Did we meet on 8.11.2022? No, but that's when we first started working together! Trystan & Jackie traveled together on a youth ministry team back in 2016, and at that time, neither of them was thinking or worrying about the other. After traveling, the Lord led Jackie into an English professor position at Baptist College of Ministry (BCM), and the Lord led Trystan to continue his education at BCM. Neither of their paths really crossed. After Trystan finished seminary (M.A. 2022), he was offered a few teaching positions and settled on a teaching position at Falls Baptist Church, with hopes of working on a Masters of Divinity degree at the same time. Little did he know that he would be paired for teaching with a former youth ministry teammate! Jackie was of course excited to have Trystan working for her since they already had a good working relationship back when traveling, and his reputation for excellence preceded him. Their first meeting was a business meeting: Jackie laid out her expectations for Trystan to complete a teaching writing seminar. He finished the course in just a couple weeks! Jackie was impressed since, well, few people seem motivated to complete their English homework AND Trystan also produced well-written materials. She decided to see if she could get him a little more involved with prepping for the college English class he would be assisting with. Trystan attended several meetings with Jackie and other administrators to work on the liberal arts curriculum map and goals. They were both impressed with the other for various reasons: she was passionate about students becoming articulate communicators; he cared about students achieving excellence for the glory of God. Both cared about the next generation being effective tools in the hands of the God of heaven. The school year progressed and both Trystan & Jackie taught their various class periods. Over the course of the semester, they observed each other teaching and collected ideas and strategies. They were able to work together to find ways to help students achieve their goals and become better students. They worked really well together. And others noticed that, too. Late October, Jackie began to wonder if maybe God's hand had brought them together and began asking the Lord if Trystan might be "the one." Mid-November, one of Jackie's mentors called her into the office to ask if perhaps there was some interest. . .and there was. But, since Trystan hadn't said anything to their pastors about being interested in a relationship, she needed to surrender it, be careful in interactions, and stay focused on teaching. At the end of the semester, the two of them found themselves discussing not just teaching, but some Bible-nerdy topics like textual criticism, the biblical manuscripts, and translation issues (Trystan couldn't believe Jackie liked that kind of thing!)--a conversation that spilled over into Christmas break. Trystan was truly impressed with this girl, which led him to think about her more. He began praying about Jackie as a potential wife. Most weeks, he would spend dedicated time praying and fasting, begging God to show him, in an abundantly clear way, that this was the girl. He waited for God's "sign," but enjoyed working with and getting to know her more. In the second semester, they began meeting on a weekly basis to plan and write material for their course. Over a number of weeks, Trystan met with multiple godly leaders to seek out their advice about marrying Jackie. He got confirmation after confirmation that this was a good match. This was just the clarity from God he needed! And what was better, he learned that Jackie would be ecstatic to start a relationship with him. On May 14, 2023, his parents called Jackie's, and she agreed to start a courtship with him! Their first date was on May 19, 2023--up to that point--THE BEST DAY EVER!

Early in the summer, Trystan & Jackie planned a trip to New Jersey to meet Trystan's family and have a bit of a vacation. Finally, the day to fly to Jersey came! They left Milwaukee VERY early Wednesday morning to catch a 5:20 AM flight in Chicago, finally arriving at Newark by 1:30 PM. They spent the afternoon settling in, enjoying a few meals together, visiting with the family. With Trystan's parents, they went to see "the city" (NYC) at night, and enjoyed a lovely walk along the Brooklyn Promenade. The next day everyone slept in, enjoyed some devotions together, and ate some breakfast with the family. Today's adventure? A secret! But it was SUCH a hot day. . .shouldn't the family postpone today's adventure? Trystan was determined that they could still do their adventure despite the heat. The morning and early afternoon were spent at home, and Jackie learned how to cut Trystan's hair (don't worry--she hasn't tried herself yet). Then the time came when it was about time to head out for the adventure! Everyone went to go change and load up into the vehicle. Jackie waited for Trystan, and when he came down noticed that he looked quite dressed up and handsome! She wondered what they were doing as a family. The drive to the surprise destination was about 2.5 hours. But, finally, she was told they were going to Cape May, New Jersey--the southernmost tip of the state! And it was about sunset--but--there were clouds! Little did Jackie know that Trystan and a text stream of Jackie's closest friends were desperately praying that the clouds would break for a little bit of a sunset! Everyone got out and walked to the coast. The Atlantic Ocean roared before them. . .along with a crazy guy running across the beach. . .but the view was fantastic! Sea grass waved in the wind; the temperature and breeze were perfect; dolphins jumped in the distance. Wow! As everyone walked along the beach, they stopped and took pictures. Jackie noticed that Trystan seemed to be hanging behind a little bit. . .but she wasn't totally sure why. Then Dad suggested Trystan and Jackie get a picture because the clouds parted a little and beautiful rays of pink light streamed through the clouds--they did and Jackie was about to run over and look at the picture when she realized Trystan was trying to tell her something. She couldn't believe her ears--"I'm sorry this wasn't an amazing adventure; the sun didn't come out--" "Trystan! It's ok! Remember the time I took you to see the sunrise on your birthday and it rained! I love this! You picked such a nice place!" "Jackie, maybe this should be one of our last adventures." Immediately, Jackie looked up at him, unbelieving of what he just said. But then, to her shock, he knelt to the ground, pulled a ring box from his back pocket, and said, "Will you join me on the adventure of marriage?!" Jumping up and down in excitement, Jackie said "yes" and they were engaged! We are so excited to have you with us to celebrate the start of our next life adventure. See you soon in Wisconsin!