Summer 2011, at Youth Week, teenage Jeremiah, a major extrovert, was excited to make new friends. Abigail, a major introvert, shadowed her brother, Josh, during her first extended time away from home and her younger brother. The introductions were made and Jeremiah would add another to his group of friends. Abigail was excited to connect with someone earnest about God, even though he was quite loud and energetic. By the end of the week, even Abigail would concede that he was a good friend. For he managed to see her, even when she was in the back corners reading or sewing and invited her out into the group. Their connections continued over another few Youth Weeks. Alas, after graduation, Abigail found her time taken by work, no longer able to attend Youth Week, and therefore no longer saw Jeremiah. Over the years, Jeremiah would make a few visits to see Abigail's brothers, Josh and Jeremy. Abigail would pop in if she had time. On those visits, they could talk for hours about faith, challenges, and personal growth. As time continued, Jeremiah became busy in college while Abigail traveled, volunteering in other countries, making their visits even less often. From time to time Jeremiah would invite Abigail and her brothers’ families to conferences in his hometown, but she always had other obligations. Then in March of 2022, Abigail received a random text from Ellen, her sister-in-law, “Hey, would you date Jeremiah?” “Yes? He’s always been on the list of characteristics that I value in a guy. But don’t tell him!” Meanwhile, Jeremiah was spending time with Ellen and Jeremy at a conference. During a discussion about life, Jeremiah would go on to lament his ever-present “single status” and his terrible luck with women. A running joke and a familiar thread tossed about over the years, “Well, Abigail is still single right? But, as I am often reminded, I just happen to be more interesting than the latest book she is reading!”. To which, Ellen jumped at the opportunity to inform him that he did indeed make the “short list” of guys that Abigail would consider. Jeremiah was surprised that his tale of woe might have a final chapter. Last he knew he ranked slightly higher than a book, lol. This news would begin a long summer of praying and seeking the Lord. For his sister Amelia reminded him, Abigail had always been on the “short list” of women who served and honored the Lord as a tangible standard for what type of girl Jeremiah was looking for. Ellen, had won. Fast forward to August and Abigail was living with Jeremy and Ellen after returning from volunteering in Israel. Jeremiah came to visit for Jeremy’s birthday, and the two would reconnect, both unsure where the other party was. Two weeks later Jeremiah would visit again and Abigail’s dad leapt at the opportunity to pull Jeremiah aside and push the idea of dating his daughter. Abigail would soon be pulled into a similar conversation. Abigail’s dad had no idea that they were already considering each other. The two would begin talking and embark on three weeks of prayer and seeking wise counsel. Jeremiah and Abigail started dating on September 24th. A semi-long distance relationship, seeing each other only on the weekends, proved to be quite a challenge. Many hard and joyful conversations and surprises occurred over the next year. November 25th, 2023, the momentous day! Abigail was so surprised, Jeremiah wanted to go for a walk at the nature preserve where they had their first date! He set up and planned everything perfectly. When they walked up to the overlook he twirled her around before bending a knee! He proposed! With surprise and joy, she responded with an affirmative, “YES!”. Through many tough and joyful months, Jeremiah and Abigail would plan and set a date – May 25th, 2024. Exactly six months from engagement they would be married! Surrounded by family and friends, they would finally find their forever person walking hand in hand with a faithful friend for the rest of their lives.