Summer 2015, I was beginning my third & last summer at Camp War Eagle. One of the big responsibilities I had that year was assisting with our International Staff called GEST (Global Extreme Serve Team). That summer caught me by surprise with a lot of things. One of those things was the amount of adversity I had to deal with working with our International Staff. But it was through those hardships that the Lord brought Megan into my life. Megan didn't work directly with our GEST, but it was apparent of her desire to get to know and spend time with our GEST staff. One summer night the GEST and I were cleaning the chow hall and Megan was there helping us as well. She was so intentional, servant-hearted, and joyful to be there with us. It was at that time I realized I needed to get to know this woman. Towards the end of the summer, the Lord was able to provide opportunities for us to get to know each other. Going into the fall, I was starting my Air Force career at Vance AFB going through pilot training in Enid, OK. Megan was beginning her senior year at Oklahoma State. We started to do the long distance talking and getting to know each other on a deeper level. Our times together consisted of making food (Megan is the best cook!!), enjoying the outdoors and getting to know each other's close friends. We started dating in December just before she left to go study abroad in Belgium that spring. Being in a relationship is like a roller coaster. Since meeting and dating, we've had a lot of hardships and triumphs, but through each season, I've seen that the Lord has been & is faithful in our relationship. I can go on and share all the things and memories that I love about Megan, but the three biggest things I love deeply about her is her love for Christ, her love for people to make Christ's name known, and her passion to help me grow in my walk. I'm excited to share this journey of marriage with my best friend.

Our story began when I decided to work my first summer at Camp War Eagle after my junior year in college. The Lord was bringing me through a season of healing during that time. He knew exactly what I needed during that summer, friendships & a deeper knowledge of who He is. He was so faithful to provide both of these things & to provide me an outlet for my passions as well. I had always had a passion for internationals & learning about different cultures, so that summer I got involved with Camp's international ministry called GEST where staff would come from many different countries & work. I signed up to be a GEST partner & was paired with a girl from Slovakia named Maria. I got to know the two leaders of the program, Chandler...and Justin. Through this shared passion, we developed a sweet friendship. Justin and I's first interactions were quite awkward at Camp, including him staring at me in the dining hall, me abrasively introducing myself, deep chats on the way to the Cross, & accidentally ripping my pants (ask us to tell you this story sometime!!!). Six months after Camp, we starting dating. During this time, I was always & still am thankful for Justin's directness. He knew what his intentions were from the very beginning, telling me that he longed to date me & not just be friends with me. This pursuit still continues to this day. Our first six months of dating were long distance: I was in Belgium student teaching & he was stationed with the Air Force in Enid, Oklahoma. I was actually so thankful for this time. It allowed us to get to know each other deeply without the pressure of being physically around each other. After I got back from Belgium, we proceeded to do two years of long distance while I lived in NW Arkansas & he lived in Oklahoma. We have had many ups & downs. God has brought us through many difficult trials, but I am so thankful that the Lord has aligned our souls, hearts, & minds. My soul can't wait to marry you, Justin Andrew Berndt.

We are so excited for this next chapter in our lives, but we also have many big transitions coming up. In November, we will both be moving to Wichita, KS as Justin is stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. This will be the first time that we will be living in the same city & we are so nervous/happy all at the same time. Justin just bought a house in Kansas that we plan to re-model. Megan is not sure yet what she wants to do in Wichita, whether to grad school to get a Master's degree in counseling, to teach, or to work in non-profit/ministry again. Please join us in praying for these transitions - getting settled into church & community, Megan moving from Arkansas & finding a job, Justin starting his new job & flying the KC-135 officially, and being MARRIED. We are so excited for this, but to be honest, we have no idea what we are doing. Join us in praying for our marriage as well. Pray for unity, understanding, compassion, & that we would find good mentors in Wichita to walk with us. We are feeling all the feelings right now, including excitement & fear. We know that God is GOOD & we are excited to see the things He is going to do in & through our marriage. We know this, because we have seen Him be SO FAITHFUL throughout our relationship.