REFLECTIONS OF US
A Work in Progress ...
As I sit here at my laptop tonight, I can't help but to reflect, .... to look back on the times we've shared together. How is it possible to have loved a person so deeply, whom I had, at that time, never met in person? As I reflect tonight, I see a relationship that started as a friendship and grew. I soon found myself asking the question, " Who will be the lucky man to marry such a Jewel as this ? " Was there a man that deserved such a Precious Treasure? I knew I didn't deserve her. She had a Beauty and an Innocence about her that I admired! Her heart and mind were not contaminated by the world. No desire for a lot of material things, not interested in being the center of attention, a deep love for her family, and a love for God. So many good attributes: ( honest, kind hearted, fair, gentle, loving, creative, smart, hard worker ) She could be serious at times and at other times be silly. She knew in her heart that God had a great plan for her life. She often stayed out at night, looking into the stars with a prayer. The girl is Amazing and so Beautiful ! What man could really know her and not love her? I thank God I had the opportunity to get to know this Precious Jewel.
As time passed our Friendship grew. Soon I found myself thinking, " What would she say or do if I told her I Love her? " It was something I wrestled with for several weeks. Deep inside I knew I could love her for the rest of my life, but I also was consumed with the thought, she deserved so much more than "Me". I was faced with a choice. I could remain friends with her, and wish her the best on her future, ...... or ...... I could step out and try to be the Special person in her life that she deserved. So, after several weeks of thinking about it, I took a deep breathe, and during one of our chats I did it ! I Slowly Typed it out, "I Love You" . then I deleted it ( hehehe ) . Then I typed it again and sent it. I even wrote the date down in a book, Oct. 4, 2009. Since that day, things in " Our Little World " have just gotten Sweeter each day. In just a couple more weeks I had another surprise for her. Her Birthday was coming up (Oct. 16th ), and I wanted to do something she would never forget for her birthday. With the help of her Family, I planned a wedding proposal. I had Sarah plan a Big Birthday party and invite all her friends. We planned out the activities and the food. What Sarah did not know was that I was also chatting with her sisters online, and they helped me pick out a ring for the Special occasion. I had also wrote a poem for the Special Day, entitled Say You'll Be Mine...(Poem is on one of our Tabs :-) ) In the middle of all the excitement at the party, Janice (her sister) got everyone's attention and told them that I had a Poem that I wrote for Sarah for her Birthday. Janice read the Poem out-loud in the Microphone that was set up. At the end of the Poem was the Question ......"Will you Marry Me?" I'm sure Sarah must have been caught off-guard by all of this, but I had it all timed, and as soon as the Poem was read to Sarah and her friends at the Party, I called her on her cell, and read it to her again, and asked her to marry me !! And she said ..."YES"..... YEA!!!
Each Day would soon be filled with a desire to get to meet this Awesome Lady in person. I thought to myself, would I be able to actually plan a trip to the Philippines and make a personal visit. It wasn't long before the thought consumed me. I was on a tight budget already, but I knew that where there is a will, there is also a way! So, I started making plans and saving. First I got my USA Passport (November 2010) ,that was the easy part. Next, I began to check on the cost of tickets and to inquire about the cost of food and hotels. I originally planned on just staying at her house for the whole 2 weeks, visiting with her family and friends. Then the thought came to me, it would be so much nicer to really spend time with this Awesome Lady without the distractions of family and friends for the first week. She and I discussed the possibility of flying away to a nice vacation spot, with just the two of us.After several places were considered, we decided on Puerto Princesa, Palawan. We picked out a place to stay in Palawan while on vacation, and I paid for that in advance. I immediately began to save the money that was needed for the airfare and other expenses. I told a few friends at work about my plans, and many of them were excited for me also. They wanted me to bring pics back to my workplace after I returned from the trip. I began to get some clothes together that I would be bringing on the trip. Since I was not sure exactly what to bring, I enlisted the help of a female friend, Lisa, that told be what to bring and what not to bring, she was helpful and gave some good opinions. Each day grew with Excitement for both myself and my Little Princess, we were looking forward to December 24, 2010, that would be the day I would fly out from the USA, headed to meet the Most Awesome Lady on Earth !! Finally, the day had come and excitement grew with each new flight ! Finally, I had reached the flight I had been waiting for, my 5th and final airplane ride.As the plane touched down in Cagayan De Oro, I could hardly believe that I was about to meet the Awesome Lady I had been chatting online with for so long.After getting my luggage, I headed for the door that would lead me to the long awaited union. As I walked out from the airport doors I wasn't sure what to expect. After searching through a small crowd I spotted her and her family. Wow! .... there she was, a Beautiful Princess ! It was a little awkward meeting for the first time in person. I greeted the Family and Sarah and we just smile at each other. We got a cab to drive us and her family from the airport to her house. I chatted a little with her family on the way, and about 20 minutes into the ride, I decided to give Sarah a big hug, and we chatted a little. We were both a little shy at first but as the evening progressed the shyness wore off and we began to enjoy spending time together. I stayed at her mom's house that night and before going to bed, we prepared all our things for our Amazing trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The next morning we would be flying out of Cagayan De Oro and eventually landing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. I know Sarah's mom must have been a little worried about me taking her daughter so far away. I told her that I would take good care of her and that I would behave and be a gentleman while we were away. Sarah and I had already discussed this also, and we determined to ........ behave while there.
Upon arriving at the Puerto Princesa Airport we found our ride waiting for us, and we were soon off to the resort we would be staying at for one week. We had planned to leave all our problems and concerns behind us for one week, and to just enjoy each other's fellowship. We had both been working some crazy hours up to this point. This week would be work and stress free. We had planned 3 different tours in advance and were looking forward to each. The week flew by and we had a great time getting to learn each other's personalities, likes and dislikes. Each tour we had was great, another opportunity to see the "real person" we had been chatting with so long. We enjoyed Snorkeling, boat riding, eating out, site seeing, swimming, looking at some interesting animals, an underground river tour, and shopping at many of the Island stores. Every Morning we would have breakfast together at the resort, and then again in the evening.
As much as we hated to see the week come to an end, it did. After a week in Palawan we found ourselves in flight, headed back to Cagayan De Oro, then onto San Pedro, Initao. I was looking forward to another great week. This week I stayed at Sarah's Family's house. I was able to spend some good quality time there. It was great getting to know Sarah's mom (Isabel), and her sisters (Loma and Deb); (and the goat in the back yard :-) ) I was able to visit the grave site of Sarah's Father. I also was able to go to a party and meet her Grandfather (Lolo) and many other family members. Mom did a great job at keeping me well fed, I enjoyed the food.
Just as before, another great week came to an end. January 2011 found me on a plane, headed back to the USA (without my Princess ). Sarah and I continued to chat for several months. During this time we started looking into all the details in acquiring a Fiance' Visa for her to fly over to the USA, so we could be married. We started the Process on October 6, 2011. The Process was not really complicated, just time consuming. Finally on June 28, 2012, about 17 months after I left my Princess in the Philippines, I was able to see her again as she flew into the Houston, Texas (USA) Airport. We were married on August 20, 2012! We are excited about what the future holds for us. We have many plans and goals already. We thank God for seeing us though thus far, and we know He will continue to guide our path.
A Work in Progress ...
As I sit here at my laptop tonight, I can't help but to reflect, .... to look back on the times we've shared together. How is it possible to have loved a person so deeply, whom I had, at that time, never met in person? As I reflect tonight, I see a relationship that started as a friendship and grew. I soon found myself asking the question, " Who will be the lucky man to marry such a Jewel as this ? " Was there a man that deserved such a Precious Treasure? I knew I didn't deserve her. She had a Beauty and an Innocence about her that I admired! Her heart and mind were not contaminated by the world. No desire for a lot of material things, not interested in being the center of attention, a deep love for her family, and a love for God. So many good attributes: ( honest, kind hearted, fair, gentle, loving, creative, smart, hard worker ) She could be serious at times and at other times be silly. She knew in her heart that God had a great plan for her life. She often stayed out at night, looking into the stars with a prayer. The girl is Amazing and so Beautiful ! What man could really know her and not love her? I thank God I had the opportunity to get to know this Precious Jewel.
As time passed our Friendship grew. Soon I found myself thinking, " What would she say or do if I told her I Love her? " It was something I wrestled with for several weeks. Deep inside I knew I could love her for the rest of my life, but I also was consumed with the thought, she deserved so much more than "Me". I was faced with a choice. I could remain friends with her, and wish her the best on her future, ...... or ...... I could step out and try to be the Special person in her life that she deserved. So, after several weeks of thinking about it, I took a deep breathe, and during one of our chats I did it ! I Slowly Typed it out, "I Love You" . then I deleted it ( hehehe ) . Then I typed it again and sent it. I even wrote the date down in a book, Oct. 4, 2009. Since that day, things in " Our Little World " have just gotten Sweeter each day. In just a couple more weeks I had another surprise for her. Her Birthday was coming up (Oct. 16th ), and I wanted to do something she would never forget for her birthday. With the help of her Family, I planned a wedding proposal. I had Sarah plan a Big Birthday party and invite all her friends. We planned out the activities and the food. What Sarah did not know was that I was also chatting with her sisters online, and they helped me pick out a ring for the Special occasion. I had also wrote a poem for the Special Day, entitled Say You'll Be Mine...(Poem is on one of our Tabs :-) ) In the middle of all the excitement at the party, Janice (her sister) got everyone's attention and told them that I had a Poem that I wrote for Sarah for her Birthday. Janice read the Poem out-loud in the Microphone that was set up. At the end of the Poem was the Question ......"Will you Marry Me?" I'm sure Sarah must have been caught off-guard by all of this, but I had it all timed, and as soon as the Poem was read to Sarah and her friends at the Party, I called her on her cell, and read it to her again, and asked her to marry me !! And she said ..."YES"..... YEA!!!
Each Day would soon be filled with a desire to get to meet this Awesome Lady in person. I thought to myself, would I be able to actually plan a trip to the Philippines and make a personal visit. It wasn't long before the thought consumed me. I was on a tight budget already, but I knew that where there is a will, there is also a way! So, I started making plans and saving. First I got my USA Passport (November 2010) ,that was the easy part. Next, I began to check on the cost of tickets and to inquire about the cost of food and hotels. I originally planned on just staying at her house for the whole 2 weeks, visiting with her family and friends. Then the thought came to me, it would be so much nicer to really spend time with this Awesome Lady without the distractions of family and friends for the first week. She and I discussed the possibility of flying away to a nice vacation spot, with just the two of us.After several places were considered, we decided on Puerto Princesa, Palawan. We picked out a place to stay in Palawan while on vacation, and I paid for that in advance. I immediately began to save the money that was needed for the airfare and other expenses. I told a few friends at work about my plans, and many of them were excited for me also. They wanted me to bring pics back to my workplace after I returned from the trip. I began to get some clothes together that I would be bringing on the trip. Since I was not sure exactly what to bring, I enlisted the help of a female friend, Lisa, that told be what to bring and what not to bring, she was helpful and gave some good opinions. Each day grew with Excitement for both myself and my Little Princess, we were looking forward to December 24, 2010, that would be the day I would fly out from the USA, headed to meet the Most Awesome Lady on Earth !! Finally, the day had come and excitement grew with each new flight ! Finally, I had reached the flight I had been waiting for, my 5th and final airplane ride.As the plane touched down in Cagayan De Oro, I could hardly believe that I was about to meet the Awesome Lady I had been chatting online with for so long.After getting my luggage, I headed for the door that would lead me to the long awaited union. As I walked out from the airport doors I wasn't sure what to expect. After searching through a small crowd I spotted her and her family. Wow! .... there she was, a Beautiful Princess ! It was a little awkward meeting for the first time in person. I greeted the Family and Sarah and we just smile at each other. We got a cab to drive us and her family from the airport to her house. I chatted a little with her family on the way, and about 20 minutes into the ride, I decided to give Sarah a big hug, and we chatted a little. We were both a little shy at first but as the evening progressed the shyness wore off and we began to enjoy spending time together. I stayed at her mom's house that night and before going to bed, we prepared all our things for our Amazing trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The next morning we would be flying out of Cagayan De Oro and eventually landing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. I know Sarah's mom must have been a little worried about me taking her daughter so far away. I told her that I would take good care of her and that I would behave and be a gentleman while we were away. Sarah and I had already discussed this also, and we determined to ........ behave while there.
Upon arriving at the Puerto Princesa Airport we found our ride waiting for us, and we were soon off to the resort we would be staying at for one week. We had planned to leave all our problems and concerns behind us for one week, and to just enjoy each other's fellowship. We had both been working some crazy hours up to this point. This week would be work and stress free. We had planned 3 different tours in advance and were looking forward to each. The week flew by and we had a great time getting to learn each other's personalities, likes and dislikes. Each tour we had was great, another opportunity to see the "real person" we had been chatting with so long. We enjoyed Snorkeling, boat riding, eating out, site seeing, swimming, looking at some interesting animals, an underground river tour, and shopping at many of the Island stores. Every Morning we would have breakfast together at the resort, and then again in the evening.
As much as we hated to see the week come to an end, it did. After a week in Palawan we found ourselves in flight, headed back to Cagayan De Oro, then onto San Pedro, Initao. I was looking forward to another great week. This week I stayed at Sarah's Family's house. I was able to spend some good quality time there. It was great getting to know Sarah's mom (Isabel), and her sisters (Loma and Deb); (and the goat in the back yard :-) ) I was able to visit the grave site of Sarah's Father. I also was able to go to a party and meet her Grandfather (Lolo) and many other family members. Mom did a great job at keeping me well fed, I enjoyed the food.
Just as before, another great week came to an end. January 2011 found me on a plane, headed back to the USA (without my Princess ). Sarah and I continued to chat for several months. During this time we started looking into all the details in acquiring a Fiance' Visa for her to fly over to the USA, so we could be married. We started the Process on October 6, 2011. The Process was not really complicated, just time consuming. Finally on June 28, 2012, about 17 months after I left my Princess in the Philippines, I was able to see her again as she flew into the Houston, Texas (USA) Airport. We were married on August 20, 2012! We are excited about what the future holds for us. We have many plans and goals already. We thank God for seeing us though thus far, and we know He will continue to guide our path.
