“The hardest things in life are ‘hello’ for the first time, and ‘goodbye’ for the last time”

I’ve known Alan for almost four years and through each and every one of them, he has been an incredible example of God’s joy and of true leadership. Next Saturday morning, he will walk across a stage to accept a hard earned and well deserved college diploma.
From there, God only knows for sure where his life will lead, but I fully expect to see great things come out of this champ. He is a fighter for justice, seeks to bring freedom to the captives, and is completely sold out to the two loves of his life… the Lord Jesus and Chipotle (*wink* yeah, those two don’t exactly go on equal planes).
During his time at the school, he has served as the student body president, has made headway in helping to develop one of the school’s major programs, has been involved in multiple school plays, and has always been available to his friends (*cough* even to jump a dead car battery or change tires on the side of the road for his crazy photographer friend when she hits a ditch on a back road. Not that that ever happened *cough*).

He’s been a good friend and truly one I am blessed to call my brother in Jesus. Over the next year, or however long it may be until he is back in the delightful hills of Northern Virginia, he will be greatly missed. His cheerful spirit and heart for the Lord have been inspiring and have challenged many to further their Walk.
As he was so hilariously described as by a close mutual friend, Zach… ”A man who needs no introduction; a sultan of serenity; a protector of Spanish fidelity; a rippling hunk. Who hails from the great state of Texas, my beloved brother in Christ, Alan Carrillo.”

Alan, thanks for being awesome. Whether on this side of Heaven or the next, I can’t wait to hear how your life unfolds! :-)

I just bought a polarizer and decided to play with it. FUN STUFF!!!

I’ve always been skeptical of public marriage proposals. It always seemed like they’d be extremely awkward and, well,… public. After last night, however, I have become a believer. I had the opportunity to be in on the secret, to watch the build up to, the execution, and the acceptance of perhaps the most beautiful marriage proposal I’ve ever scene (Mr. Knightley, you just got TRUMPED!)

I’ve known Zach and Olivia for several years and have been so blessed to call them dear, dear friends. They are both college students (graduating this year… whohoo!) and they’ve known each other since Olivia came on campus in 2009. Being involved in the same social circles, being debate tournament partners, participants in multiple school plays, and just downright good buddies… their quick friendship turned into a relationship which turned into a proposal and engagement.

They played opposite one another in the college’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream this past weekend. He starred as the mischievous Puck, and she as a fairy princess. Closing night came and Olivia thought it was just another closing night. But not so. Zach had been carefully planning an elaborate surprise for her. He’d had her ring custom made; his mom flew out from Colorado to deliver the ring on the pretense of “seeing the play”; her parents drove in, and two of her best friends from home just outside of Chicago.

After the closing scene and the lights went out, the audience assumed the performance was over. Then the spotlight turned back on. Zach was beaming. In his hand was a small wooden box that contained the shimmery band that would encircle the finger of the girl of his dreams.

Olivia was in shock. She slowly made her way back up the aisle towards the stage, both in tears and laughing with joy. Zach publicly declared his love for her and got down on one knee.

Before he could even open the ring box or even say the beautiful words, “Will you marry me?” Olivia was bouncing with glee, smiling so wide her cheeks must have burned, and was shouting “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

He hardly had time to show her the ring before she threw her arms around him and they started spinning around laughing. As he set her down once more and slid the gorgeous band on her finger, her jaw dropped in amazement.

“It’s more beautiful than anything I ever could have imagined,” she told me later. “Ahhhh! He did such a goodjob! I can’t believe I get to marry him!!!”

“We’re getting married!” Zach belted as the greeting line faded to an end. “I’m going to buy an island, and we’re going to live there, forever, with kids and…. oh my goodness, I’m marrying her!”

At the final curtain call, Zach and Olivia came out last. The audience gave THE loudest and longest standing ovation I have ever heard.

Happier and more in love, perhaps, have never two people been. I can’t wait to see what the rest of their relationship and future holds. One thing’s for sure… it’s going to be a blast!