Josh and my relationship started off a little unconventionally. At this time in my life I was finishing my 4th year studying marine science and leading the Christian club on our campus. Several years back I had made the decision to stay single throughout my college career. In many ways, Joshua came along at the perfect timing. Each year our Christian club would go on a bonding camping trip and that year I was dead set on Yosemite (never being there before). We had a full group but as always, the night before, people dropped out. This left an open spot for anyone and that anyone was Josh. We had never met until that camping trip (although we went to the same church). Something about being in nature for a few days without showering brings people together. Most of my friends and family know that I am stubborn and have a hard time asking for assistance, let alone help. However, one night after a long day out hiking, we came back to the camp so I could start dinner and before I could say or do anything in defiance, Josh had grabbed all the food makings and began cooking with a big smile on his face. Doing this brought him so much joy that I couldn't say anything but just appreciate his heart for serving. After that, a long car ride home and an evening of waiting 6 hours for a home cooked meal started us well on our way to the relationship we have today. BUT after a couple months, I left to go do research in the middle of the Pacific ocean... for 8 weeks. Once I got back, we both knew this wasn't just a spring crush or even a friendship, this was much, much more.