Even after 5 years

Five and a half years ago I stepped into the adventure that was to become my life. It was a simple effort to become more involved with the people at my new church. There was a July 4th party going on at the pastors parents house and I decided to attend. I walked in wearing my mens army green Jinko shorts and open back tank top, feeling like I wasn't sure I should be there. I quickly found that few of the people there were dressed traditionally and all seemed relaxed and able to be themselves. I mingled a bit then went out to the porch to see who else I might meet. I over heard a conversation behind me being led my this good looking dude and thought I might jump in. Soon enough it was just him and I chatting and we were discussing the childrens home his mother worked at and that he helped at for awhile. Anyway no big deal the night went on and then I got bored and it was time to leave. On my way out I hear "Your not leaving are you?" It was the good looking dude, " Yes it was nice to meet you though" and I put a hand out for a shake. He took both my hands in his and looked me strait in the eyes drawing himself closer and said, "I hope we see you around more." "Sure, and you to" I giggled and out I went. I found this odd because I had been going to the church for a few months and never saw him I assumed he was newer than me but we later found out we started at the same time but were going on different nights. I was quickly discouraged by our mutual friends to go down that path because of his on off again girl friend. For sure I didn't want any drama at the time so I didn't pursue. But he did and although it was quite confusing for me for some time because he was so friendly with everyone it soon became apparent he was after me. August 13th he offered to help me move some last min belongings from one apartment to the next. I offered him to stay and chat and he did. Keeping the best part of the story to myself here Ill just tell you he expressed his interest in me that night. I was quick to explain to him that I was sick of dating and if we were to date that I would be dating him to find out if I wanted to marry him or not. He agreed. I figured he was lying, so you can imagine my surprise when he called me 3 weeks after we started dating and started up a conversation about how many kids I wanted. We didn't tell our friends for quite some time because they had been warning both of us it was to soon after his break up. This caused for a few funny and awkward situations. Over the next few months we talked about everything from raising our kids to the kind of house we would want. Some of our friends found out within a couple months and everyone found out in November. That is when Issac was arrested and taken into INS custody. Needless to say that I was very confused and so much went on those weeks that I cant hardly recall them. And to be honest that would be a whole other post. After we were able to bail him out I began to ask him why we shouldn't just get married, we knew he would be getting deported most likely either way. He was very unsure due to the situation, you know he had all the typical male thoughts of how can I provide for you compounded with the idea that he may end up in Mexico. I finally told him that I would not go to Mexico to visit a boyfriend but that I would move there if I had to for a husband. I left it at that and we went on dating and discussing his case with lawyers. All the lawyers we talked to were honest and told us that even if we did get married he would still get deported for at least some time. Trying to forget our troubles we took a road trip toe Houston Texas, mind you we lived in St. Louis. I vowed never to do that one again. ;)We stayed with and visited his family, I was so nervous about the whole trip but managed to communicate with some of his cousins to throw him a surprise birthday party. I was so happy to meet people from his family because up till now I knew no one. This was the week of February 10th (his birthday) and on the way home on the long drive he had been very quiet for some time. Then he suddenly bursts out with, "I'm ready." My heart fluttered but I didn't want to assume what he was saying because as I said I had rested my case. "For?" I say holding my breath. "To marry you... I mean will you marry me." No roses, no ring, no knee and I still look back on that day with a skip in my heart and smile on my face. "Of course... Of course I will..... When?" lol I have to laugh at this because it is still how we are, Im so ready to plan and get things going. Once we've made up our minds you better believe I have a plan. This of course was the topic of conversation for the next 8-10 hours of the drive.
Although immigration issues didn't make us decide to get married it did help us choose our date. He had a court date in May and I decided if he were to get deported then and there I wanted to be his wife already. So the date was set for April 16th. Although I had never really been a girl who dreamed of her wedding it turned out to be the wedding of dreams and without the cost. God provided for us at every turn and our family and church family made it happen. Gosh I think I could write a whole post just on my wedding but I wont put you through that. I am going to put up some pictures of us dating and of our wedding. The one with him holding the guarder was actually right before we started dating and at a wedding of a couple who are now good friends but at the time I didn't know them well enough to be there. So this year its been five years since we got married and I couldn't be more in love. I still often sigh with thankfulness to God a I snuggle him. Aside from the births of my girls our wedding day was the best day of my life. I hope this one wasn't to long but I actually left a lot out. Maybe for another day.