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My boyfriend of 3 years, Matt, and I joined a group from our church on a mission trip to Peru in February. Matt and I had come an incredibly long way...

We had come an incredibly long way in our relationship, and had talked about marriage a lot. I wanted it so bad, but honestly didn't think it would happen for a while longer!

The first 8 days of our trip consisted of hard work physically, spiritually, and mentally. It was definitely a rewarding experience, but was also draining. Luckily, the last 2 days were spent on a debrief (a time to reflect and prepare to go home) in a beautiful resort in the heart of the jungle, right off the Amazon River.

One afternoon at the resort, an employee approached me and was trying to ask me a question, but I don't speak Spanish. A friend of Matt"s, who was in on the surprise, overheard and briskly took the employee aside. Little did I know that if I'd known Spanish, Matt's secret would have been let out!

That same afternoon, talk of others' weddings and honeymoons had me in the mood. I told Matt that I was sad that we weren't at that point yet, and I wondered inside why he hadn't asked me. He blew it off, which made me feel even worse! (Of course he did that knowing that in just a few hours I'd be eating my words...)

At nightfall, the group prepared to go on a boat ride to listen to the sounds of the jungle. I was feeling a little tired, so Matt encouraged me to stay behind with him to relax. I agreed, and we decided that a walk around the grounds of the resort would be a perfect way to unwind.

As we followed paths lit by tiki torches, we came to a little gazebo, which was decorated beautifully for what I thought was someone else's special night. I hesitated as he invited me in, and even protested to ask the hotel staff before opening the wine or enjoying the flowers and candles that had been set up.

He worked hard to convince me that it was okay, and just as I got more comfortable, I noticed him fidgeting in his pocket. I wondered what was going on, and even daydreamed that he'd propose, but coming back to reality told myself that he was getting a piece of gum or some Chapstick.

Much to my surprise, though, he got down on one knee and asked, "Baby, can I tell you something?" As I nodded, he continued, "I did this for you." I thought that it was such a sweet surprise for him to have arranged that, and went in for a hug, but he pushed me back just far enough for me to see the perfect ring in his hand.

He asked, "Will you marry me?" And all I could do was grab him and hug him so tight! Of course after a few seconds of silence, he nervously asked again, and by then I was able to respond with a simple "yes!" No other words would have sufficed at that amazing moment!

As we sat back in each other's arms and soaked in the reality of our new world, our friends returned from their boat ride cheering for us and the adventure that was about to begin. The night was perfect, the company was perfect, and although I know no person is perfect, Matt is as close as it gets for me!