This story begins back in early 2018, when Jonathan and Gillian, both sixteen years old, were perfectly placed on the same team for a mission trip to Mexico. They had a few initial meetings leading up to the trip, but their friendship did not start flourishing until they were heading down to Mexico. They were quickly drawn to each other, simply as friends. By the end of the week, they were sharing Mexican Coke bottles and ice cream, Jonathan was picking up Gillian's things she had left behind, Gillian was scratching his hat-worn head, and they even had matching rings made out of tulle that had been given to them while playing with the kids. After the trip, they stayed in contact for a few months, but it slowly faded as time went on. Even still, they both had a mutual adoration for each other, which never faded. Throughout the years between 2018 and 2021, Gillian and Jonathan saw each other sporadically. They both remember trying to spot the other person while at church, and it always brought a bit of butterflies once they did. The most significant interaction during this time period took place in spring 2019, on the same Mexico mission trip, catching up and sharing about plans for post-high school. Fast forward to early March 2021, as Gillian took a quick glance at the tulle rings and Mexico team picture she still had on her bedroom wall, she felt an urge to reach out to Jonathan. However, this was not something she was going to do lightly, as she knew that Jonathan was off at Cal Poly SLO, and they had not talked in a while. She prayed about it for a week and felt the confidence from the Lord to reach out. Jonathan replied to her text with enthusiasm and suggested that they talk over the phone that night. They ended up talking for over two and a half hours, catching up on life and reminiscing on their time in Mexico. They both admitted that they had feelings for each other way back in 2018. Following that call, they texted everyday for the next two weeks, while Jonathan was planning to come visit during his spring break. On Wednesday, March 17th, they spent nearly the whole day together, hanging out "as friends". It started as two people reconnecting, and ended with a, "So, what is going on here?". That night, Jonathan texted Gillian and asked if they could get together again on Friday. On that rainy day, March 19th, 2021, he asked her to be his girlfriend. From there, Jonathan immediately went back to Cal Poly, and they began a year and nine-month period of dating long-distance. While challenging, starting their relationship this way helped fortify a strong foundation of their love. Once Gillian graduated from UC Davis in December 2022, she moved to San Luis Obispo to be closer to Jonathan. It was a joy for them to be able to be close and live life without being four-hours apart. They had already known for a while that they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives. So, on October 28th, 2023, Jonathan asked Gillian to marry him at their special spot in SLO, Terrace Hill. After that beautiful day, they looked ahead to Jonathan graduating and where they would go next. Once Jonathan secured a full-time job in Sacramento, plans were made for them to transition back to their hometown after he finished school. Now, they are both working, looking forward to getting married, and can't wait to get cats. Their story truly reflects God's goodness and grace. For the last (almost) seven years, the hand of the Lord has been evident in each step of their relationship. The Lord paved a path for their love to form, and gave each of them the confidence and wisdom to make decisions that led them closer to each other along the way. Gillian and Jonathan are confident that God has ordained their relationship and marriage, and they are excited to live out their callings as husband and wife to each other.