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Dearest Friends and Family,

As many of you have heard…. Derek and I are engaged. What an amazing weekend this has been. On Friday I left work to head up to Boston to spend the weekend with my parents. I left work, boarded a flight and landed in my favorite city. I got off the plane and rushed to get to DD and find my parents. As I walked out to curb side, I passed an out of towner who stated “ Ah Boston Drivers…” I guess I was walking quickly and intelligently as I navigated my way through the sightseers in the airport. As I approached the bottom of the escalator, my eyes began to focus on the most handsome man I had ever seen…. He was standing at the bottom of the stairs with roses and a smile… Derek was in BOSTON!

I dropped my bags in the middle of the walkway and ran into his arms. I was so confused as I talked to him, wasn’t it just yesterday he told me he was in Uganda and was diagnosed with Malaria?

He asked for forgiveness for lying to

me (quickly forgiven) but told me he DID have malaria

He began talking about what an amazing gift our relationship had been in his life and the ways that God has surprised and blessed us in ways we had NEVER expected. As he talked Ihave never felt so humbled and in love. Derek told me that my parents were there, and as I looked over at my mom, Derek got down on one knee and when I looked back he said:

“Julie, will you allow me to be your husband? Will you marry me?”

I couldn’t have even imagined how incredible that moment was! Of COURSE I said YES!!!!!!

We were so so excited. We celebrated with my parents (and passer byers in the airport). After I said yes, Derek stood up and said, “ OOPS, would you like to see your RING?

?”

and got in the car to head home. As we approached our hous

e, I saw that CHRISTMAS LIGHTS were set up! I LOVE WHITE LIGHTS!

Derek had decorated the house. He told me to wait down stairs as he finished decorating. When the time was ready I walked in to the back room, which was filled with Roses, white lights, candles, pictures of us, and a BEAUTIFUL table decorated for two.

We enjoyed an amazing dinner together of DELICIOUS Sushi and of being engaged. My parents came home later that evening and we enjoyed Raspberry cream pie and toasted with Sparkling Cider!

The weekend could not have been more perfect. I am marrying the man of my dreams and I could not be more humbled by the way Christ has loved me so tangibly by allowing me to marry Derek. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with him.

Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. Thank you for being a part of our journey!