Haley’s Version On February 28, 2025, I introduced myself to a guy at a bar and I’ve never been the same! Lincoln Hall to Paul Street - 265 miles A month after that dive bar I took a trip to Grove City, PA from Harrisonburg, VA and returned as a girlfriend. In the first few months of knowing one another, Smith and I had about a 6-hour drive between us, but that didn’t stop us from meeting each other’s families over bonfires and concerts. I learned quickly nothing about knowing Smith would be mundane or ordinary, but all things adventurous and extraordinary. In this time, I got to witness Smith’s steadiness and confidence in the Lord. Saranac to Rockbridge - 685 miles In May, Smith and I headed to different camps to work in different kitchens, and so 6 hours turned to 12 from NY to VA. We shared many trials and joys that summer, often on a camp phone that hung up after 10 minutes. Despite the miles, Smith still managed to surprise me one Friday afternoon and I couldn’t believe the lengths he’d go to remind me I am loved. In this time, I got to witness Smith’s sacrifice and selflessness. Pittsburgh to Denver - 1450 miles Many handwritten letters later, we furthered the distance a bit more as he began Young Life staff in the steel city and I, the Greenwood Fellows, bringing me west to Colorado. This time has been refining and sweet all the same, and Smith has been a great friend and encouragement through it all.Through the Lord’s grace in our lives, we now find ourselves engaged, and preparing for a summer 6 minutes down the road from one another. Praise the Lord! In this time, I am getting to witness Smith’s kind heart, care, and resilience. I have been gifted a lifetime of joy in these distances. And I’m quite thankful to have shaken this guy’s hand. Smith’s Version This is a story about a princess and a farm boy who met at a bar. It was February 28th, 2025. Lincoln Hall to Paul Street - 265 miles It was after we met in the bar that we decided we wanted to plan out our visits. It fell on the last weekend in March when Haley first made the trek up to Grove City College. We spent the weekend going around Pittsburgh and it was this weekend when I officially asked her to be my girlfriend. During these travels to and from our schools, the Lord blessed us abundantly. We met each other’s families, went to concerts, and got to walk around Paul Street in our Rainbows. I remember this springtime fondly, and look back to see the kindness of Haley that I know so much more of today! Saranac to Rockbridge - 685 miles The Lord is quite funny! You see, in all actuality Haley and I met for a split second at a New Year’s party on Paul Street (as is). Our first conversation went something like “I’m an intern at Rockbridge this summer”, followed by “Sweet, I’ll be at Saranac.” And so it was: we were both in kitchens for the summer of 2025. One in the mountains of Virginia, the other in upstate New York. It was in those kitchens that we worked to serve the Lord and others, and in this season we started to know what it was to love from a distance. I look back to this time and see the joy of the Lord in Haley’s heart. Pittsburgh to Denver - 1450 miles Booyah. These two cities have been our homes for some time now, and I can’t help but be overjoyed. There are so many pieces of Haley that I see throughout Denver when I’ve gotten to visit. I’ve been reminded of the adventurous heart and spirit that she carries with her no matter where she goes. We have been blessed with the opportunity to ski, hike, and explore so many parts of each city we have been calling home. It has been an honor to wait for her in the airports, and I am excited for the next season of travel that is done together. The Lord has reminded me that the peace I have with this woman of God is because of who she is, not where she is. As you wish!