But I still welcome all the questions you have. I understand any hints of doubt or curiosity. So, this blog is a response to E-mails.
"How did you guys meet?"
Josue has been at Los Pinos Church of Christ for the past 5 years. When TORCH showed up to help construct and work with the church, Josue was present. I remember practicing my Spanish with him, because at the time, I knew very little. I was just a silly Gringa. So, for a few summers, I would see him when we visited Los Pinos.
When I moved to Honduras two years ago, I attended Los Pinos on Sunday mornings for about 4 months and, once again, would practice my Spanish with him and just joke around as friends. Then, I started attending church in Mololoa and lost contact with him.
Back in September of 2006, there was a huge youth rally held at Baxter Institute. It was for churches all through Central America. I had never been to such an event in a Spanish-speaking country and was quite nervous. But the preacher at my church talked me into attending and participating in a skit with his freinds. So, I went as a representative for Bryan and Aldo (two teens at church).
As soon as we pulled into Baxter, Josue was with a group of friends at the back gate. I was relieved to see someone my age and that I was comfortable around. Everyone knows that the chaperone should not crowd the teens, so I tried my best to leave the boys to hang out with their friends. Yet, I was still a little lost with the fast-speaking Spanish and new schedule and such. So, Josue was pretty-much there every step of the way. He was fun to be around, spiritually uplifting, and helped guide me through the youth rally.
We hit it off that weekend and began to hang out almost every day and then date unofficially. We just had a lot of fun. I didn't take the relationship seriously. Those of you that know me recognize that this was out of character. So, when I returned from the States in November, "we" (basically me) decided to stop seeing each other. I told him that I wanted to have a serious relationship.
In the next month and a half, I truly missed my best friend. I didn't realize how much he meant to me. In January, I called him to ask if he wanted to meet for lunch and catch up. We did and both confessed how miserable we were without the other. He asked me to date officially and commit to a serious relationship. And, now, here we are.
"How are your parents taking all this?"
Most of you know that my parents don't even want me here in Honduras...let alone marry a man who is tied to the country. My parents are truly good people that love me. Selfishly, they want me to live as close to them as possible. How many of you don't want your loved ones near?
We often disagree on "what is best" for me. I am happy, incredibly happy, more than I have ever been in my life. God is blessing my work; wonderful friends surround me; I have an amazing boyfriend. Life is not perfect, but, I don't think it will ever be perfect. I miss my friends and family in Nashville more than they will ever realize. However, if I were to move back to Nashville now, I would have a hole in my heart for Tegucigalpa.
Simply put, please keep them in your prayers. Being far from them does not mean I don't want their approval and love. But I have made my choice and am blessed through it. I live here in Honduras, and God has brought Josue into my life. I hope that one day (even if it is ten years from now) they will accept him and understand my joy.
"Where and when are you getting married?"
I have to admit that the location is a difficult thing. I have always dreamed of getting married at Rural Hill with family and friends nearby, Lissa and Donna doing my bridesmaid dresses, Russ performing the service, Renee playing the piano, Courtney singing "Endless Love" (okay, just joking), etc. But, even though it is possible, it is difficult to get Josue to the States for this. And, even if I could, I couldn't do that to him. This day is for both of us and both our families. His family doesn't have the permission to travel to the States nor the money to afford the plane tickets. On the flip side, my family and friends have the financial ability and legal permission. Those who truly want to be a part of this day will have to really want it. It will take planning and money. And, I will be the more happier to have you here. I understand that there are many of my friends that want to come with all their hearts, but they won't be able to do so. I am sorry for you, but know that you are here in spirit the entire time.
We just decided the date...March 22nd. It is the Saturday at the end of Ezell's Spring Break. I am sure that you can guess that we picked this day to work around the travel possibilities of my family. We want to have a week-long celebration with loved ones at a vacation resort 2 hours outside of the capital. So, we are encouraging family and friends to fly in as early as the 15th of March to spend together the week before the wedding.
