Coxtales: 9 Years and Counting

Anthony and I met for the first time in January 1998. He went to Nicaragua his Senior year of high school with International Crusades on a Mission Trip which lasted 10days. He was in the midst of the fourteen young adults that came from different parts of the United States to Nicaragua.

Back then, my mom and us kids where the only believers at the time. My mom has always been an inspiration to me and a great model of a prayer warrior and woman of great Faith. My mom has always had a the gift of hospitality, so she wanted to host the fourteen people that were based at our church, to come eat lunch and dinner at our house during there stay in Masaya.
Being that all of them spoke English, they needed more translators. I really didn't want to do it because of time and because they were doing door to door evangelism. I was 18yrs.old. Although I knew the Lord and went to church, etc. I was walking so far from Him. I was just amazed at all the young people that came on this trip. To be honest I was amazed at Anthony's passion for the Lord. I wanted that same passion! So, I thought about going to help over and over, until I finally said I would. Now that I look back at the big picture I am just amazed and in awe of my sweet Lord and Savior! He had a blessing and a wonderful plan for me and I was about to miss it. Anthony and I met each other for the 1st time at my house during lunch. I was coming home from college and he says that when he saw me, his eyes where set on me. (hahha- this makes me giggle everytime he says this when he is sharing our story). There are so many more details I could share. But the most amazing thing is how the Lord preserved us through the years for us to be married to each other. I was not able to say bye to Anthony when he left, but we did write letters to each other and e-mail and once in a while a phone call. To my surprise that same year (1998) I saw Anthony again at Christmas. My sister and him where corresponding via e-mail, he wanted to surprise for Christmas. He proposed to me that December at the top of a beautiful cliff overlooking Lake Nicaragua. We promised each other that we would pray about this. And if it was the Lord's will for us to be married, he would allow it. We were engaged for 3years and it was a long process with INS too. We got married Dec16 2001 in Nicaragua. Now, 9 years later and 3 beautiful boys!

We've known each other for 12years and been married for 9. Time sure does fly. The Lord has been so kind to us.Below are some photos of us during our younger times. Enjoy! I love you honey!!