Engaged!

Saturday morning started off dark and early. Karsten woke me up at 5:45 to try and catch the sunrise. We drove up to the Blue Ridge parkway only to that it was closed due to the lingering mounds of snow. It was also a very cold morning and the sky was overcast, no sunrise to be seen. We walked from the car over to a stone bridge and sat on a blanket to try and catch a good view. We took some pictures to document our time, and then hurried on to the next stop on our winter morning adventure.

Next Karsten took me to the South River in search of some waterfalls. We passed the waterfalls the first time around, but found a nice bench beside the river and sat there while the sun tried to burn through the clouds. Snow covered the ground and the mountains all around. The water was an icy teal blue. It was all so beautiful. I was enjoying spending time in the outdoors with my best friend, not sure whether to expect something more or just be content with how the morning was going...

After finding the waterfall and stopping on the side of the road to take some pictures, we continued on in search of Lake Merriweather. But instead of finding this lake, we came across some caves! This was a big surprise for both of us, but a lot of fun (We're definitely going to have to go back with flashlights and explore them more extensively) 

By this time it was bright and sunny, and it was getting close to lunch time, or at least it felt that way. We were both hungry and tired, and ready to go home to eat and take a nap. But Karsten had one more stop in mind. On the way back to Lexington, he drove through Goshen and stopped by the river. This spot had special significance for both of us because we'd gone on many rides together through Goshen this past spring, and it is one of Karsten's "favorite spots in the world". It was there on the snowy banks of the river that Karsten told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life having adventures with me, and then asked me to marry him. 

I said yes! 

The ring is absolutely amazing. It was worth every bit of time I waited. It is so special. And even more amazing is the fact that Karsten will soon be my husband! He is such a gift from God, I am continually so amazed at God's provision and blessing on our relationship! I couldn't be happier or more excited!