Eighteen Years Ago

Eighteen years ago on a beastly hot Saturday morning, John David and I took are vows to be honor, love and cherish one another till we no longer draw breath.

Dave and I met under interesting circumstances which seem to have echoed throughout our entire lives. I was traveling on a short-term mission project with a group called Caleb Project. They sent young missionaries throughout the U.S. (in teams of 5) speaking to college campus groups (InterVarsity, Campus Crusade, etc.) about missions. I was representing the mission agency with whom I was intending to go with to Pakistan that next Spring. This was the Fall of 1987. My team was made up of a married couple and another single gal. We were training in a small town just outside of Wichita, Kansas. Teams were supposed to be made up of 5 but there was no other person at training to join our team.

Unbeknownst to the 4 of us, Dave, located in Wichita, was planning on joining Caleb staff and the head office suggested he join our team prior to moving out to California. The office said the decision to have Dave join us would be up to us, since we already trained and bonded together for almost 3 weeks. Dave met us at his church in Wichita (We just happened to have a speaking engagement there with the college group). Our leader, Sid, knew what was happening and presented us with the option of having Dave join us. We took a vote and I reluctantly said yes, reluctantly because it was nice having so much more room with one less person.

Well, Dave likes to say, he's been taking up room in my life ever since. We gone many places together (from Pasadena to India to Denver to Uzbekistan to England to Germany to Vancouver to Denver and now to Sparta). We've worked together, in the same cubicle well and not so well. We've had four children, changed occupations, prayed together, cried together, dreamed together.

It's been not an easy ride but well-worth it and the right ride. I would never trade any of these 18 years.

Thank you dear husband for knowing for so well, so intimately and still, everyday say, "Hello, wife of my youth," and everyday say, "I love you." You are my Knightly.

WHO IS YOUR JANE AUSTEN HUSBAND?
Your husband is most like Mr. Knightley of Emma! He probably gives you kind lectures to help you in certain matters, though he does these out of true devotion and in your best interests. Others look to him for his wisdom and good sense. He is generous and steadfast, though not afraid to politely argue with you. The two of you enjoy a challenging, sweet partnership and are most likely very active in your community.