100 days challenge - Gives Thanks day 73 - The Proposal

Cairns where two world heritage sites meet and a place where I found a diamond ring.

On 13 June 2013, the most unromantic boyfriend decided to do something special; to propose at Shangri-La Cairns.

I have nothing to suspect about as it is very common for us to travel together for his race. Something different was that I were extremely busy at work that I hardly have the time to plan any itinerary, so Aaron decided to take over this opportunity to give me a surprise.

What a wonderful joke it is.

It was 4 days after his race; we were adventurous on that day that we decided to go for white water rafting at the Barron River. The day ended pretty fun, tiring and with lots of bruises. It was a rare occasion that he suggested to have a nice dinner to end the day and gave me time to dress up (though I were too tired to dress nicely. *Regretted*).

At North Food and Wines with Sea view

Suspicion arise when the restaurant and bar manager of the North food and Wines, Illy Toloa-Suaniu, brought a bottle of wine, calming that it was the restaurant “lucky draw” and we were the lucky ones. I thought I were over sensitive about things and were embarrassed about myself but I soon put this aside when the seafood tower that we ordered were presented to us. 

Good wine, Good view and a Good ambience

Seafood Tower

 We took our time enjoying the dinner, but I bet Aaron was struggling internally throughout this meal. I reckon it is always a tough mission for any man to pop the question. As for the wine I mentioned earlier, I felt bad not to drink it since it was a gift by the restaurant, so started to drink a few sips while enjoying the lobster, smoked salmon, crayfish and shrimps. It is the best combination I would say. Unknowingly, I drank half the glass and it was more than I could handle. I was feeling sleepy and requested to head back to the hotel to rest.

Before I could stand up from the dining table, the manager has stepped in saying that she has prepared a dessert for us. This was when I knew it is “the moment”.

The specially customized dessert with the ring setting on top with the strawberry 

I saw the ring on top of the customized ice crystal ball and that brought me to tear. Overwhelmed with joy! Aaron was caught off guard too, because North Food and Wines were so kind to help organize this occasion that Aaron only has to do the bare minimum of handling them the ring.

“What am I supposed to do next?” That was his respond, bringing about laughter within my tears.  No fancy speech like he did while emceeing, no animated actions like he did in Sunday school but just a simple “Will you marry me?” and at the same time trying to kneel down with his sore legs. However, all these melt my heart, how could I reject? *blush*

Though no fanciful speech, he jotted down our dating journey in his personalize drawing album. It wasn’t easy to have an endurance dating of 6 years but it definitely taught us how to love and understand each other; and that how we like it, we are endurance athletes.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Thanks to all the friends that contributed the ideas, suggestions and/or simply keeping the cat in the bag. Thank you Illy and North Food and wines for the months of coordination and the surprise. Thank you my fiancé for loving me. Thank God for the angels He places in my life.

The wonderful lady behind the occasion

A special thank you for North food and wines for sponsoring the wine and customized dessert for our special occasion. If you would like to hold a special occasion there:

Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns Pierpoint Road, Cairns, Queensland, 4870 Australia
Tel: (617) 4052 7670 Fax:(617) 4031 2815 Email:illy.suaniu@shangri-la.com Website:www.shangri-la.com

To end off, I’m engaged!

100 days challenge - Gives Thanks day 65

God has open the door that I have been waiting for. But I have various concerns. I hope my worries wouldn't hinder God's miracle to happen in my life. Have been praying and till the day comes I'm hopeful and excited. On the plane now to Darwin followed by a 2 hr transit to Cairns. Loves my life, loves what God has provided me with. Off we go again for another race. Flying off in a minute... Bye!