Shout it from the rooftops!

I have found the one my soul loves- her name is Stephanie Cole.

From May 9 thru the 20th, Stephanie came to South Korea to visit me once again... and my life has changed forever. To be honest, my top priority has not been to update this blog while she's been here. In fact, ever since Steph arrived, I have hardly touched my computer. My life adjusted to focus on the one whom I am completely in love with- giving her my time and attention. We both knew the task that faced us- to cram all the Jarrod and Stephanie time we've missed over the past 4 months into 11 days, making each moment seem as if it were weeks spent by each other's side and in each others arms - We were up for the task :)
But now, seeing as Stephanie is back in America, the time has finally come to sit down and type out our experience. There's lots to be said about all the memories we've made, but for the purposes of this blog, I'll stick with the one you'll probably be most interested in.
So, Friday was the big day. Stephanie and I rode to Lila Elementary where she was immediately received as a movie star- with kids chanting her name, drawing her picture, or doing silly things to get her attention. They loved her and I was so glad to have her with me. Then after school, my time came...
We took a motorcycle ride and ended up at Namsan- a mountain in Seoul, surrounded by the city on all sides. There was a walk-road on the mountain, and it led to a quiet place with a gazebo and bench. Sitting on the bench, we opened up the Bible to Proverbs 31 and thus I began the declaration of my love.

I then took her by the hand and led her into the gazebo.. got down on my knee and asked Stephanie to marry me. The best moment of my life was hearing her respond with a confident yes! I feel as though I have no greater gift than having her in my life. You mean the world to me Stephanie, and I am forever grateful to our Father for giving you to me- You truely are my priceless jewel.

If we could choose only one word to describe this time of our lives, then it would have to be 'Blessed'. We have not stopped receiving blessing upon blessing from the Lord in big and small ways. We feel the strong support from our family and friends as well as the people here in Korea who have shared in our joy with us. I could go on and talk about the specifics, but I need not here. We are confident in where the Lord has brought us. Timing has been key throughout our whole history together- and it has been amazing to have the Lord's confirmation that now is our time. We have been preparing our whole lives for this and the time has finally arrived.
Steph and I declare with confidence that as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging Him and His ways, He has and continues to unite our spirit, show us His favor, and direct our steps. We are excited and ready to see all that the Lord has in store. And so we enter into this new realm with smiles on our faces, love in our hearts, and Christ as our guide.

I love you Stephanie, with all that I am.

He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22