This week marks the anniversary of our first date!❤️ Come along for the story….

How many of you caught your first glimpse of your future spouse at an international airport? And then boarded the same flight for the far north- The Last Frontier?

That was Jerald’s experience.  I never saw him until baggage claim in Anchorage.  And I thought he looked a little fierce. 🤭 I had never, in all my 23 years, ever saw such blonde eyebrows and eyelashes like this fellow had!

In September of 2008, I flew with my parents to Anchorage, Alaska, with our final destination being at a small church in Sterling.  My dad had pastoral responsibilities at that church, and this weekend, they were having baptism. Jerald was also there that weekend so that he could be of assistance in flying with his elderly Grandpa, who wanted  to attend the baptism of his two grandchildren, Jaden and Jessica.

Jerald immediately noticed this young lady from Alabama. As for her, she thought he was an average fellow. Wasn’t inspired by him or anything. Jerald flew home feeling sad because he wondered what chance will he have to ever meet her again?! I was Beachy, he was Mennonite. Not much chance for interaction. But he certainly didn’t forget! Instead, he prayed about her nearly every day for a whole year. 

Almost a year later, August of 2009, the girl from Alabama was headed up to Sterling, Alaska once again.  This time to teach at the small church school.

And how I remember that eventful trip! To be sure, I was in tears be-times. First off, our plane got way laid in Huntsville for whatever reason, thus missing my connecting flight in Atlanta. As I de-planed in Atlanta, I forgot to pick up my carry-on that was stowed under the aircraft until I was a good many steps away.  Retrieving rapidly, thank God I found it! Then rushed on to my gate, wondering how in the world I’ll manage finding my way,  besides re-booking a flight, all by myself! Atlanta Airport is not for the faint-hearted such as I, but what could be done?! Navigating trams and walkways and bustling humanity, I sped through the airport, trying to look dignified as possible, while anxieties clamored my brain, and the strap on my bag almost murdered my shoulder! I had way overstuffed my large duffle bag and was certainly paying for it! But I had a Heavenly Father who was watching over His flustered little girl. I don’t remember how long I waited, but my next flight was rescheduled yet for that day. And I flew first class with no extra charge!

Now I had never flown in first class before, so was quite unaccustomed to the flare. There was more than enough space to stretch my weary legs. I don’t remember the food that was served, but I do remember, partially through the flight, the attendants brought out warm, wet rags. I discreetly observed the man next to me as to how or what this was for.  He washed his face, so I did the same. He tried visiting with me earlier and much as I endeavored to be social, the tears kept coming in my weary, emotional state. As I sat comfortably in my spacious seat, I remember opening cards that home folks had sent with me and money kept falling out. This brought tears as well because I certainly did not have financial security.  But God was showing me, He will supply my needs!!

It was around midnight by the time I arrived in Anchorage, if I recall correctly.  My cousins, Luis and Savilla came to pick me up in his dark green, crew cab diesel Ford, which was supposedly a cool truck. We had 2 hours to drive to Sterling. Fatigue was rampant and Luis got stopped by a police for weaving!  Once again, God granted safety, and in the wee morning hours, we finally arrived at my uncle’s place, Calvin and Judith Yoder. 

I remember entering the dark house and being shown where I would sleep.  The cookstove put off a cozy warmth. Coming from the humid South, I marveled at needing heat in late August!

As I prepared for bed, I noticed my shoulders were black and blue; thanks to the overstuffed, aforementioned bag! But what was that to me? At last, I had arrived and could sink under the cozy covers.

And what do you know?! Once again Jerald and I met, but just barely.  He was up there for a month or so that summer, helping build his uncle Marvin Schrock’s house.  Particularly, he was working on finishing out the apartment above their garage for my co- teacher Norma Troyer and I to stay in. Hmmm, isn’t that sweet?? He was already preparing a place for me to live, long before we were married!

Jerald was scheduled to fly back home to Indiana about 2 days after I arrived. His intent was to ask me out when I arrived to the area. But the timing didn’t feel right. So he went home, more discouraged than ever. But still, he kept praying. I, of course, was completely oblivious to this all.

I honestly am not even sure I saw him that time.  Perhaps a glance from a distance… I do remember Norma taking me over to Marvin’s that first evening. I think we toured the apartment, but it wasn’t totally completed yet. 

There was a hub of activity around there with men putting in water lines or some sort of underground pipes. Children slopping around outside. I had to pay close attention to where I stepped because there was mud everywhere! Not an understatement. I was wearing new white sneakers, not muck boots! Everything was all so back-woodsy and down to earthish.

About nine-thirty or ten, someone suggests running out to town for McDonald’s ice cream cones. I believe they were 50 cents a cone for the summer. Whoever heard of striking out for town at this time of the night! But hey, we were in the land of the midnight sun, so why not! This was all jolting me into the, what have I gotten myself into, type of thoughts, but I joined in with a smile on my face and a tiredness within.

In about a week I settled into the newly finished apartment, and into the school routine. I had enough to keep me occupied and aside from getting homesick, I loved my life up north.

Mid-January (2010) rolls around and here comes Jerald Rhodes again, working for his uncle for another month.  He had definite motives this time. After seeing him a couple times and listening to him having devotions at church once, I finally noticed him and began praying about him. I was always rather peeved at these young guys who would try so hard to act cool.  I knew I didn’t want any of the sort. But this fellow had more to him! He seemed like a straight shooter. I enjoyed youth activities while he was there, but still, we basically ignored each other. My idea for this was, if I flirted with a guy before dating,  how could I be sure this was really God’s will for me? Or was it only our infatuation of each other that was bringing us together? I didn’t want a lifetime of doubt to nag me if I had made the correct decision. I can confidently say I was not doing anything to get his attention. This was the Lord’s doings, and it was marvelous in our eyes!

And then it was February and Valentine’s day!

Now you must realize something. Jerald was not about to write a letter to ask me out. He would ask in person! And he didn’t need anybody’s help! He kept waiting for a chance to catch me alone.  He so badly wanted to ask me on Valentine’s Day, which was also on a Sunday. But it didn’t work out! Remember, no help needed- he would not arrange anything through another person for me to meet him so he could ask me! 

So he keeps waiting. And the time of his departure crept closer!!

At last! Tuesday morning he caught me!

He lived with Marvin’s in their shouse, while I lived in the apartment above the garage in the new house that was being built during this time which was just up the hill from their shouse. Jerald was up there working on the house every day. It always gave me a little adrenalin rush if I caught a glimpse of him whenever I arrived home from school.

On this morning, he heard my Jeep start up and knew I’d be leaving for school very shortly. I always let it run a bit to warm up while I ran back upstairs to finish my morning routines. 

After brushing my teeth and gathering my bags,  I hurried down the stairs. I thought I heard someone come into the garage while I was up there; I sorta hoped it was him. Not that we’d talk or anything, but maybe we could say hi. 

I was slipping into my shoes when Jerald pounces on me with a hearty “good morning!” Immediately, he broaches the subject- “I was wondering, would you like to begin a special friendship with me?!“

And I- startled by this heavy question at 7:30 A.M. tried to keep my composure and calmly replied that I’d like to pray about it. I skiddled out the door, absolutely shocked and still reeling from the question! I mean, I had no idea! How could this be?!

I called my Dad as soon as I was headed out the lane. I started in on what just happened and burst out crying. Dad quickly assured me he knew all about it. Jerald had already asked for his blessing for a close friendship with his daughter. Dad felt comfortable in letting the decision up to me.

Throughout that day, I replayed that tiny interchange between Jerald and I dozens of times! I was thrilled! Somehow, it just felt right! Yet I hardly knew him! Definitely prayed much about it.

Nervously, I gave him my “yes” the next afternoon. I also gave him a poem that I had written about God’s unique ways of leading us together. We didn’t have much time before he would be flying back home. We had our first date very soon. 

Now let me interject here. You may think that only a day and a half is a very short time to consider the quest for courtship. But when we are earnestly seeking God’s will for the unknowns in our lives, He will give clear answers at the appropriate time. Unbeknownst to either of us, we had both been doing just that. He had been praying about me every day for more than a year! And I had been praying more in earnest the previous year or two that if there was a decent fellow out there for me that God would bring him into my life. After talking with my dad and feeling a strong leading from the Lord, who was I to prolong the situation or the suspense of the fellow inquiring?! Now your situation may be different! However, when after seeking counsel from others and feeling a strong sense of God’s guidance (in any situation), why prolong the hours, days, or weeks to accomplish His plan?

It was exhilarating to be taken out for supper, who cares if we were driving my Jeep. He didn’t have a vehicle up there. We chatted but I soon figured out he wasn’t overly talkative. I was nervous in the silences. But he soon figured out when I get comfortable, is when I get really talkative.

After we ate our supper and went to pay,  Jerald discovered his debit card would not work and he had no cash. Humbly, he asks me if I had any money.  Grateful to be of service, I assured him I did! And so it is,  I paid for our meal on our first date!! I can’t recall if he returned the money later or not, but we were in love just the same! 

A week later, I sadly bid him goodbye after I dropped him off at the Keni airport. Now, we would simply write letters or possibly call once every week or two. I did not have texting on my phone. Yes, I assure you, it is possible to court without constant texting/messaging or seeing each other several times a week!! Reading his letters and cards, I constantly kept wondering how it could be that this nice fellow actually liked me?! I marveled when he told me how long he prayed about me before he ever managed to ask me!

The next time we saw each other was mid-May after I was back home in Alabama from teaching. Of course we were thrilled to see each other again!

It was a definite God thing how He brought us together. We dated a little over a year until we got married in May 2011. I moved to his community in Southern Indiana.

So there’s kinda alot of states involved in our situation. He from Indiana. I from Alabama.  Met and began dating in Alaska.  Got married in Alabama. Settled in Indiana for the  first 7 years.  And now we’re raising our family in Nebraska! (.. for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content! Philippines 4:11)

Who can know the mysterious ways of God?!

On a different note- the winner of the tuberoses was Mckensey Wise of Barbourville, KY! 🤗 Congratulations!!🎊

And a special thanks to all those who participated in the drawing! I always enjoy hearing from my readers! ❤️