Caleb and Eliya met through the Alpine Church young adults small group in late January 2025. They hit it off as friends and started to see each other every week for Bible study, group activities, and at the gym. God began to move in each of their hearts as they started to talk more and more, slowly opening up and revealing how aligned they were in family and future. However, in just a few weeks, Caleb was scheduled for a six-month deployment. Through prayer and trust in the Lord, Caleb asked Eliya out on their first date in late March 2025, and she said yes! They had a wonderful first date, and three days later, Caleb took a leap of faith and asked Eliya to be his girlfriend. She said yes again! They went on a second date, and Caleb left for his deployment three days later - just six days after they started dating. Over the following six months, they talked every day and leaned on the Lord to guide them in their pursuit of one another. God answered prayers and continued to grow them closer to Him and to one another. They talked about their values, their life stories, and their future. Eliya sent care packages every month, and they exchanged photos of all their adventures as they anticipated adventures together once Caleb returned. After a long wait, and lots of excited pacing in the airport, they shared a hug after six months apart! Over the following months, they shared many adventures together, prayerfully trusting God's guidance for the future of their relationship. Then, on January 17th, 2026, Caleb sent Eliya on a scavenger hunt adventure that led to a private plane ride, an island, a ring, and a question they had talked about during many conversations. She said yes again (three times a charm)! We are so thankful for our story and for our community. God's grace and guidance has been so evident during our dating season and engagement. He is so, so good always. Even when we don't understand and we don't know where He is leading, He is still good. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6. We love you all and God loves you all so much!