She’s the only girl I’ll ever love
And I’d do anything not to give her up
If I could only stop the world
When she’s standing by my side
See, I’m having the time of my life
Yes, I’m having the time of my life…

–Mark Schultz, “Time Of My Life”

That just about sums up how I felt during my entire visit to see Aftan. It was the best thing in the world I’ve ever felt, just being able to be with her, and it was even better that it was our first time really spending quality time with each other in four years. We hadn’t even seen each other since high school but had still been able to forge a relationship over telephone, the Internet, and snail mail…and all of that while I was in Iraq, no less. So suffice it to say that my visit exceeded all expectations. Sure it was a bit awkward for the first couple hours, but any nervousness was alleviated that night as I kissed her for the first time.

Heck, it was the first time I’d ever kissed a girl in my life. I have no problem in saying that, because I think it would be worthless to kiss a girl you’re not sure about, or to kiss with completely wrong intentions. I always prayed to God that my first girlfriend would become my wife, and lo and behold, he brought Aftan into my life. My prayer hasn’t been answered yet, but you can bet on it that a seed for the future has definitely been planted (and by saying that, I don’t mean she’s pregnant).

We did just about anything and everything over the seventeen days I was there. We drove to Astoria, Tacoma, Seattle, Corvallis, Beacon Rock, and just about everywhere in between. We went to a baseball game and a soccer game, we barbecued, we hiked, went out to eat, played board games, visited friends, drove aimlessly, took photos of scenery, walked on the beach and much more. We even argued, got mad at each other, threw tantrums like everyone in a relationship does at one time or another, but in little or no time we reconciled. We fell in love and we weren’t ashamed to admit it to each other.

Our time together was great! If I could have one wish right now, it’s that I could rewind all the way to July 5 and do everything again. July 5-21 were the happiest days of my life…so far. I say that because if those days were great, it’s going to be so much better when I actually live there.

There’s a large gap in between now and when I get to move to the Northwest though. 118 more days of “real life” here in Newport News separates Aftan and I. Right now we’re both sad and miss each other terribly, and time’s the only thing that can help that. But thank God for technology that allows us to communicate instantaneously. If I had to rely on snail mail I’d go insane.

So it was an awesome vacation. We had the best time ever, and it felt horrible to have to leave Aftan so quickly yesterday morning. I’m still not over the fact that I was with her just 48 hours ago, and I wish I could just drive to her house and tuck her into bed again and kiss her forehead. But I can’t, and the only thing that I can do is call her, tell her I love her and wish her sweet dreams, and pray for the Lord to calm my emotions and help me realize that my future with Aftan is so much better than the seventeen days we just shared.

It’s gonna be so great when we see each other again. And it’s not just going to last eighteen days.

Now if that’s not motivation to get through the next 118 days, I don’t know what is.