On April 22, 2021, Tommy reached out to Caroline on social media, and we began talking and getting to know each other. After going back and forth, we both noticed the special connection we had through knowing Jesus. A few weeks later, through mutual friends, we met on the lawn at a good friend's birthday party. It was a short interaction, as Tommy and his friends quickly left to go climb an abandoned mill. Amazing first impression! The boys returned a few hours later where we then got to chat more and awkwardly catch eyes from across the room. The next Saturday, Caroline invited Tommy and his friends over for a bonfire, and that is where one of our sly friends asked in front of everyone to play a game where we all say three things we like about each other, but there was a catch. Only Caroline and Tommy could play. We then proceeded to say in front of all our friends what we liked most, confirming that this was going somewhere. One week later, on May 16, at yet another group hangout, Tommy asked Caroline if he could drive her home. Their first time ever alone together, Tommy took her down memory lane showing her all the hallmarks of Edina, his hometown. He closed the night with asking her to be his girlfriend, where Caroline then awkwardly said yes and got out of the car nervously. Our first date was one week later. We spent our last couple years of high school going to each other’s dances, sporting events, and exploring Minnesota while being at different schools, different churches, and in different friend groups. As senior year came to a close, Caroline and Tommy had to face the reality of what was to come. Caroline decided to go to Germany for Bible school, while Tommy committed to Grand Canyon University. We decided that what we had was worth the distance despite the unknown of what that would really look like. Our next six months, we were both transformed through the different experiences we were facing, yet the Lord was still connecting us through His Word and the things He was teaching us. After four months apart, Tommy came to Europe over Christmas break, and after that trip, he called her, and we decided that it was time to stop talking about “if” we get married but “when”. Caroline decided to attend Wheaton College after Bible school, confirming that we would be apart for another two years. Through the distance, our hearts really did grow fonder. We got to grow individually and establish relationships with lifelong friends while also maintaining and growing our love for each other. Our desire to be together grew more and more, and we decided to take the leap and get married. Tommy worked a valet job to save up for a ring and after much deliberation with Caroline’s Wheaton friends, on February 7th, 2026, Tommy proposed behind Caroline’s favorite coffee shop in Minnesota. Long distance is finally coming to a close, as Tommy graduates from GCU and Caroline finishes her sophomore year of college. Tommy will be moving to Wheaton at the end of this summer, and we will continue preparing for our marriage before the big day, December 19, 2026. Throughout our whole relationship, God’s hand has guided us gently yet firmly to where He has wanted us to go, and it is by His grace that we get to become one. His Word is what has sustained us through every trial and joy, and it continues to be our guide, as we trust the Lord with what is next. All the glory is His for this love that we have!