On one fateful night in February 2021, Peyton and Charis met for the first time. Charis was the newest addition to a team of Liberty University students who were preparing to go to Togo, Africa, on a summer mission’s trip. And as Peyton stepped into Dr. Kimberly Mitchell’s basement (the Togo team leader), he was not in the least disappointed with this new development. This initial reaction was heightened when Charis bowed her head and voiced the most sincere and humble prayer that he had ever heard. It was all he could do to “keep his mind on the Lord” as his heart threatened to jump out of his chest. A few weeks later, after unenthusiastically signing a contract which stated “I will not date any team members,” Peyton realized he needed to talk to Dr. Mitchell. Unfortunately for him (or maybe fortunately), Dr. Mitchell was well prepared to handle his wave of emotions threatening to infuse unneeded drama into the mission’s team. "Dr. Mitchell, how serious are you about this no-dating rule?" Peyton said. "Very serious," Dr. Mitchell said.  Insert quote from Charis: “Apparently, picking me up to join another couple for breakfast does not count as a double date.” The trip finally arrived, and while in Africa Peyton and Charis had a wonderful time serving the Lord together. Peyton was able to witness Charis’ loving interactions with missionary kids and see her share her testimony as an encouragement to the workers in Togo. Charis watched Peyton be intentional with those around him, lead a VBS camp, and build others up even when he contracted malaria. On the last day of the trip, as the future couple looked out towards the Atlantic ocean from a moonlit African beach, Peyton expressed his desire to date Charis. Charis said she would be potentially interested and followed up with, "I'll call you in a month!" A week later, she texted him. The following semester, they intentionally grew their friendship; and after the Brown parents visited over fall break, Charis and Peyton officially became a couple. Their relationship was progressing nicely; and then in January of 2022, Charis suffered a concussion at a trampoline jump park. She temporarily returned to Hawaii to receive help with the accompanying pain. In an exemplary display of selfless care to his girlfriend, Peyton booked his own flight to Hawaii to show her his support. Over the next several months, Peyton and Charis grew closer. A Florida spring break trip, visiting Peyton’s family in Colorado, long walks around the Liberty campus, along with countless other wonderful experiences confirmed their desire to love one another through the ups and downs of life for the rest of their lives.

After their honeymoon, Charis and Peyton will continue living in Lynchburg,VA while Peyton attends Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Charis works. Charis has been accepted to Lynchburg University’s doctorate of physical therapy program, but she has deferred enrollment for a year. They hope you can visit!