Monday, October 1, 2007

Compassion at First Sight...

When Clint and I met in Sunday school class at our church, he said, "it was compassion at first sight (and he thought I was cute).” I was crying and had asked for prayer because I was still mourning the end of my marriage. It had been one year since my former husband had left me and Sophie (my daughter). At that time in my life, I was just beginning to emerge from the fog of grief and the pain still ran deep. I was in a new town, a new church, and I felt very alone. Clint understood my tears because his former spouse had left him as well. He came up to me after class and talked to me for a little bit and for the first time since moving to Raleigh, I felt comforted. I somehow knew that Sophie and I would be ok.

I kept a low profile that summer (2006) and spent most of my time figuring out how to be a single, working mom. By late August, however, Clint found me, emailed me, and eventually called me. We talked on the phone almost every night about everything…our past, our families, our future hopes and dreams, and God. Both Clint and I had faith that the Lord would turn our sadness into joy as he promises in his word. Clint began to pursue a relationship with me and I finally agreed to dinner and a movie towards the end of September. In mid-October, we both went on a church retreat for singles up in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. It was an amazing weekend with God and new friends and I was finally ready for a new beginning in my life. By the end of the trip, Clint and I were officially dating!





Photos are from the church retreat in Boone, NC (October 2006), my birthday party at the Cheescake Factory (that my wonderful boyfriend planned for me - December 2006), New Year's Eve 2006 (something tells me that 2007 will be a good year!), and Charleston, SC (March 2007).











































Six months later…Clint proposed!!!! Of course, I said YES (actually, I think I may have said, “wow” first when I saw the ring)!!!! Seriously, though, I was honored that Clint was asking me to be his wife and so grateful to God for his grace and goodness in my life. God has blessed me with a man who seeks after Him with his whole heart. I know that Clint will be a faithful and loving husband and he will take great care of me and Sophie.

3 comments:

KenMan said...

That was an awesome testimony Kristen. Thanks for sharing. I have high hopes for both of you. Thank God for His restoring power!

Brian Megilligan said...

Wait--who's the one girl in the picture without the glasses?

Katie P said...

How Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and story with all of us. I look forward to the wedding pictures. I am so happy that you two have found each other. I truly do miss you!!