Above all we can ask, think or imagine...

We’re all eager to hear a good love story… Russ and I are thankful to share ours with you. Not just because we are beside ourselves with joy, but also because we want to give honor to the God that loves us ALL so much. After all, His story is a story of love, because He is a God of love.
The story begins, to our knowledge, about five years ago. A couple from the church I attend in Bolivar became missionaries for two years at the medical center in Glennallen, Alaska. Eventually, a report drifted my way of a single Christian teacher named Russ who sounded like my kind of guy. My thoughts: “Too bad… he lives in Alaska!” Fortunately, no circumstances are bigger than God.
Years have a way of passing. Many years of wondering if the desires we had and the calling we felt to be married, would be fulfilled. We prayed. Friends prayed. Family prayed. Many did not understand. We did not either, but held on to our trust in Him with all we had.
Eventually, I took a step of faith by becoming a member of a web-based match-making system. Several months later, I was matched with a man from Glennallen, Alaska. His name was Russ. Although I instantly recognized this was the same guy my friends had spoken of years ago, Russ had no idea who I was! He immediately initiated communication with me and I responded with interest. I could tell right away that those reports that had drifted down like snow from Alaska were true. His character shone through!
Being teachers, our Christmas break presented an opportunity for a visit. Russ flew me all the way from Missouri to Alaska. With blessings from my parents and a few close friends who I knew would be praying for wisdom, I departed on a prayerful journey that would forever change my life.
I anticipated a wonderful visit, yet had no idea what God had in store! We connected in person as well as we had through email and by phone. I enjoyed meeting his family and close friends, and sensed more confidence in who he was. We shared meals with several married couples who shared their love stories with us and prayed with us. We knew that God was up to something here. One of the tests for me was whether I would feel a sense of belonging in a small town like Glennallen. When we drove through town, I found myself drawn to the quiet neatness of the buildings scattered down the one main road into town. When I left Alaska I sensed that my life was forever changed.
Russ and I have discovered something wonderful. Not only each other, but a God who is so concerned about even the smallest of details. After praying for years, very specifically, you begin to recognize those answers to prayer. We recognized His answers and praise Him for allowing us the mercy and grace to have found each other. Who knew that 4000 miles away, there was a man who would so specifically fulfill the desires of my heart? Russ tells me he feels the same way too.
Will you marry me?
February 22, 2008, I woke up to yet another snow day. A week earlier, Dad had asked me to take that day off school so he could take mom and I out to eat, then watch me skate. He had never seen me skate in person. God gave me that day off by sending a little snow our way! After a great lunch and conversation at the Olive Garden, we headed for Jordan Valley Ice Park near downtown Springfield. This is a place I‘ve grown to love over the past two years, as it had been a dream of mine for some time to learn to figure skate.
I laced up my skates and headed out onto the ice to warm up, while mom and dad found a place to watch. There were only 6 or so other skaters out on the ice, and what appeared to be a mom and dad with video cameras pointed near the center of the rink. I thought that was nice of them to video their kids having a great time on the ice, but was trying to avoid the middle section where I normally practice. I continued practicing with my regular focus. After several laps, I noticed a tall man skate near me. He was wearing a bright red hooded sweatshirt. When I glanced over at his face, it looked shockingly familiar. Could it be Russ? He said something to me and I stopped skating, just staring at him… He fell at that point and asked for help. It was Russ! A thousand thoughts must have whirled through my head all at once. “When did you get here? What are you doing here? But you were at work last night, you called me!” Russ patiently listened and answered and guided me closer to one of the video cameras. I noticed a small microphone tucked inside his collar. Could it be? His voice began shaking as he began the proposal speech he’d so carefully planned. I really don’t remember what he said, though I know it was all wonderful. I was still processing all the details of the moment. He bent down on one knee…the moment I’ve waited for all my life. He pulled out a small box, opened the lid, and I saw my ring. “Will you marry me?” Finally, a “Yes.”
The others in the rink burst out in applause, then the children who had been skating brought over long stemmed roses. They were part of the surprise too! The family I had been skating with were Russ’s good friends from Alaska, who are now living near Camdenton, Missouri. (Clark, Wanda, Grant, Kendra, Garrett and Keith Brown.) Clark and Wanda captured the whole event on video and we continue to relive it over and over. We are thankful to have it to share with others. What a small world, and what a big God.