¡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 :)