It all started the day I heard there was going to be a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I knew immediately I wanted to go and serve God anyway I could. I trusted God was going to bless the trip in tremendous ways, but little did I know, the blessings would be larger than I ever anticipated. We had a few meetings planned before the trip, and it was in the second meeting where I glanced around the room and this wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous, smiley, bombshell of a woman caught my eye! I couldn't believe how gorgeous she was and knew I needed to talk to her. The only weird thing was that her and her mom were wearing matching outfits, I was super confused- but I usually am, so I choose to look past it (and it was a dang good thing I did!). To my surprise I heard her passport was in limbo and was afraid I may miss out on such a unique and special opportunity to serve together and get to know her. The only thing I could do was pray that God would send her passport in time. And just like God always does, that beautiful girl's passport arrived in the mail with just six hours to spare before our plane was scheduled to depart! And top it off, when we got our travel itinerary, I was incredibly excited to see that our plane seats for BOTH flights were assigned right next to each other. From that point forward, I was falling in love, and haven't stopped since.

For our very first date, Ryan asked if I wanted to go for a walk on the American Tobacco Trail. We walked and talked for about two hours and have pretty much spent everyday together since. The tobacco trail would become a well walked trail for us, where we would soon spend many afternoons, evenings, and future date nights. A few days after Christmas, Ryan and I decided to take our families down to the American Tobacco Trail head were we could enjoy a late night walk looking at the Christmas lights and decorations. As we were crossing the bridge, Ryan asked everyone to gather around to take a group picture, but then pulled me out in front of our group. Shocked, I looked back at everyone and was overwhelmed by the tears and joy I saw on their faces. In front of our closest family and friends, on the trail where he took his first steps in pursuing me, Ryan asked me to spend the rest of my life with him, allowing him to spend his days pursuing me till his very last...and of course I said yes!