Monthly Newsletter : February 

Hey friends! AGH it’s been awhile hasn’t it?

February has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions, but when I look back on it, I’m filled with just so much gratitude for everything that’s happened. It’s been a month of major milestones, personal growth, and some quieter moments where I’ve had some time to process. So, let me share what I’ve been up to, and hopefully, you’ll get a sense of how the month has unfolded.

I’m Engaged!!!

I started the month off with a huge life moment: I proposed to Lily! Oh my my I just love that girl!

You want me to tell you how it went down? Of course you do! I traveled back to my ol stompin ground, Seattle, Washington. Lily was thinking it was just going to be a simple birthday trip (my birthday is February 2nd), but in reality, I had a much better birthday plan in mind. I took her to the San Juan Islands, to Blakely Island—a place that holds a lot of sentimental value for her. Lily had brought me to the island when we first started dating, and we had some special moments there together. We started our tradition of jumping in bodies of water with all our clothes on if we both agreed and it’s the first trip our families have done together. It’s a tiny island with only 120 homes, and usually, only about 4-8 people actually live there year-round. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and one of those places that just feels like it’s meant for something important. Her family has also done Fourth of July’s up there as well as family summer trips.

When she took me there a few years ago we went up on top of the highest point on Blakely where you can see all the other San Juans. I knew right then that this was the place I wanted to propose to her. So on February 2nd, 2025 I popped the question, and she was completely caught off guard! It was honestly so surreal. She said yes, and we spent the rest of the day in so much joy and celebration. Afterward, we went back to the mainland to my house where we threw a little celebration with close friends and family. It was a perfect day.

After the Proposal Trip

Once the excitement of the proposal died down, I headed back to Georgia. The transition back has been a bit quieter than the high-energy moments I had while in Washington. My roommate Jackson left for Swaziland, and with Lily still in Washington, it’s been a lot more lonely for me. I spent a lot of time processing and spending time with the Lord, working, and figuring out what to do with my evenings after long days at the office.

And, let me tell you, it was getting a little lonely! So, I decided to get off the couch, grab my pickleball paddle, and head to the courts. I roped in my other roommate, EJ, and we started playing like crazy. We’ve been hitting the courts so much that I even upgraded to a really nice paddle. Honestly, I’ve noticed such a difference. My game has leveled up, and it’s been a fun way to stay active and bond with EJ. Plus, it’s kept my mind busy and my spirits up during a quieter time. If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, what are you even doing?

Work Life

On the work front, things have been steady. My focus this month has been all about getting my summer squad prepped and ready for training camp. It’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff like coordinating, and making sure everything’s lined up for when they arrive. Outside of that, my work days have been pretty straightforward, with a lot of tasks that keep the office moving forward.

There’s something kind of peaceful about those quieter work months, though. It’s been a good time to get things done without the hustle of a packed schedule. But to be honest, I’m definitely looking forward to the energy that summer will bring because…

NEXT STEPS

Now, here’s the part I’m really excited about and the one I’ve been praying over for a while: I’ve been considering what comes next as my chapter right now winds down. For a while now, I’ve been praying and seeking clarity about what the next step is after this internship, and two really interesting opportunities came my way.

One of those opportunities is with my dad’s business back in Washington, where he runs an artificial turf company. I’ve worked with him a bit in the past, so I know the fieldwork pretty well, but my real passion is in sales, marketing, and working with people. The other option was more in line with that passion, and I felt a pull toward that side of things. But, as I was praying and talking it over with my dad, me and him had a really good conversation.

He shared that he plans to retire in about 6-8 years and hopes to pass the business down to someone, ideally, me. After giving it a lot of thought and prayer, like A LOT, I realized that I felt peace about stepping into that role; shadowing my dad, learning the ropes, and eventually taking over the business. It feels like a big, exciting responsibility, but it also feels right.

What’s been amazing is that the more I’ve matured, I see my dad in a new light. I’m starting to realize I see more of him in myself every day. Dad, if you’re reading this, I love you, and I’m excited to take this next step by your side.

Conclusion

While February may have been a little quieter and shorter than most months, it’s been full of a lot of clarity. From proposing to Lily to making big decisions about the future, it’s been a season of prayers about where God is leading me being answered. I’m grateful for everything the Lord has been teaching me, even in the quieter, simpler moments.

Thank you all for reading, and thank you so much to those who support me financially and emotionally. Your support means more than I can express. I’m excited for what’s to come, and I can’t wait to see what March has in store!

Be Blessed,
Nick Furtado