A couple on mission for god's glory

If you had told us three years ago that we would be preparing to walk down the aisle today, we would not have believed you. We first "met" at a wedding that Joy Jochems (mother of the bride) and Sadie Barry (sister of the groom) were both bridesmaids in, however, our middle school selves hardly took notice of each other. Fast forward a couple of years and we found each other again on the sledding hill during one of Camp Bethel's winter retreats. We sat and bonded over FFA but still had no interest in each other. In summer 2019 we both worked as counselors at Camp Bethel. During that summer we became close friends and built a godly friendship. We saw each other at our best and at our worst as we served daily in ministry together. But STILL no interest on either side. About a year passed, and on October 16, 2020, Shay came to visit his best friend in Laramie and on a whim stopped by to see me (Jordan) and my sister Jessa. Jessa wasn't home when Shay arrived and while we waited for her we found ourselves casually and comfortably talking for hours. It was so natural and safe. Shay left the apartment that day with new feelings towards me that he had never felt before. I (Jordan) still was not sure. From there, we started talking daily as friends and found that we shared beliefs, values, and standards across all areas of life. Slowly but surely our feelings towards each other started to grow as God softened our hearts towards a dating relationship with each other. On January 1, 2021, we found ourselves sitting next to each other on an old log couch at Camp in the mountains. What the Lord was doing within each of us became clear. After expressing interest and praying we decided to take the month of January to pray about pursuing a relationship. On January 23, 2021, Shay asked me to be his girlfriend and obviously, I said yes. So we began our journey of dating intentionally and with purpose yet holding it all before the Lord with open hands. And the Lord continued to work.

On September 17, 2021, I traveled up to Ranchester and Shay came down from Joliet for a much-needed visit and break from dating long distance. Little did I know that in a few days that Friday would become one of the best days of my life. Shay and I had dinner plans at Frackleton’s in Sheridan. After finishing dinner, Shay suggested that we drive by the venue to get a sneak peek before going out the following evening for the tour. I said that that sounds exciting! If I don’t have an appointment or don’t have permission to be somewhere, chances are, it will take a lot of pushing and pulling to get me out of the car. We pull up the Big Horn Equestrian Center and Polo Club just as the sun was setting over the mountain. Shay asked if I would like to get out of the car and explore. I said no. He asked again and I continued to say we can just look from the car. After some gentle encouragement from my sweet Shay, I got out of the car and walked up to the fence line. As we took in the gorgeous scenery, Shay shared that he was so excited to be with me and asks to take a picture so that we can start making memories here. Shay walked up and set his phone on the fence to capture the moment (little did I know that he was setting up a video to capture the biggest surprise I had ever received). Shay poetically described my beauty and his unending love for me as we gaze into each other’s eyes. All of a sudden, he leaned down and pulled up his pantleg, reached inside his boot, and pulled out a ring box. Tears instantly fell and my jaw dropped. I remember seeing the sparkle in the box, but I couldn’t pull my eyes away from his. As we stare deeply into each other’s eyes, Shay kneeled and asked me to marry him. Through tears and joyful laughs, I said YES! We embraced and the excitement could’ve been felt from a mile away. My eyes gazed down to the most stunning engagement ring. I have never seen a more beautiful ring and it was being placed on MY FINGER!