Well, I've been home for over 2 months from what was to date, the biggest adventure of my life. My mission was a wonderful experience! I loved the lessons I learned and the amazing people I got to interact with. Since then, so much has happened in my life. So I just want to tell you about my next adventure. The Greatest Adventure. I'm getting married!
To be honest, this adventure started about 7 years ago. I started running cross country and met a boy, I had a crush on him and he had a crush on me. Unfortunately for some reason, both of us thought the other wasn't interested. So in high school we were friends but we both went our separate ways, dating other people and living our lives.
After I got home in December, Steven and I met up and after a little bit of time, went on a date. It was a great first date. He was easy to talk to, he made me laugh, he listened, he was fun, and I really loved everything about the date. After that night, we were drawn to each other constantly. For the first two and a half weeks, there was only one day that we didn't see each other. We talked a lot and surprisingly, we never ran out of things to talk about. As I saw how naturally our relationship was developing, it scared me. I wasn't sure that I was ready for the commitment. I knew that I had to find out what the Lord wanted me to do, so I started praying every night. As I prayed, before I could even think my question, I heard a firm, "No." I guess I dismissed it until Heavenly Father told me louder. I couldn't ignore it anymore and I had to talk to Steven. I didn't understand. Everything felt so right, Steven was exactly what I wanted. I didn't know how to say it or what it meant but we sat outside the temple and I bawled as I told him that God was telling me no. I felt that it wasn't a no forever but a "No, not right now. There's something else I need you to do."
I was so torn but Steven, was supportive of my decision. He knew that I needed to follow the Spirit, despite our confusion. As we talked, I suddenly had a distinct impression, it told me, "Abby, maybe you need to be gone this summer. I need you to go help someone." Again, clear as a bell, I heard, "humanitarian trip." I dismissed it until Steven and I finished talking. He told me that he would disappear from my life for a while until I was ready and I begged him not to. I sat outside the temple and continued to cry until my mom came to my rescue. As my mom and I talked, she told me about some personal experiences she had had lately and as we talked, I calmed down and came to grips with the fact that I felt like I was going to leave the country for the summer.
I didn't know know where Steven fit in but my mom and I both felt like he needed to be in my life and an active part of my decision about where to serve my humanitarian trip. I was really overwhelmed because in a matter of a few hours, my whole world was turned upside down. I felt like it was right, but I wanted to confirm it in the temple. So, as Steven and I had agreed, we both went to the temple separately to ask. I had my dad come with me and as I sat in the temple, a few things became clear to me. 1. I was definitely supposed to go on a humanitarian trip. 2. I knew that Steven still needed to be a part of my life. 3. I was almost positive I would be going to Nepal. 4. I knew that I was going to marry Steven. (I didn't share that part with him right away :)) as my dad and I left the temple, my dad turned and asked, "do you think that maybe Steven is supposed to go with you?" I hadn't thought about that but it was a possibility.
As Steven and I talked that night, I told him what I felt in the temple and he told me. Everything that we felt connected to each other's answers so it seemed to complete each other. I told him that I felt like he needed to help me decide where I was supposed to go that summer and after a little discussion, we talked about him going as well.
So we started making plans. We applied and slowly things started falling into place. I knew Steven and I were going to get married but I didn't want to push anything, I wanted him to get that answer for himself. One night, after a long day, Steven and I were talking and he asked me what I was thinking. Out of the blue, I asked him what he thought about us getting married before we went to Nepal.
Long story short, we decided that that was the best idea. We knew we were going to get married, it was just a matter of time before we did. So why wait? We both prayed about it and it felt right. This time the Lord said yes. So, we started making plans.
We picked a date, talked to our families, picked out a ring and last night, Steven popped the question. :) it was perfect. I've always had a hard time making decisions in my life, but this one was a no brainer. I said yes :)
I know that this is the Lord's answer for us right now. It's crazy, right? I'm so excited for this adventure. It's going to be a wonderful journey for eternity. 
