Thank you to all who are checking our websites and helping us make this time in our lives possible!
About Us:John and Paige both attended California Baptist University. They went to school together for 2 years, and the latter year they sang in a small group consisting of 8 singers called "Grace". They remained friends while going to school together and sort of lost touch after John graduated. John went to work for Houston's First Baptist Church immediately after graduating, and Paige still had 2 years of schooling left. In October of 2010, Paige attended a North American Mission Board conference with her parents in Los Angeles. It was at this conference that Paige met a man named David Self, Executive Pastor at Houston's First. Paige jokingly mentioned to David that she would love to get a job in Houston and also that he should pass on a "hello" to John. Well, needless to say, David mentioned the conversation to John, and a week later, Paige and John were chatting for hours via facebook and email. John and Paige kept minimal contact through out the month of November and going on into December. John was extremely busy directing the Christmas "Celebration" at the church and went one day without contacting Paige. It was at that moment that Paige started to realize that she really did like John. It bothered her that she did not hear from him, and it was only then that she realized she wanted to get to know John more. A few short days later, John asked Paige if he could take her out to dinner in Phoenix, after she had graduated and moved back to AZ. Elated, Paige gladly accepted. They had a night to remember, and the rest is history....
Paige's Story of the Proposal:I woke up on Thursday morning, April 14th, to just another ordinary day. I was woken up by my alarm clock and drug myself out of bed to go see my kindies. I drove into work ( I was a little late) and was ready to take on the day. It was a beautiful morning, Jenna had brought some bagels for the staff, and it seemed as though it was just another day closer to the weekend. Boy, was I in for a curve ball.
I did all of my normal duties and took the kids out for their lunch recess time. We came back inside and I was called to go to the front office. I walked in and everyone seemed a little on edge, but I figured there was just a lot going on. I was told to go and speak with one of the staff members in the chapel. I walked in, didn't see her, went back to the office and there she was. She led me into the chapel and we started conversing about a few of the students in our classroom. The next thing that i knew, I looked over, and there he was- my sweet boyfriend, John Bolin. I looked at Mrs. Henry and said "what is he doing here?" she kind of laughed and said "have fun!!" I walked towards him- in total shock- and noticed my mom, sister and some friends were hiding out behind the church pews to see my reaction. For a slight moment, I thought he might propose right there on the spot, but then quickly realized that he was just here to see me. We hugged for a good few minutes ( let me sort of get out of shock) and then we headed out the door. He had rented a car so we got in it and started toward the site of our very first date- The Elephant Bar - for some lunch. I am not sure that I ever stopped looking at John or holding his hand the entire time that we were at lunch because I was still making sure it was all real. We had the sweetest time conversing and enjoying the afternoon. John suggested we go to the Cardinal/Dbacks game that night, and I grudgingly accepted the offer. He explained that he came out to spend time with my family but the first evening that he was in town he wanted to have a date night. I am not sure my idea of the perfect date night is a baseball game, but I knew he would enjoy it. Then, it was like a lightbulb, and John suggested instead of a baseball game, that we could get all dressed up and go out to a nice steakhouse. I didn't take one moment to hesitate in accepting that idea! (by the way, the cardinals weren't even in town that evening!!!) as lunch went on, we started talking about our relationship and how at that very restaurant, we started falling for one another. I brought up to John that we had never gone to a jewelers to even LOOK, so he agreed that we would spend Friday afternoon "looking" at rings :)
We left Elephant Bar and went to spend some time with my grandparents. We sat on the couch, drank coffee, and had a wonderful afternoon with them. It was then time to get fancy for our date night! I picked my outfit and waited for John to shower (which seemed like forever) then headed towards this mystery steakhouse that he was taking me to. Any time that John is driving us somewhere, I usually have his phone and I pick all of the music, but this evening John was determined to be the DJ. I didnt think too much into it, but I did think it was a little weird. We had a blast on the drive over (which is a normal occurrence :)!!!) exited Princess Drive in North Scottsdale and entered into the Four Seasons Resort. The valet was waiting for us as we arrived. I just remember thinking, I have lived in AZ my entire life and this place is so high end that I have never even heard of it. We stopped at the restroom and it seemed like I waited for hours for John to come out. Once he came out, we took a walk out into the terrace. The view of the entire valley was absolutely breathtaking. There was a ten foot narrow fire going on, and people walking around in gorgeous outfits. John took my hand and we went down into another level of the landscape that had a small waterfall and another gorgeous terrace to stand on and see the entire view of the valley. We just talked and held one another, enjoying the moment and the view. John started talking about our relationship and how incredible the timing and the opportunities that we have had together are. He explained how most couples get married and then start "life", meaning their careers etc. But in our situation, he is already juggling life, a full time job, bills, responsibilities, and that when we start our lives together, I am going to jump right into the mix. He asked me to pull out my phone and turn it off. He explained that our entire lives are going to be on stage, being watched and sort of spot lighted, so for just a moment we were going to be completely alone. The next thing that i knew, he was kneeling down on one knee, asking me to marry him. As he started kneeling, my exact words were "oh my..." and then when I saw my ring I said, "whoa!" :) I pulled him up to hug him and said, "ABSOLUTELY!"
I am not sure I have ever felt an emotion like that in my entire life, an emotion of peace, happiness, complete and utter joy, and just feeling right. Knowing in confidence that this is a step in Gods will for our lives. I never ever want to forget that moment as long as I live.
We took in the moment together and then headed to our reservation. As we entered the restaurant, all of the hostess' and waiters were looking at my hand and congratulating us. It was so fun to already show my ring off! :). We were seated in the very middle of the restaurant, with the best view of the valley, and right next to the fire. I could NOT stop staring at my hand. My ring is STUNNING! As if realizing I get to marry the most incredible man on the planet isn't enough!
The waiter brought out some champagne and wine glasses and we graciously declined their offer. They then suggested some sparkling apple cider, which was great! John and I had no experience in toasting to something, but we had such a great time with it. It allowed us to look at the things we are so grateful for, and also allowed us to look ahead and dream. The waiter came out again, but this time he had a bouquet of 12 roses, all in different colors. John went through each rose and shared with me the meaning of the rose and how I fulfill what each rose means in his life. After explaining a color of a rose he would look me in the eyes and say, "Paige, you are my white rose"... Or "Paige, you are my blue rose" ah! It was PERFECT!!! Such a sweet, sweet moment.
At this point, the waiter was getting a little ancey and wanting us to figure out what we would like to order. Both of us couldn't even think about food , we were so consumed in the moment. We ordered some appetizers and John then decided to share with me that I would be boarding the same plane as him, the seat next to him, and going to Houston for the weekend! I wasn't sure the night could get more perfect after that news. We were going to be introduced to the church and also getting to meet baby Timothy Kyle Harris ( but he wasn't born at this point, not quite yet!). I was absolutely ELATED at the news. And if that news wasn't as spectacular enough, John also shared with me that my friends and family were waiting for us at my house to have a little celebration of our engagement. I just could not believe it. I kept thinking, " Lord, how in the world is this happening to me? Thank you so much for blessing my life with this incredible man and blossoming this unique and wonderful relationship...."
We finished dinner, was stopped by some people in the restaurant asking about our news, then headed home to see everyone. We were greeted by most of the VanCamp side of the family (who had yet to meet John), Grandma Peggy and Papa Nathan, Kenny and Bethany, the Thomas' and the Barretts, and the sweet Jenna Ousley! We took lots of pictures and told the story to everyone.
Then.... The moment had arrived... We were going to post everything on facebook. Since the very beginning of our relationship, we decided instead of announcing to the world right away, that we were going to enjoy the time of dating together, and keep it as quiet as possible. ( you have no idea how hard that was after getting back from Disneyworld with him in January!). Anyway, we had always said that once we were engaged, we would shout out from the mountain tops, but until then, we were keeping it all under wraps for protection and our enjoyment of our relationship. I will tell you this, it was a little more overwhelming then I expected when we put it on facebook, but it was still so, so wonderful. We were SHOWERED with thoughts, notes and love. We just kept telling one another, look at all these incredible people that love us.
It was finally time to lay our heads down, but i wasn't sure how i would ever fall asleep knowing I could look at such a beautiful thing on my finger. :)
The next day I had to go into teach in the morning, we went to lunch at Olive Garden, went to my cousins wedding and Shea's softball game. We woke up the next morning to have breakfast with my parents and discuss dates for our wedding, and also got the news that Timothy Kyle Harris was born! All 9 pounds of him!!! John and I headed to the airport, got on our plane, started making guest lists and looking through bridal magazines :) (we aren't going to waste any time!) we landed in Houston and headed straight to Memorial City hospital to meet Timothy. It was such a sweet, sweet evening!
The next morning John picked me up at 6:30 AM, we got our Starbucks coffee and headed to church for our big day. From the moment that we walked on campus, we were greeted and loved. I felt so welcomed and so warm from everyone around me. John formally introduced me to the choir. I couldn't believe it, but I got SO nervous. I guess it was because they are kind of like 300 of his in-laws! We went to service ( which was WONDERFUL! I was sooo proud of John) and we were introduced to the church by Pastor Gregg. It was a little nerve racking but John held my hand tight and we had a great time. We were introduced in the following service as well and then showered with people all in between. We went to the Houston Raquet Club for a small lunch reception put on for us by the Taylors. It was lovely, and we had such a great time telling our story to everyone. We spent the rest of that evening with the Harris' at the hospital. It was so great to put on normal, comfy clothes, and relax with my soon to be family :)
We decided I would wait and fly back to PHX on Tuesday and try to get some big details done while we were in the same location. So, we spent the day in between John's meetings, registering at Bed Bath and Beyond and Dillards. It was overwhelming but FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! We had such a blast discussing possible options and what we would enjoy together. I have to admit, i am surprised at how well we worked through everything and always considered the others thoughts and feelings. We walked away feeling accomplished and exhausted. A total of almost 5 hours scanning our wish list, with nothing to prove of it just yet! ;)
I am excited for what the next few days, weeks, and months hold. Please remember us in your prayers, seeing that there are A LOT of details that need to work out and financial burdens that need to be lifted in order for us to get this thing rolling. Thank you to you all who have known and been praying for John and I. We definitely feel as if there has been great divine intervention on our behalf as we start this journey together. Just a few short months ago, we were both in very different seasons in our lives, and the Lord has so perfectly brought us together. We are going to need an absolute miracle to pull off a Houston wedding, hoping to be in July, but through prayers and complete faith in our Lord, we know we can work it all out.
So, that was my picture perfect engagement weekend that I will never ever forget! :)
-Paige
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