Sofia has given me the honor of telling the story of how we met, and I have to admit, I’m pretty excited about it. After all, it’s not every day I get to highlight my kind, gentle, yet charismatic nature—and how fortunate she is to have me. All jokes aside, while I do love a good laugh, I am so grateful to share how the Lord has blessed us. Our story began in Ames, Iowa, in the fall of 2022. Both in our last year of college, we ended up renting houses right next door to each other. Sofia later admitted that she almost got cold feet when it came time to move, but her soon-to-be roommate, Nichole, talked her off the edge. It was also recounted to me that upon her move in day, her mother specifically warned her to watch out for the neighbor boys. Sofia, thankfully did not listen. My roommate Tyler and I, being the social guys we are, discovered there were newcomers that had moved in next to us. Naturally, we decided to introduce ourselves. However, we did not want to seem creepy, so instead we opted to pet Nichole’s dog through the fence. Now that dog was a real bitch and she would never quit barking, but it was worth it to scout out the potential prospects. It didn’t take long for the barking to cause the girls to come out. In hindsight, they were probably even more creeped out more by two random guys attempting to pet their dog that clearly didn’t want to be. We made quick work to not be strangers and that is when Sofia and I formally met. I remember thinking of just how beautiful Sofia was, intrigued by her personality and humor, I was excited for the next chance we would get to meet. As time went on, we started to spend more and more time together which is when I learned everything about her. Her story, where she came from, her likes, dislikes, and her dreams in life. I learned that she was a Christian so the first box was checked. She was also beautiful and funny and that checked the second and third. We had some amazing memories that first semester and it went by in a blink of an eye. After many backyard fires, movie nights with the roommates, and Es Tas Burger Nights, our friendship began to turn into something more. I met her family at Thanksgiving and the fourth box was checked, they knew how to make some good food. By the time Christmas arrived, I had been waiting for the perfect moment to ask her to date me. I thought it made sense to introduce her to my family first, so I asked if she’d come meet them, planning to ask her there. She said she would have to think about it and would let me know. I started driving back home and within an hour, she called me and spoke some sense into me. She asked what kind of girl was going to travel 1000 miles away and be introduced to his family as a “friend"? She had a good point, I just laughed and I asked her over the phone middle school style. Thankfully, she said yes, and a week or so later I picked her up at the airport to introduce her to my family and friends. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had found the most amazing person. Sofia has the kindest spirit and possesses a love for everyone unlike anyone I have ever met. I strongly believe she has never come across a stranger. The way that she can connect with anyone and make a person feel cared for is truly inspiring. Fast forward to now. We have grown so much as individuals and as a couple. Our faith has deepened and our desire to keep God at the center of our lives has remained constant. We have a relationship that has not only survived but flourished in the face of adversity by the grace of God. I am excited for what the future holds, the family we will raise, and the home we will make. Over the years, I have realized that it's not where you live life that matters, but who you live your life with. With Sofia, I am perfectly happy wherever God has called us to be. We cannot be more excited for our special day with all of our loved ones. -Joe