trevor and Fanhon's mom's work to keep the surprise secret paid off, as Fanchon was indeed completely surprise! We had 2 full days to spend together before the wedding...and then the wedding day itself. I loved getting to be with her again after 3.5 years had past since last seeing her at our wedding. I also was so glad to get to reconnect with her family...see her and Trevor together...and to get to know her other best friends (the other bridesmaids) better! It was an amazing time that I will never forget. And I will never get over the size of this gift that was given to myself, Bennett...and my parents! I think we were the ones who received the most from the whole deal!! Thanks again Trevor, Chip, and Dorsey! And thank the Lord for using this opportunity to bless us so much!! And thanks honey, for supporting Bennett and I in going on this trip!