Friday, May 1, 2009

"The Story"


This past weekend Jonerik proposed to me and many of you have been asking for the story. It goes a little something like this-


Jonerik and I have known each other for 8 years. We met while working at a summer camp, became friends, and kept in touch. We both were led to attend LBC and I think I can speak for both of us on this - we were really excited about going to the same school. We spent those four years as good friends but never dated during that time (my bad). Jonerik was a steady friend throughout those years and I truly valued his friendship.



After college Jonerik moved back to Philly and I staying in Lancaster. We saw each other every once in a while and stayed in touch over the phone. Almost a year later I went to Philly to visit Jonerik one Saturday and we spent some time in center city. We rode the El and went to a restaurant named Cosi. After dinner we walked to Love Park. That night I was nervous and was anxious to talk about our relationship hoping that Jonerik would bring the subject up of us potentially dating. Instead we talked about other things and I left Philly after that evening wondering if we would ever be more than 'just friends'.




A year and a half ago, Jonerik asked me to date him (note that I had turned him down in college, saying "not right now"...and so this took an extra dose of courage) and after some thought and prayer I gladly said yes! Ever since, we have lived in two seperate cities but have worked to grow our relationship despite the distance.

Fast forward...

This past weekend I was in Philly and on Sunday night we made plans (they were already made, I just didn't know it) to go out with some new friends, Luis and Melissa. We were going to go down to center city and Jonerik suggested that we eat at Cosi. I said, "That's so funny, we haven't eaten there in over two years...since before we were dating! (little did I know...he remembered that all along)"

We enjoyed some great food there - including s'mores - just had to add that. After dinner Jonerik suggested that we walk to Love Park, since it wasn't far. It was a beautiful night and perfect for walking off a big meal.


When we got to Love Park we hung out for a little bit and then Jonerik came up and put his arm around me, with his other arm behind my back...




See the ring??

He said some sweet words...and then got down on one knee...and asked me to marry him. :)






And of course I said... "Yes!"






There is a special story behind the ring as well... but that is not for here and now and probably not for the blog. Just know that it is very special.

No we don't quite have a wedding date picked yet, but we would like to shoot for sometime this year. We are so excited to see how God's hand moved throughout all of these steps in the journey. It was not an easy process, but He is faithful and I'm excited to see how He continues to move in our lives individually and together.

There are more fun pictures at this link - http://picasaweb.google.com/redeemedartist/TheEngagement?feat=directlink#

Melissa is taking a photography class right now and has a final coming up so she was taking pictures the whole night - convenient. :) Isn't Jonerik great?

There was a post-engagement interview as well:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=509988493488&ref=mf

3 comments:

Parke said...

Thanks for sharing this, Emily. I love and respect you both a lot. I'm looking forward to seeing you folks take your next steps together.

Carisa said...

YAY, YAY, YAY!!!!!!!

Hey, did you know that I am really HAPPY for you???????

:) Love you so much and so glad you are now a permanent part of our lives...forever!!!!

:) Carisa

Shannon said...

WOW! We are so happy for the two of you! We are praying for you both as you plan your future together! It's an incredible trip and you picked a wonderful guy to go through it with! We love you both!