We're Engaged!!!

On Tuesday, at Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, Jake proposed to me and I said yes!!! We are so excited. Kiyomizudera was Jakes favorite sight in Kyoto from his last trip, and it was the temple I was most looking forward to seeing. It is built high into the side of a mountain, with amazing views of the whole city of Kyoto. Because of Nihonbarre, the weather was absolutely beautiful for our visit there.

One of the things you can see at Kiyomizudera is Jishu Jinga, or the Love Shrine. Jishu Jinja is two stones, about 18 meters apart from each other, and it is said that if you can close your eyes and walk safely from one stone to the other, then you will find true love. Jake asked me if I wanted to try and walk. I was a little bit skeptical because there didn't seem to be anyone else doing it, but there were a million people walking back and forth between them to get to the shops that lined either side. I was pretty sure that if I tried I would just walk into people. Jake promised that he would make sure I didn't, so I closed my eyes and started walking. Jake gave me directions so I stayed in a straight line, and helped me to avoid the crowds of people crossing. When I reached the second stone and opened my eyes, he was down on one knee in front of me holding up the most beautiful ring. He asked me to marry him, and because I wasn't sure I could talk I just nodded and gave him a hug. I don't think I've stopped smiling since.