twenty + engaged

Being twenty and engaged may seem unusual in this generation. Why? I’ve only graduated high school three years ago, am “inexperienced” with life and am supposed to be finishing up college and receiving my bachelor’s degree. This is half true, partially because everyone has a different way of doing things, including me. I think I’ve been through different trials these past two years that forced me to grow up and maybe I’ll go to college when I feel physically and mentally ready. As for getting married at my young age, I feel ready than I’ve ever been for anything in my life! The man I am marrying on November 2^nd of this year has been the answer to all my prayers. He’s my best friend, a lover of Jesus, my better half and the supporter of all my passions and dreams. I feel rather relieved that I didn’t have to date around the world and back to realize that Michael was who the Lord wanted me to be with. In fact he’s the only man I’ve ever dated. I used to always wonder “How do you know if you’re supposed to be with this person forever?” but I believe that the answer really lies in prayer, scripture and from the wisdom of the people who love and know you best.

Speaking of being engaged, I see a few things from a different perspective now. I sometimes like to pretend I’m already married and try to pick up after myself as much as possible. I’m still cooking and baking but now I try to cook a variety of different tastes and colors; I even tried cooking free-range lamb, which I didn’t eat myself but knew my dad and Michael would enjoy it… And they did! I am also more conscious of how I carry myself and am no longer finding myself lusting [okay maybe not lusting] but daydreaming about the cute sandals from Urban Outfitters *sigh*. I guess a good thing that my priorities are now transforming into things that the both of us will benefit from. Such as going to premarital counseling, studying marriage books, saving money for our wedding and so on. We are going to be united this upcoming fall and twenty years old (by then I’ll be 21) or not, I am ready for that. That’s all I am going to say about this subject right now… More unsolicited insight to come!

-Jessica

Excited to be alive.

Dear Friends,

Today I just finished my last day of in-patient physical therapy, and I must say I’m very amazed with how quickly my range of motion is coming back and I’m feeling truly optimistic with what I’ll be able to do after outpatient therapy! I’m dreaming of deep squats for sure! I don’t know how many times I’m going to say this but I feel extremely blessed to have had this operation, and am excited for the future because every day I get one step closer to full recovery. In your face, avascular necrosis! Okay so I’ll admit my physical well-being isn’t the only reason I’m so excited to be alive right now. Something occurred this past Saturday afternoon. Something big. Something beautiful. Something incredible, special, remarkable and spectacular!

….And that something is that I, Jessica Adriana Malave, got engaged!  And not just to any old fellow either, but to my best friend, motivator, encourager, blessing and the love of my life Michael. We couldn’t be any happier either! Our journey together has been nothing less of a blessing and though we’ve been through many trials this year, we’ve only grown to love each other more and more. God has taken care of us both immensely. He continually uses Michael to encourage me and motivate me to be the best version of myself. Michael supports my dreams and I support his dreams. Ah, I’m just so happy because we’re finally engaged after talking about it for months! Oh my word, Michael is my fiancé. Alright, I know what you’re thinking the million dollar question… How did he do it?

As you all probably know, I haven’t been out of the house much. I’ve been feeling pretty sick from the all the horrible Coumadin pills I’ve been taking, (which I stop taking on Monday, wee!) and being out of the house for longer than twenty minutes can be very uncomfortable. Last weekend we also got a lot of snow too. So, I was a little surprised and kind of suspicious when Michael told me he wanted to take me to the park where we had our first date just to “talk.” To make a long story short, we walked by the lake and we took a few pictures. He then went on to say very sweet words to me which I honestly couldn’t concentrate on because I was just waiting for it to happen. I knew it was coming as soon as he unbuttoned his coat and reached for something in his pocket. Yep. It was a black box and as he opened it he recited the question, “Will you marry me?” I couldn’t help but attack him at that moment and kiss him. After that he placed the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen in my life on my ring finger and carried me to my car.  And the whole ride home we kept saying, “Ahhh, we’re engaged” and “you’re my… fiancé/fiancée!” (said in a much exaggerated French accent of course.) All and all it was a beautiful experience and I wouldn’t have asked for anything better. I just felt the need to express my happiness to the world! By the way, I hope you don’t mind seeing wedding stuff on here for a little while. Muahaha 😉

PEACE.

-Jessica