The first time I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, was in 2022. My family and friends invited me to my first youth camp. I was excited and nervous all at once, but ready to receive the blessings of God. I felt a calling to go to Phoenix but never understood why. Once there, I began to form amazing friendships that I know will last a lifetime. This was also the year I met my husband. Unfortunately, I have no memory of meeting him at the campsite. Five of my friends introduced me to him, yet I still have no memory of this. He still gives me a hard time about it. Fast forward to 2023, and my friends were asking me when I would visit Phoenix next. I had no idea when, but I did know that I felt like I had to be prepared. Later that year, one of my friends got engaged and asked me to be her bridesmaid. I said yes, and that felt like my excuse to finally go back to Arizona. Upon arriving there, I was able to meet up with my friends to go out to eat. This is where I met my husband in October 2023. I was a little nervous talking to him because it felt like my first time meeting him, but the more we talked, the more comfortable I felt with him. I was able to see his gentlemanly character, how he served the Lord with all his heart, and the way he cares for his family. I prayed to God to guide me through all of this. I wasn’t looking for anyone, and yet God sent him to find me. By the time I had to leave and go back to Nebraska, I started missing him, but we didn't stop there. We started texting, later on calling, and soon FaceTiming. Since the day we met, there has not been a day where we don’t reach out to one another. The more I was with him, the more I realized God sent him to me. My other half, the one whom my heart loves. My Beloved has found me.
When I first met Conny, it was at a camp meeting. Though I didn't know her, she stood out to me immediately. She was asking a sister for her signature in her Bible, something I hadn't seen since childhood. It made a strong impression on me. Later at that same camp, four of my friends introduced me to her. At the time, I just thought of her as another new sister in Christ. A few months later, during a service, I felt a profound sadness. I asked my dad to pray with me; I was yearning to find the love of my life. In my prayers, I asked for someone filled with the Holy Ghost, who praised the Lord openly and loved God deeply. I longed for a partner who adored children as much as I did, who would support me and help me seek God in every challenge, someone to love me for who I am. Fast forward a couple of months, and my best friends began telling me more about this girl. Each story made me more eager to meet her. Finally, in October 2023, I met Conny in person. I was so nervous to talk to her, but the more we chatted, the more comfortable I felt. I saw her sweet nature, her caring spirit for everyone and everything, her beautiful smile, and her contagious laugh. Her energy was something I desperately wanted to match. When it was time for her to leave and return home, I felt an unexpected sadness, even though we had just met. We started texting, then calling, and eventually FaceTiming. Since the day we met, not a day has gone by without us reaching out to each other. The more I talked to Conny, the more I fell for her. It became clear that she is my helpmate, the one my heart had been searching for. I had found my beloved.