2011 is here, along with many changes.

Hi. I’m not necessarily sure what to say… it’s been many months since I’ve been on my blog, and I miss it. I have a running list of things I’ve been wanting to share and get my readers caught up on. I have yet to summarize my Africa trip from a year ago. Hmmmm… where do I start now?

Well… I recently got ENGAGED! hee hee. Wow. Major change. Can I just say that God has been really kind to me the last few months. I don’t think I fully understand what a wonderful man God has given me. Let me introduce you to him…

About a year and half ago in 2009 I went to a Christmas party. I wasn’t necessarily sure I wanted to go, but I thought it would be good for me to “mingle” and perhaps make new friends. Plus, my sweet friend Diane was there and I wanted to spend time with her. Well, contrary to how I tend to be, I was not in the mood to “mingle” when I arrived at the party. I felt awkward, and introverted. Honestly, I just wanted to leave, but didn’t want to go home and be alone.

Upon arrival I said my hellos and poured a drink, and tried to make myself look interested. While standing around, a tall man wearing a black suit, carrying a Cannon camera around his neck, came over said a few words to me and showed me some pictures from his camera. I was somewhat interested, since I thought he was a bit cute. But, he left just as quickly as he appeared to me. I thought he was weird. I remained at the party, but remained in a gloom mood.

Fast forward to the summer of 2010… I had some friends encourage me to get on one of those online dating sites. I obliged, and considered it a good opportunity to conduct an experiment of sorts and learn about social behaviors. Little did I know one of my matches would be the man I’m currently engaged to and the man with the Cannon camera. When I first saw his profile appear on my matching site, I thought he was a player. I judged him by the picture he posted. I thought he was too good looking, and out of my league. I filed his profile away. But, then somehow we found ourselves communicating and going out on a few coffee dates, etc. He’s a total sweetheart. He adores me and I adore him. I keep thinking to myself about how sweet he is and about how big his heart is.

Earlier this month, Ken proposed to me at the bottom of the Grand Canyon at Havasu Falls in Havasupai. I was soooo overjoyed that all I could do was cry right after excitedly saying Yes. Apparently my family had known about his planning to propose to me months before, and were anticipating the news about his proposal. This October he and I will tie the knot and I’ll finally be able to call him my husband. I remember when I was first introducing him to friends and family during the initial stages of our dating relationship I always had to stop myself short of saying “This is my husband” – Ha! Now I will not have to stop myself. ;)

Tonight, I’m looking at him as he naps. This evening we baby sat  a family member’s child… Ken was helpful in keeping spirits alive. I love him so much. He’s beautiful and I couldn’t be happier or more lucky.

I’ve learned that relationships aren’t easy, and they take a lot of work, but they are worthwhile. I’ve also learned that I can be quite the stubborn ass. I hope to improve in the latter, and I hope Ken will remain patient with me. It can only get better, especially by the grace by which God allows it.

Keep us in your prayers, if you pray, as we begin our life together. So much planning is happening associated with our wedding, and the little details associated with merging two independent lives together. What can I say, but I’ve been stressed a lot lately. I am hopeful and pray that the stress will subside.

I hope to post pictures soon. I also have pictures and stories to still share related to Africa and art projects I’ve worked on over the last eight months. I wish I could say I’ve been doing a lot of volunteering lately. It has subsided, and I’m still trying to get balanced with all the changes that have occurred. I have so many interests, desires, and plans that it’s really hard for me to stay focused. I ask, please be patient with me. We’ll “connect” again soon here on my blog. Until then…

Blessings to you all.

-kari