Yego means Yes :)

After a crazy crazy busy month here (hence the lack of recent posts!), Bear came for a 10-day visit!! Actually, he's still here. And I am so excited to share....we are engaged!!

We spent a relaxing four days out in Kibogora at one of my favorite places in Rwanda, a quiet and lovely mission compound with a beautiful view of Lake Kivu and with a rich history of compassionate missionary activity spanning back at least 70 years. It's always fun to see old friends there (you probably know I've been out there several times already this year because of work that WR does in that region), and it's a fun place to be to meet new people who are staying on the grounds (there are a few different houses where guests can stay).

Bear and I arrived at the mission compound on Thursday, and for a few days spent time relaxing, catching up with one another, enjoying the scenery, and spending time with other guests as well as with Sheila (a British woman who runs the mission and who's been there for 25 years!). It was such a nice time to unwind from a busy work schedule and just spend time together.

On Sunday Bear and I took an early-morning walk to watch the sunrise, something I've never done in Rwanda. It was a beautiful, clear morning, with a slightly cool breeze. We walked through the nearby village of Kibogora and up a hill at the end of the road, where we had a great view of the hills across the valley over which the sun would come up. The sky began to lighten and brighten in front of our eyes, and we chatted and took photos as we waited for the sun to appear. I found out later that Bear had planned to ask me to marry him then, just as we watched the sun poke out over the hilltops across the way. But Bear noticed (and I had noticed also!) that our hilltop watch also happened to be the location where the villagers came to fill their jerrycans every morning with water from the nearby water pump, and the line for water was getting longer every minute. And while they waited to get water, they began to form a semi-circle around us, out of curiosity to see what these two muzungus were doing there! So for the sake of privacy Bear changed his mind and decided to wait!

After watching the rays of sun peek over the horizon, and after snapping a few more photos, we headed back to the mission compound for a quiet and peaceful breakfast on the back porch of the place I was staying on the mission compound. Our view looked down out over the lake, and as the sun began to shimmer in the waters and the world around us continued to stir and awaken, we reminisced about the way God has led our friendship and our relationship, and talked about the future ahead.

I remember thinking, 'Wow, I hope he asks me now....this would be perfect.' But then it actually got a bit more perfect, as Bear took my hand and began to pray, thanking God for His leading and blessing, and praying for God's guidance for the future. And then he got down on his knee, took out a beautiful, delicate aquamarine ring (more on that in a minute), and asked me to marry him... I paused, just taken up with the moment and a little bit awed at how this was really happening, so thankful for all God had done and was doing..... And then I said yes! A lot of times. In a few different languages. :)

So, that is the story. Bear is an amazing man and I feel so blessed to be with him. We didn't have good internet connection for three days after that, so we couldn't tell any of our far-away loved ones (you!) right away. And we would also have preferred to tell you individually! But thanks for letting us share the news this way. And we are so excited to share the news! I have to go right now to dinner but I will share more later.... Thank you all for your love and support!