Well this is late and over due. I apologize immensely. I have just been so consumed with life and transition writing it all up seemed a bit overwhelming. However, I will not let that stop me. I have been in the UK for just over a week now visiting my beloved, one last time before I apply for my visa I won't be able to travel once I apply. I return to Tennessee on May 30th. So I figured since I had some down time while Nathan was at work what better time to update you all.
I am sure most of you have heard or read. I AM ENGAGED. I am so excited to finally make this great leap into a new and terrifying adventure with Nathan. He is more than I could have ever of imagined in a Partner for life. We have been through a lot and after 13 months of mostly long distance dating, visiting 5 countries together and seeing each other at our best and worst, there is no one I would rather spend the rest of my life getting to know and loving.
Our wedding is in Tennessee on October 3rd. We will then have a Reception in England on the 17thof October for friends and Family who can not make the trek to the USA.
I have been back in the Western world for about 5 months now. Working. Saving money. Planning a wedding. All things I thought I would enjoy, but have been surprised at how difficult it has been. Finding my place in my community again, figuring out who my friends really are, how to keep constant intimacy with Jesus, loving my fiancé while on different continents, sending my mom off to live in Israel, and planning a wedding I have no money for. I'm not gonna lie and say I have been soaring with butterflies and rainbows. It has been hell in all honesty. I have been stretched in every possible direction. Broken to an entirely new level.
But in ALL circumstances God has been teaching me to choose joy! Sometimes it seems like the most simple things in life can teach us the deepest lessons. Among choosing joy, also choosing hope! Hope for an amazing future and wedding. Among joy and hope, Faith. Faith for finances, provision, help with life and wedding plans in general. I never thought coming back to america and planning a wedding would stretch my faith box more so than living on the mission field ever did.
I have just 4 more months in America, before moving my entire life to England to settle, even if just for a couple of years. Nathan is the Assistant pastor of a Vineyard Church in Farnham, England. I will join him there until God releases us to our next phase of life. I have no clue what God has in store, but that is usually best right?
Moving to England is a whole new type of mission field for me. The church here in Farnham is very hungry and I know God is ready to pour out His presence in this place. Nathan and I both feel called, for a season, to serve and poor into the church here and see how God uses us and the church to impact the community around.
I am so excited about the move, but also very... well, scared. I have become quite attached to my beautiful home in Tennessee where I will always have family and a community of amazing beautiful people who have supported me through my insane life, and of course warm sunny weather.For me, my wedding is a time to not only honor my new husband and commit my life to him, but also to honor God for his amazing goodness in my life, and to honor my friends and family and say one last goodbye and thank you to everyone who have supported, cared, and raised me throughout the years. Which is why for the reception I want everyone to feel welcome to come. We may not have enough food or seats, but if you have been apart of my life in any capacity I want to thank you and you are welcome to stop by.
There is still so much to do and Nathan and I could really use any help that is offered. We need $2,000 by June to apply for my visa to move to the UK. Even with saving money each week from my pay check I have only raised half and that leaves no money for our wedding. Flights to America for Nathan and for us returning to England after the wedding are also a high cost. As well as finances for the wedding itself. We have no money saved for our wedding so anything we plan will come out of pocket. We have not asked for wedding gifts as moving them to the UK would be more of a hassle than a blessing. So if you feel at all obliged to donate to our wedding fund we would be extremely grateful any amount is helpful.
