Saturday, December 29, 2007

Engaged!

Yesterday I took Leah up to the Cave Shrine and asked her to marry me. The cave shrine is an interesting place. It was a secret place for christians to worship, and then after they were killed it reverted to a Japanese shrine. The Christians were fighting the rulers of the area and used old shrines to defend themselves. They chopped off the stone heads of shrines to throw and shoot at the samurai ordered to kill them. So many of the statues in this area are missing their heads.

So this cave has an important historical significance and the people worshipped in secret here trusting that God would protect them. I'm sure they became very close, those handful of worshippers. I think the cave has a spiritual significance as well.

So I got Leah to hike up to the cave (roughly 400 meters). She sort of knew was was going on, but didn't say anything. When we got there...

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18 comments:

Jeff Hebert said...

WOOHOO!! Congratulations to you both, the Hick Texas contingent of the family is thrilled beyond words. You two will make a great team, we can't wait to congratulate you both in person.

Tell Leah welcome to the family from us!

Anonymous said...

That is fantastic news!!!! Congratulations, son. Me, mom, Anna, Siti and all the McGarry's are gathered together this morning reading this and we are very happy for you both. The shrine was a perfect setting, one you'll always remember. May your love endure like the faith of those remembered there. Leah, you lit up that cave just by your beauty. Paul, very romantic. Cannot wait to see you again.

2008 is already shaping up to be a great year. Best wishes, love to you both.

Dad, Mom, Anna

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! You done good! You went to Japan and got engaged to a girl from back home. I just went to the next town. Your dad didn't even leave town! All our love, Uncle Joey and Aunt Debra.

Paul Hebert said...

Thanks guys! It's good to be loved!

H said...

congratulations bro! good call on the setting, you did it with style! a toast, a bow, and a hug to you both.


guddorakku paul-san!

Unknown said...

Mon Congrats Paul and Leah!!! Ya'll make a wonderful couple and Dorothy and I are so excited for you both.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Paul and Leah. I am so proud of the wonderful man and person you have grown up to be Paul. Leah, we are happy to welcome you to our family. may od bless you both as you plan to spend your lives together as one.

Love,
Aunt Debra

p.s. thanks for the pictures of your special day!

Anonymous said...

sorry for the typo. May God bless you both.
Aunt Debra

Paul Hebert said...

Thanks everyone, I'm so glad that even though I am so far away I feel very close!

Anonymous said...

Paul! Our love and best wishes come to you and Leah. Having someone you love accompany you on life's journey is one of life's blessings. I heard on a movie once that one of the reasons for marriage is to have someone who remembers your life with you -- the little things that make up the bigger remembrances. You know have a partner, a friend and a love. You are both very blessed, and we welcome Leah with open arms!

Love
Aunt Denise

Anonymous said...

Okay, what's wrong with my grammar here!!! "You now have..." Love the photos and what a grand place to pop the question!!

Love
Aunt Denise

Anonymous said...

Such style and romance, I should not have expected anything less from you. Congratulations!!! I am very happy for you both! You both look extremely happy and I hope youre still having a great time. I'm sure I speak for everyone though when I say that we look forward to having you back.
Happy New Year and Congrats!!!
<3 jess

Anonymous said...

Paul -

Congratulations! I'm so excited and happy for both you and Leah. Glad Matt sent me the link to your blog. It is nice to read about your time in Japan.

Happy New Year!

Your ex-LFO coworker,
Kristy

Judy W said...

I'm new to the world-of-blog, so forgive the slow response.

Paul, I will be proud to call you my son-in-law. Leah is a blessing in my life and I knew you were someone special from the first time we met. You have given so much good to Leah and to our family. I look forward to growing closer in family life and love.

Don't think the miles that separate us will protect you from all the planning that will take place over the months to come......hope you're up for it!!!!

Love ya Lots, Judy

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
omedetoo gozaimasu!

Clif and I are SO happy for you two! This is exciting news. Great proposal too! What a cool place, you did a great job :) and that ring is beautiful. We miss you!

Melody N.

Anonymous said...

Paul,
I'm so happy for you and Leah and look forward for Leah to be officially part of our family.
Love and miss you,
Mom

Anonymous said...

chookha hamneeda! korean for congratulations! p.s. i remembered a friend who attends a university in korea. possibly a place to crash when your travels bring you westward to korea. ill let you know if there's good news. congratulations! leah is beautiful!
-Juhee