Kari and Donny

Posted Monday, July 28, 2008 10:02 AM

 Just Friends

Donny and I met about five years ago. From the moment we met, we seemed to hit it off; however, we were only friends, and that was how our relationship grew…as friends. In December 2005, Donny left the States to work in Iraq for a government contractor. We kept in touch via email and letters. It took him leaving the US for me to realize how much I missed him and needed him, and that he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. In April 2006, I mustered up enough courage to tell him I wanted more than just a friendship with him. I wrote a letter telling him how I yearned for an amazing relationship, how I didn’t want to settle for just ordinary, and that I wanted him. Donny immediately sent me an email and expressed how much he had always wanted to be my other half. It was from that day on we began to fall more and more in love with each other.

Long Distance

 Every four months Donny got a vacation, and we met up as much as possible. But it was never enough. Luckily, I was able to gain employment with the same contractor at the same base as Donny (with his assistance, of course). In February 2007, I made the journey to the Middle East and we were finally able to really spend time with each other as a couple. The environment left much to be desired, but at least we were together.

Our Trip to Egypt
 
In July 2007, we took a trip to Egypt. Our trip also included a five-day visit to our hometown of Colorado Springs. In Egypt, we stayed on the Sinai Peninsula, right on the beautiful Red Sea. We had chosen the Sinai Peninsula because of its unbelievable diving; we’re both PADI-certified. Before leaving, Donny and I had been looking at rings online; however, I was convinced he wouldn’t propose until we were both home for good. So in Egypt, we relaxed and enjoyed the pyramids, the Sphinx, diving, and so on. 
 

An Underwater Proposal

 The latter part of our time in Egypt was spent diving. Our final day of diving included three dives. The last one was a very relaxed and slow-paced dive. Donny and I hung back from the rest of the group. After about 10 minutes underwater, he signaled to me to stop and wait. He started adjusting the pant leg of his wet suit. I thought something was wrong until he pulled out a Ziploc bag with a note and ring sealed inside. The note read “Will you marry me?” on one side and “This is your temporary ring. Your real ring is waiting in Colorado. I love you Kari.” Of course, I couldn’t physically say yes, but I know my eyes got very big, and I nodded yes and held his hand for the rest of the dive. 
 
I never expected Donny to propose at such a time or such a place! It was an amazing surprise. After the dive, we were able to enjoy the sunset on the boat ride back to our resort in each other’s arms. Every moment was perfect. Donny is such an incredible person; he never settles for anything ordinary when it comes to me or us. He came up with such a remarkable and memorable proposal.
 
After that, we went back to Colorado. Our family had planned a little get-together to welcome us home. While a few had expected it, I think most of them were surprised when we announced our engagement that night. This time, he got down on one knee and proposed to me with my “real” ring. It was such a perfect trip with two unforgettable proposals…and rings!
 
Today we’re planning our August wedding and looking forward to our permanent return to the US in June.