I’m not easily taken by surprise. I’m one of those people who is simply aware of everything going on around me. Generally, I’m either the first, or one of the first, to suspect and discover undercover activity. If I have reason to think that someone is planning a surprise for me, I simply close my eyes and ears and act unaware. But the truth remains that I’m simply one on whom it is very difficult to pull anything off. In fact, I thought it was next to impossible… until a week ago.

It was a Sunday and, as usual, David and Erica stayed for supper. While I was doing the early evening chores, the family started a game of Catan – a fairly long board game.

I was a little surprised at this choice since David and Erica usually want to get their little girls home and to bed not too late. Not being a game person myself, I didn’t join in, but spent a little time alone and talked on the phone with Michael until the line cut out.

After I while, I rejoined the others and began a game of bananagrams with Mommy and Evelyn. My mind was still on the cut off phone call and words like “beekeeper” and “drone” showed up on my board. When we finished the round, Mommy and Evelyn pitched in to spell other bee-related words…

All the while, I had no idea that my family had something up their sleeve… Then Nathanael’s truck pulled in the driveway at 9:30 p.m. Concerned that something was significantly wrong, I went out to meet them… and was amazed to see Michael walking up! I guess my family can actually succeed in surprising me!

It was an incredible week and the Lord truly blessed our time with Michael doing unique activities together and getting in a lot of talking.

We had a busy but wonderful time when the rest of the Staddon family joined us this past weekend. Our families enjoyed working together and the QEW conference was a great encouragement to many.

photo used by permission courtesy of James Staddon – Lenspiration.com

The Lord continued to guide our thoughts and the evening of August 26th was a memorable one, though most of the photos were taken the following morning.

Since Michael didn’t come up to Quebec thinking he would propose this soon, he made me a temporary engagement ring – humorously suitable given my barn attire! 🙂

The Lord has been so good to me. “I being in the way, the Lord led me…” (Gen. 24:27) The road ahead may be complicated with all the legalities of marrying across the U.S. border, but we trust His provision and His timing. Truly He does all things well!

We look forward to how the Lord will lead as He joins our lives together.