I first met Grace when we started high school. Though we were friendly with each other, we weren’t particularly close, and I would only call us casual friends. I do remember thinking she was smart and had solid character. When we were in college, there was some mutual interest, but nothing came of it. I wish I could blame this on Grace, but I’m afraid my foolishness is more to blame. We spent a little time together and I even got her number, but I’m afraid I got caught up in the busyness of life and didn’t pursue this amazing woman that was only an hour down the road. As I started work after college, Grace was someone on my mind. I couldn’t help but think I missed out. I knew the type of person she was, and I knew there just weren’t too many people around as amazing as her. Fortunately, God blessed me with one more chance. We ran into each other at an alumni basketball game, and I finally came to my senses and asked her on a date (I’d been praying she would show up at this particular event). Getting to know her the last 2 years has been incredible. It hasn’t always been easy and much of it has been long-distance, but it has been an incredible blessing. Her love for Christ and others inspires/motivates me, and she encourages me every day with her approach to life. Plus, she’s just awfully fun to be around. I honestly cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her.
Zane and I met as freshmen in high school, and though Zane gained my respect as a person of integrity, it wasn't until freshman year of college that mutual interest developed. Zane asked for my number at the end of a winter conference we were attending but never reached out afterwards (facepalm). We saw each other a handful of times over the next 6 years, and I always thought, "I would definitely date that guy". The fall of 2018 I moved back to Montana to finish up grad school. As I took some time to pray and fast about the next season, Zane came to mind. I asked God for the opportunity to see Zane again. In December 2019, I went to an alumni basketball game (clearly in hopes of seeing him, not to play basketball), and Zane was there and got up the gumption to ask me out. God is so kind! I'm so excited to get to marry my best friend--a man filled with compassion, courage, and humility who encourages me to find hope in Jesus not in him. I'm also excited to live in the same city after dating long-distance almost our entire relationship.