My life has been a roller coaster ride over this past year. In fact, over the past four years. Jobs that I thought were promising ended in disappointment, relationships came and went, and God and I had our struggling moments. But finally, things have started coming together in effortless fashion… like it was meant to end up this way. A new chapter has begun in my life, and I could not be more excited!

It all unknowingly began on a Friday night in February when Sean and I met for the first time. And it elevated to a new level this morning when Sean took me on a sunrise hike at Cloudland Canyon (Lookout Mountain). I woke up at 4 a.m. thinking, “What in the world are we doing?!” but I left thinking “Oh my gosh, I’m engaged!” As we were appraoching the 1.5 mile mark, I saw this opening where these huge rocks overlooked the canyon. It had rained the night before, so everything was the brightest green possible and the fog was beginning to fade as the sun was rising on the hills. It was truely breathtaking! And then, I look over, and Sean is pulling a gorgeous diamond ring out of his backpack. I thought I wouldn’t cry, but as soon as I saw it and heard him say, “Will You Marry Me?”, I did!

Of course, I said YES!

Now that we have made the journey back home and the phone calls have been made to family and friends, we are exhausted. Sean is taking a nap, and I’m too excited to sleep but too tired to do anything. So, my friends (and family), the new chapter of life now begins!