Easter & Updates

First, Happy Easter everyone! I just got back from a beautiful outside service at Gleason Park with Church for the Beach. I was worried it would be super hot (I'm wearing a dress with a cardigan) but then I remembered that I am The Amish One and live practically without air conditioning, plus all the chairs were set up nicely in the shade of the trees, and it was perfect. The music was great, the message was great, and it really got me into the "Easter mood".

As far as updates, there aren't really any... except that the whole fiance visa process probably won't begin until the end of summer. There was never a question that I am going to Nica this summer, just like every summer, because we don't know the next time I'll be able to be there in summer and I want to be able to spend all of July doing what I love to do down there. Plus, the entire visa process will cost a lot of money, and it's just something we're not able to do right now. Things should be better at the end of summer, so we will most likely file the paperwork at the end of July or beginning of August, when I am starting my school year back up.

There is no way to tell right now what the timeframe will be, but from what I am reading in most places, the visa process can take anywhere from 3-6 months. (And in case you don't know, the requirements of the fiance visa are that we have to get married within 90 days of Jorge setting foot in the US.) So my best guess (and it is definitely just that, a guess) is that we may be looking at a wedding anywhere from December of this year to April of 2012. While I definitely want him to come sooner, I have always pictured myself getting married in March or April, especially because I picture most of the event taking place outdoors. But, just like with everything else, it's in God's hands and ultimately, it will be perfect because it will be in His timing.

As far as the wedding, it will be super small and intimate, and like I said, be mostly outside. And I think it will be perfect. I have never been the type of girl to dream about a big, lavish wedding, or to browse wedding dresses or rings online. I have, however, thought about how to make a beautiful day out of very little. My only major requirement is that it be a day in which we celebrate our love with touches of both of our cultures and both of our languages. When it comes down to it though, I honestly don't care what it ends up being like, as long as my groom is there and we get married. The rest is just icing on the cake (there WILL at least be cake :)).

Enjoy your absolutely gorgeous Easter Sunday! I am enjoying a quiet day getting some stuff done and then will get to spend time with some great friends for dinner tonight. and all the while I am hoping and praying that this is the last major holiday I spend not being at Jorge's side.

¡Comprometidos!

It's time for an update, friends. Two things:

Jorge and I are engaged!

And, we are planning on living in the US for a school year or two.

Where to start? Well, my flight on Sunday went without a hitch. I was still griping about how I missed a whole day in Nica and how I had to spend 25 hours in that god forsaken airport, but I went on my way and was happy about it.

Jorge and I spent nine wonderful days together. We didn't really do a whole lot - we did make it out to the beach one day, the pool one day, watched several basketball games at the park, watched tons of baseball games on tv (bummer for me), and Jorge played in both one basketball and one baseball game. Other than that, we were lazy and relaxed while spending time with his family. It was great. And oh yea, we got engaged on Tuesday! I know, I know, I'm late in telling everybody the news... but I had to wait until I told my family, and that wasn't until last night when I was getting back into town.

There are not really a whole lot of details to share. There was nothing fancy, no grand scheme, no horse-drawn carriage, no ring even. just a perfectly-posed question, and then two people making a promise to each other. and it was beautiful.

The next several days were spent in long, intense conversations spread intermittently among our relaxing days' events. I had recently brought up the thought that it might not be so bad for us to spend the first part of our life together in the States. I desperately want my friends and family to get to know Jorge, and we both feel that's an important part of setting a good foundation for the future. So, after many discussions and lots of prayer for guidance, we decided that is what we shall do. The scary part is that we turn again to the visa process - this time for a "fiance visa", which is more of a 'sure thing', but lots more paperwork, money, etc. We don't have a time frame, so there is no way to set a date for the wedding... but I've already got several offers from my amazing friends for help in throwing a great DYI wedding :)

The support we've already been shown from so many people has been overwhelming. and very much appreciated. We feel very blessed and very loved. I am so looking forward to spending the rest of my life with one Jorge Lopez. The question now is whether I will be "Jacqueline Tracy Lopez" or "Jacqueline Rebecca Lopez Tracy" (Nica style)... however, to make one thing clear, I will NEVER be referred to as J.Lo! (Wendy!!!)

As my good friend Danielle said tonight, there is nothing conventional about Jorge's and my relationship. We don't get to see each other on a normal basis; we don't speak the same first language; we come from supremely different backgrounds, different countries and different lifestyles.... We will never have the 'normal' life that so many people crave... and coincidentally, these are the very things I love about "us". Stay tuned :)