Announcement

 We are getting married on January 27^th, 2007 in Big Rapids, MI

                                                Will you join us??????

well, the time has come to say...

I'M ENGAGED!

**  The Proposal  **

derek and i have been praying and talking for a couple months now about going forward into marriage. the process of laying down individual dreams and ambitions has been painful at times, but always freeing in the end. the laying  down and giving up makes room for new dreams to arise - together. needless to say, i've been expecting a proposal in the near future, but had no idea it would be last weekend!

derek was supposed to be leading a backpacking trip down in indiana, so i didn't think we'd get to see one another. i came home late friday afternoon after a long day of school, work, and meetings, only to find this package waiting for me on the front doorstep. i had planned to babysit my nephew that night (later to learn that that was part of the scheme to make sure i was around on friday night.) derek had left a scroll inviting me into a surprise of an evening - a scavenger hunt. he included a beautiful card with special words and clue #1. in that moment, i really felt God nudge my heart and say, ‘Adrienne, take your time and breathe this whole experience in’...so i took the liberty of taking a shower (which i hadn't done for a couple of days - it was needed!), gathered my things, and began my journey around grand rapids following one clue after the next that led to significant places where derek and i have had special times. each location had a flower waiting, a creative photograph/card with deep words about God, our relationship, memories, or life and then the next clue. derek had made a mix of music for me to listen to in the car. (later i found out that one of our friend's, nate, was following me around to each spot taking pictures.)

after over two hours of driving around, the last clue led me up to big rapids to my grandma's house. in the dark, derek had a trail of candles leading out to a little one-room log cabin back in their woods. he had the whole place decked out with candles, a beautiful table set, and warm dinner made. when i got there, he said - let's just take this slow. derek washed my feet as an act of committing his heart to me in service, he turned on a mix of worship music that he had put together with some of our favorite songs, and we spent time on our knees worshipping and praying. it was more beautiful to me than almost anything. then we ate a good meal, and talked and laughed. afterwards, we danced for awhile. he had me close my eyes and gently circled around me praying and whispering kind words and prayers into my ears. then, got down on one knee, asked me to open my eyes, and said, "adrienne, will you marry me?" i giggled and laughed, and then said YES. we rolled to the ground laughing and praying. it was wonderful. we went out to my parent’s house where gram and gramps, my sister and brother-in-law, and parents were waiting to celebrate with us.

the whole experience was more than i could have imagined or dreamed up by myself. and truly it showed me how much both derek and God know me. that two and a half hours in the car by myself, driving around singing and worshiping the Lord, reading the profound words that derek had written at each location, really prepared me to say yes. had it happened quicker or more suddenly, i don't think i would have received it as well or been in as much peace.

so, we still don't know about dates. there are some times in january that we would really like to go for, but we may decide it's best to wait until summer. i'll let you know soon!

friends of the xanga:

i have long been retired from my days of posting inner thoughts on the world-wide web; not purposely, just by default to a busy life and, dare i say - a relationship with a boy.

currently living in grand rapids, michigan. somewhere in the mix of school, work, and establishing new friendships in the area, i found myself growing to know and like a young man who lived in a community house with my sister and her husband. his name is derek. he's a wonderful gift from God; one filled with beauty, truth, and conviction. we are compatible in many ways and have come to understand and appreciate one another well.

we broke up. he's living in colorado for the summer and then to grad school in indiana for the fall. though i care for him strongly, i don't believe it's the right time to be pursuing a relationship and i want to know Jesus more as a single woman. this time of separation is painful, but hope lives in it.

the journey continues. summer in michigan is incredible. grace is drawing me and teaching me how to trust and lean and listen and be still and silent. a lifestyle of contemplation...to know the Fire within.

finishing my last two years of school at calvin college in the international development program and journalism. a study abroad is required. i will go to africa. so much is to come.

i am excited about life. excited about Jesus. i love you all. thank you for your friendship.

i've fallen off the face of the earth...will you meet me there?

i'm waiting for you, sigh, always waiting.

you dance to the beat of a different drum; your moves, your ways are so peculiar.

i like them though.

lightning flashes in the sky. droplets of color swoon to the ground.

i sit in the middle of the field, alone. 

maddening rain dowses me like a waterfall.

the urges and impulsiveness, broken.

i wait.

in the distance i hear the deep echo of your voice, resounding in every thump 

it harmonizes with the beat of my heart.

through the wind's howling cry and fierce tears that fall fast from the dark clouds, your pulsation moves closer

alone in the field, alone in the storm, so alone, so alone i wait

night's lurking shroud whispers in my ear

who's voice will i hear?

out of the darkness, the distance, you come dancing

dancing to the beat of your drum

each beat signifies your freedom, your life, your healing

the rain takes hold of the wind's hands and circles around you

lightning leaps over you

your beat is the pulse of all creation

the song of your heart sings throughout the field

my soul begins to sing your song too

i stand, jumping and spinning with the autumn leaves 

i waited. i waited for your song. my heart knew its rhythm, but i could not hear its melody

now i hear, and i join,

with the swaying trees and whistling crickets and even the silent stones...