We're getting Married!

We met back in 2018 at New Life Fellowship in Aberdeen, SD. We were both involved in the same bible studies and young adult groups. While we were friends for several years, it wasn't the right timing for anything romantic. Both of us moved away from Aberdeen in 2019 and didn't think much of any sort of relationship. Flash forward to 2021... I went to Virginia to visit Lindy, my sweet friend (aka Micaiah's sister). While I wasn't ready for a relationship, Micaiah made it very clear that he liked me... After that trip Micaiah attempted to pursue me a couple times with little interest on my end. I ended up spending Christmas at the Bushnell house in 2021. My family had covid and they were gracious enough to welcome me into their home. Poor Micaiah had to spend three days in the same house with the girl that wasn't interested in dating anyone. Even so, it was a sweet weekend of great memories... our "First Christmas Together!" Eventually in February 2022, he messaged me asking if there could be anything more than friendship for us and if we could go on a date (across the country). I told him that I had honestly considered the possibility of us being together, but it still wasn't a good time for me. He respected my answer and I felt terrible for saying no, even if it was a temporary "no". I called my mom and told her how terrible I felt about saying no and I remember her saying "Don't worry about it. If it's in God's plan, he will pursue you again." My mom is very wise. Not too long after, at the end of June 2022, I just so happened to be house sitting for the Bushnell's one weekend. I had a couple friends over and realized how much I wished that Micaiah was there. I think that's when I realized that I would definitely be interested in getting to know him on a deeper level. After FaceTiming Lindy during a family game night, Micaiah got wind of my availability and decided to once again pursue me. Praise God! We started talking more frequently as the summer went on. After spending hours on video and voice calls, the idea of dating became more and more comfortable. I vividly remember the moment that I realized I wanted to pursue things further. We had been talking for hours that day as I was driving from Minneapolis to Aberdeen. After arriving in Aberdeen we just kept video calling. I forget the topic of conversation, but it was something theological. Micaiah started talking about the act of Jesus dying for us on the cross and his saving power. He was so genuinely in awe of what the Lord has done for us. And I thought "This is exactly the kind of man that I've been waiting for." Our first date was supposed to be the week of Lindy's wedding(early August), but unfortunately plans didn't quite work out. I was hesitant on even going on a date at that time simply because I wanted to cherish my dear friend's wedding. Once the happy couple left, I finally gave Mic my attention. He agreed to drive me to the airport and we had a very short coffee date at Sheetz before my flight. While our time together was short-lived, I found myself feeling very sad as I left Virginia. We continued to get to know each other more via technology until my birthday weekend. Micaiah took time off work and came to South Dakota to visit me (and his family of course). He pursued me so intentionally in person and was such a gentleman. We made it official that week! Shortly thereafter I started traveling for work in Pennsylvania. That made it a lot easier to see each other more often. Our journey has been so unique and sweet in so many ways. I thank God that he provided such a complex, long-awaited, love like ours. A life full of prayers have come down to this. And to think this is just the beginning! We hope that you can make it to Virginia for our celebration. We understand that it may not be feasible for everyone, but we would love for your thoughts and prayers to be with us as we start this union! We love you all!