Exactly one year ago, Blake was overseas and I was in Tennessee. Since we had met 4 and half years ago, we had shared a few emails back and forth over the years. We prayed for each other and indeed, did think about the other. Neither of us shared how we felt after that first time we went on a date because Blake was going overseas, and we didn't feel like the time was right to start a relationship. God would bring each other to our minds every once and a while. The thing that captured my heart about Blake was his love for Jesus and his love for people. His compassionate and gentle heart was so evident in how he spoke. Despite its many negative effects, COVID did bring us together. Blake was in lockdown for months across the world and I too, had more time on my hands with schools being closed. The Lord opened our hearts to the other and taught us to receive from him in an entirely new way. Emails, to text messages, to phone calls, we became good friends and continued to share with one another. Friendship began to grow to love and desiring to be with the other. We began to talk about being married. We shared "I love you"s from 6,000+ miles away. From the beginning, God has been teaching us to remember his faithfulness despite our unknown and ever-changing circumstances here on this earth. God so faithfully continued to speak peace over us individually until, finally, Blake and I were together in person. He brought me way too many gifts from overseas in hopes to win my affections. The truth is, he had won me 4 years ago when we met for the first time. Though our time here on this earth is temporary, we are so thankful that God brought us together to do this life as one. Thank you for your love, encouragement, and patience as we know our story is less than conventional. His faithful, endless pursuit of our hearts is undeniable. We are overjoyed to be married and listen to him as he leads in this next season. With love, L & B