Daniel & I had been dating for only 8 months when he popped the question, but we had been the best of friends for nearly 4 years. For more than half of our dating relationship, Daniel & I have been separated – living in opposite parts of the world. You see, Daniel is a South African and I am an American. We met during the four years I was serving as a missionary in South Africa. Unfortunately, shortly after we began dating, my situation changed and I had to move back to the U.S. out of financial necessity.

The distance was so difficult; but, God really used that difficult time in our relationship to build upon the firm foundation He had been establishing over the past four years. Being apart really solidified that we were “the one” God had for each other.

In December 2010, I was able to come back to South Africa for a visit. Daniel had been telling me for a while that he had a surprise planned for me. I did not really think anything of it because he often plans little surprises for me. I knew he had been working with the jeweler to have my ring made, but I also knew it was not finished yet. So, when he told me that my surprise was going to be the next morning, I really did not suspect anything.

Daniel arrived at about 7:00am and he began to prepare breakfast for us. After a bit, he took me outside and gave me a folder with several sheets of paper in it. I was given specific instructions that I was only allowed to look at 1 sheet at a time, and only when I was instructed to do so.

As I pulled out my first sheet of paper, I found that Daniel had drawn me a picture of us playing basketball out back on our basketball court. So, he took my hand and we went outside and played an early morning basketball game… After our game, I was given my next sheet. On this one, I found a drawing of us dancing. So, Daniel took my hand and we started to do a little sokkie – no music, but it was such a special moment… On the next sheet, Daniel had drawn a picture of us doing a Sudoku puzzle. So, he led me to the dining room table, where we did a Sudoku puzzle together… I received my next sheet, which showed us having breakfast together in the lapa. So, Daniel sent me to my room, as he finished preparing breakfast and brought it all to the lapa… When Daniel was ready, he sent me a missed call me to let me know it was time for me to come out. As I reached the lapa, Daniel told me to look at my final sheet. On it, he had drawn an arrow, with the words “What’s that?”

As I turned to look at him, he was down on on knee. I think my heart stopped, I was so shocked. I stood in stunned silence, as he told me how much he loved me and told me how honoured he would be if I would be his wife. I nodded my head in agreement; but, I could see that he wanted to hear it. So, somehow, I managed to find my voice and excitedly proclaim “YES!”

It was such an amazing and incredible moment – better than anything I could have ever imagined. I am a very sentimental person, so to have him incorporate all of the things we love to do together – that was SO special! Words cannot even explain how excited I am to spend my life with Daniel! I am SO thankful God brought him into my life, and I cannot wait to be able to walk by his side, holding his hand for the rest of our lives!

This article was posted by Celebration.co.za - South Africa Wedding Guide.