From the moment we met (hilariously enough, over a video chat conference call with our college ministry group, Chi Alpha, to plan a huge event called Burger Bash), we were instantly drawn to each other. We both recall seeing each other on our respective screens and thinking, "WOW, why hadn't I noticed you before??" The rest of our story seemed to fall right into place from there, though it included a bit of meddling on behalf of the Chi Alpha housemates' part to really get the ball rolling. As the school year progressed and we served the Lord together through Chi Alpha, we became fast friends. We quickly realized how comfortable we were spending time together and before long, our Bible studies in Java Jack's coffee house, outings with friends, and spontaneous road trips gave way to a love that would last a lifetime.

It was a chilly but otherwise pleasant Sunday in February and I (Caitlyn) attended church with Connor before working a fundraiser at the Neighborhood Walmart in Nacogdoches to raise money for our upcoming Vietnam trip in June. Connor joined me for the first hour or so, then left to do homework (or so he said) while I worked for another hour or two. That sweet man had been begging me to go geocaching with him for a week or so after my fundraising shifts, but I was so tired afterward that I nearly turned him down in favor of a nap. I finally agreed, though, and he led me into the Stephen F. Austin State University arboretum to find a few geocaches that he claimed to have looked up beforehand. After finding the first one, he casually led me to the second: an inconspicuous, green plastic ammo box hidden in a bush. He guided me to a nearby bench and urged me to open it. Inside, he had neatly arranged photos and notes from our entire relationship in chronological order, sprinkled with yellow rose petals. At the bottom of the box, much to my immense surprise, was a small black velvet box. The next few moments seemed to go in slow motion: he told me he loved me, got down on one knee as he opened the box, and I turned to see my best friend Katelynn tiptoeing out of the treeline with a camera in hand to film the moment. It was a completely breathtaking, unreal surprise. And, after taking a few seconds to collect myself, I looked at this wonderful, thoughtful man and finally managed to say, "Yes!"