Joses and I both attended college at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. However, we didn't meet right away. I graduated high school in 2010 and began attending Andrews University that Fall. Joses was still attending Andrews Academy that year and began attending Andrews University as a Pre-Physical Therapy student in the Fall of 2011. During that school year, I decided to study abroad in Spain. I had come to visit my friends at Andrews right at the beginning of the school year in August of 2011, but it would not be until the following year in 2012 when Joses and I were introduced through a mutual friend. Since Joses had attended Andrews during the previous school year, he had gotten to know one of my close friends, Stefany, during that year when my friend Michelle and I were in Spain. When we came back in the Fall of 2012, we immediately began reconnecting with our friends from the previous year, Stefany being at the top of that list. For anyone that has gone to Andrews, you know that on Friday evenings, nearly everyone attends one or more vespers programs. On September 14, 2012, Stefany, Michelle, and I decided to all attend the Adelante (Spanish Club) Vespers. This particular vespers happened to be held in Meijer Hall, the men's dorm. Stefany, Michelle, and I walked up the stairs in the men's dorm to attend the vespers program. Joses was standing at the top of the stairs right before the chapel entrance. Since he and Stef knew each other, he came over to say hello. Stefany introduced Joses to Michelle and I and we talked for a few minutes prior to going inside for the program. Following the vespers, a group of us, including Stefany, Michelle, Joses, and myself went down to the dorm lobby. We all spent a few hours conversing and getting to know one another as there were about 6-8 of us. We all talked until the dorm closed and continued on with our evenings. That night, Joses and I had no idea that it would be the beginning of our story.

A few weeks after we met, my friend Michelle and I ran into Joses at the Gazebo (one of the food spots on Andrews University). He mentioned that he had just come from a meeting regarding a mission trip he was going on over Christmas Break. The mission trip was going to be working at a Children's Home in Honduras. He had gone the previous year and enjoyed the trip so much that he was going to go back. As soon as he mentioned this trip, I looked at Michelle and excitedly stated, "We have to go!" I asked Joses who we needed to talk to in order to make it happen. He told me to talk to Pastor Glenn Russell, who has been planning and leading this trip for several years. Michelle and I reached out to Pastor Russell that same day and within two days were on the list to attend the mission trip. I messaged Joses and told him that everything was set and how excited we were to go on the mission trip to Honduras. Following this, Joses and I continued to run into each other on campus and would see each other throughout the meetings for the mission trip. Michelle and I would often run into Joses and his friend Paul on campus and would frequently stop to talk. Over the course of the semester, Joses and I became good friends, studying together and sharing in excitement about the upcoming trip. During the first trip in 2012, I was the music teacher and Joses was a counselor for the day camp that we run there. Joses and I often talked and played music together, as we both discovered that the other had a deep love and appreciation for music. On the last Saturday of the trip, Joses and I performed a song together for church service. Our friendship, love for music, and desire for service continued to grow from there. We continued to go on this trip together for 5 consecutive years, becoming camp co-directors. With each trip, we became closer in friendship, fell in love, and continued serving. Honduras will always be at the heart of our relationship and we couldn't be more grateful!

Since moving to Florida, one of our favorite things has been to go to the beach and watch the sunset. Joses said we were going to dinner with friends by the beach. Since he was off that day, he had already been in that area so I met him there after work. When I arrived, we sat in my car catching up on our day. He got a text that our friends were “running 15 minutes late.” Joses asked if I wanted to walk down by the beach to wait for them. Naturally, I love spending every moment at the beach so I said yes without thinking anything of it. We sat down on a bench, continued talking and made our way to the water. After a few moments, he handed me his phone. A song that he wrote me 2 years prior entitled “A Million More,” started playing with the text, “A Million More… Begins Today!” The video continued with pictures and videos from our family and friends pouring out their love and support for us. The most important people in my life were in that video! It left both of us in a spin of tears, laughter, and gratitude. Words cannot describe how meaningful it was! It truly felt like everyone was there. Following the video, Joses got on one knee to ask me to marry him! That was the most certain, excited YES I've ever given! After embracing one another, Joses pointed out a photographer that had captured the entire thing! His friend had also been standing right behind us videoing the entire proposal without me even realizing it. After this, we had a proposal photoshoot at sunset. Joses then looked at me and said, “That’s just part 1!” We walked to a house near the beach. Upon entering, “Marry Me” by Train began to play. The kitchen was decorated with red roses, candles, and set for dinner. A canvas was placed on the counter with a letter Joses had written, committing to writing me a canvas letter every year on that day for the rest of our lives. The evening was spent reflecting over our gratitude to God for bringing us together and being able to continue our journey together.