I met Olivia in the summer of 2023 while we were both attending Steel City Fellowship in Pueblo, Colorado. Our friendship started through church hangouts—soccer games, movie nights, stargazing—and I quickly found myself drawn to Olivia’s kindness and warmth. One night at Lake San Isabel, while hanging out with a couple of our friends, Olivia shared about her work with kids. I was struck by how grounded and thoughtful she was. That same night, she asked about my plans for the year—and I felt my heart sink. I had already committed to a year of mission work in Europe and Central Asia. She was also leaving soon, headed to Mexico for her own internship abroad. It was a bittersweet realization– we had just met, and we were already heading in different directions. But I believe God gave us that time as a gift. Our paths were clearly laid out– and yet, it became quickly clear just how much I liked her. I kept finding reasons to stop by LoveMug, the coffee shop where she worked (often with guys I was discipling… but really, I was hoping to see her). Eventually, I asked her out—and to my surprise and delight, she said yes! From the beginning, we knew we only had a few months before long distance began, and that brought clarity and intention. We dated in-person for 3 incredible months, packed with coffee dates, prayer, family introductions, and new adventures. We saw each other often and basically “speed-ran” the early stages of our relationship. When Olivia left for Todos Santos, we had to figure out what long distance would look like. It wasn’t always easy or glamorous, but it was full of grace; zoom calls, long texts, prayer, and lots of learning. During that time, I missed her so deeply. I began to really realize just how much she meant to me. By the time I left for Germany, my mind was made up– I asked for her family's blessing and got the ring. The distance was hard. Time zones shifted constantly, and we had to navigate life in two completely different worlds. But through it all, God gave us peace and perseverance, using us to strengthen and support one another. We kept showing up, building together and growing closer, even from afar. I held onto one hope that carried me through: her visit to Germany that summer. I planned to propose then, and wanted it to be perfect. I remembered a liturgy we had prayed from a book called "Every Moment Holy" throughout the early stages of our relationship... a prayer asking God to help us build something lasting and worthwhile. So when I proposed at Heidelberg Castle at sunset on August 8th, 2024, it felt like a full-circle answer to that prayer. Praise God—she said yes! Even after the proposal, we had another eight months of long distance– and yet, the commitment brought more peace and joy than ever before. Throughout that time, we continued praying together, preparing for marriage, and making the most of every moment. When I returned to Colorado in April, we finally got to start living life together again in the same city. It’s been a sweet, refining time of growing together day by day– and I am so, so grateful that there won’t be any more tearful airport goodbyes. We’re especially excited that the wedding will be in Westcliffe, the same town where we had our first date. It feels right to begin this new chapter in the place where our story began. Over two years, we’ve traveled thousands of miles, lived in different time zones, and weathered long seasons apart. But through it all, God has held us together. We pray He continues to guide and bless our marriage as we take this next step into covenant. I’m beyond grateful to get to call Olivia my wife—and we can’t wait to celebrate what God has done with all of you!