And this is our Love story

What happened Friday night is nothing like I had ever pictured, but the way that Matt asked me to marry him was everything I never knew I wanted. It was perfect. I have wanted to marry him and we'd talked about it, but I was SO surprised because I thought it wasn't for a while.
I wrote this after it had happened:

"Today has been such a crazy day, and I totally over booked myself with just 5 hours of sleep. I turned in a 15 page paper, attended a recital, took a test, worked and performed in a concert. That was all just from 9-5. I was running from one event to the other praying that God would help me to make the night happen. Thank you for helping me keep sane while getting everything done today. I had an event tonight: A photo shoot where my friend Leah, a professional photographer, was coming to capture the beautiful women of cottages 20 and 21. I didn't think anyone was going to show up, but 14 out of 17 came! This is one praise of many Lord. I enjoyed using make-up to accent the beautiful features each woman had. I didn't want any of them to feel flawed. We all had so much fun taking pictures with different poses. If there are any single Godly men out there in need of a hot date, shoot, I got plenty! Leah is so gifted with working with high maintenance people. It was loud with music and laughter, but she patiently made art with each pose. It was funny because I kept thinking why are Kendra and Chris hanging around. So Matt shows up looking really hot, and I thought: Wow he even flat ironed his hair. That's a first. And he even has a suit jacket on. Hm, he looks good and he thinks he's going to get into the pictures.
Well, little did I know that Rob, Leah and Matt had it all planned out. We started taking pictures and Leah suggested different poses. It was fun and I was clueless. Matt then says, Oh, I can I try one? Oblivious me says yes and he drops to one knee. In my head I am thinking, wow-this is embarrassing in front of all these people, and say out loud-"What am I doing?" Ha. I am silly. Leah says well, I think Matt can tell you. Matt proceeds to try to convince me to look at him. I was SO surprised. He told me he loved me and then said something like this: I love you means just as much as that awkward time I first said it one my drive way. I am amazed by the way you've challenged me to love, encouraged me to love and how you have caused me to love so much deeper, not just you but everyone, and love others the way we have wanted to. One of the things that we have learned together is that life is about making choices, and Brittany, I choose you. With this ring that my grandparents started a lifelong relationship 55 years ago, I wanted to know if we would start one together? Will you marry me?
I proceeded to say yes and give him a bear hug. Thank you Lord this dating thing is done. We get to love each other, you and your people together for the rest of our lives."

Life is about community. I had always said that getting proposed to in front of other people would be so embarrassing. The more I have thought about it these last few days though, I know it was perfect. I pray that the girls in my cottages would see how God has changed us and know that God knows their desires and if it's His will for them to be married or not, it will all work out if they do it His way. Biggest thanks to Leah and Rob, Kendra and Chris.