Like I promised, here is our engagement story!

It was Sunday, December 4, that Drew proposed to me. He disguised it as "my idea" because, on our last date night, I had suggested that we spice things up with a more spontaneous agenda than renting Redbox movies over and over. So, he had suggested that we go up to Berry after church that next Sunday. Of course, I thought that was a great idea! Since Berry is our alma mater, it was not unusual for us to go there. After going to church Sunday morning, we went out to lunch. I spent almost our entire lunch time talking about how sweet and loving the Lord is for giving us each other right before a very difficult year; He knows exactly what we need. We also talked about our dreams for who we want to be as a couple. We said that we wanted to always be passionate, pursuing Christ together, fun-loving, spontaneous, loyal to friends and family, and an example of God's redemption and love.

After lunch, we started our trek up to Berry. I remember on the way up there, I reached over to hold his hand and noticed it was clammy. I said, Drew, you're hand is clammy. That's weird. To which he made up some excuse. Then, he started becoming really protective of our time together and I said, You're acting weird. Next year, I'm going to know when you're going to propose because you'll be acting just like you are now. Wow. Set myself up much, eh? You can tell I was completely clueless. Drew had done an excellent job of convincing me that it would be a long time before we could be engaged. Drew asks me on the way up to Berry what I would like to do -- a hike, walk on Broad Street, hang out at Retreat... I suggested sitting on the swing down by the pond at WinShape Retreat that overlooks the mountains and fields. He thinks, perfect.

We sit on the swing and talk for about 30-45 minutes about our life together and what a great day it had been. Then, right as the sun came out from behind the clouds, Drew turns to me with a twinkle in his eye and a loving look on his face. He begins to tell me what a blessing I have been to him and how much I mean to him. Then, he says, Can I ask you two favors? I say, Sure. He reaches for my hand and says, Can you move your legs, they're cutting off my circulation? Haha! I had my legs draped in his lap on the bench. At this point, I'm still clueless, thinking he is just being his sweet, funny self.

Then he starts moving to get up and I glance his right hand holding something in his jacket pocket. That's when the thought crosses my mind, Is he about to propose? Immediately followed by, That's impossible. It's supposed to be a long time before that happens. But, as he gets down on one knee and pulls out the little black box, my first thoughts are confirmed. I'm overjoyed and shocked as he begins to propose to me through his tears. Jennifer Lee Mischler, I would be honored if you would be my wife. He pulls out a beautiful ring that he designed and reset from his grandmother's engagement ring. After asking if he was serious, I jump up and hug his neck, exclaiming, yes! yes! yes!

For the next hour, we are on cloud nine. I don't know if you're ever felt an out-of-body experience, but if you have, you know what I'm talking about. We both felt overjoyed and free - like a better version of ourselves. Finally, we calmed down enough to start calling and texting close friends and relatives.

It has been an absolutely wonderful time. I had no idea that I could love him more than I already did, but I do. Everyday becomes better and clearer than the one before it.

I love him. He is my home.