06.22.24

Jaxon and I met at Kanakuk Kamps, specifically working at K-Kountry with children ranging from 7-11 years old during Summer ‘22. Our first conversation technically was in passing as I heard him say something and I responded with “brother in Christ” which apparently was a meme and we joked. However, as we have gotten to know one another, there were several moments where our paths crossed before from a cleansing/filling activity being the last in a field to stealing each others quiet time spot by the lake. Our story continued as we randomly became counselors for Barn 10 (both guys and girls). During K-Life (worship, hype party, Gospel skit time), the same barn #'s (girls and guys) sat together in barn rows. During this time along with seeing Jaxon volunteer for a variety of skits, I not only got to see his gooberness but ultimately a heart so bold for Christ that burned regardless of being the only man standing in the room. In addition to sitting together in barn rows, we had staff paperwork (post cards/awards for kids) parties where the same barn #’s staff would sit together at tables. During that time, both our co-counselors saw us interact and also where my co-counselor (shout out Natalie) may have strongly suggested to Jaxon to ask me out even though he was already planning on it haha! My time at K-Kountry specifically was supposed to be cut short the last two weeks of Kamp as I was contracted to go take Kamp on the road in OK! At the time, my grandfather was not doing the best and wanted to make every effort to see him after kamp but everything was so expensive to fly. I was fortunately able to find a ride back at K-Kountry who was able to drive me to MO as she was heading that way already for a concert after Kamp but had to leave soon after we were dismissed. I left for the road for a week, where things with Jaxon were TBD and ultimately given to the Lord. Come to find out it was a week upon several weeks of prayer for us both of where the Lord wanted us in this potential relationship (and where the Lord wanted me for His mission). Somehow, I was allowed to come back to K-Kountry for the last week of Kamp, where I ran into Jaxon at the office (where he had the biggest smile ear to ear) exclaiming “You’re back!”. It was such a time of uncertainty for us both, but the Lord moved mountains and made it known where our feet should be. From there, Jaxon took the opportunity to ask me out after one of our “Zero to Hero” parties (where my crusty self had a face painted Barn 5 across my whole face). I still have no idea to this today how he managed to not break out laughing when asking me out lol. From there, we continued to be in prayer and asking for guidance in this potential relationship. We went on a few walks (considered dates at Kamp #Kampthings) and worked the trap at the pool (technically our first date without me knowing because Jaxon requested we work together) in July 2022 ft. in picture below. He followed our third date with a conversation regarding clarity in which left me in awe of a man leading so well… “Clarity is Kindness”. Initially I forgot to reciprocate in that moment because I was so in shock a man was leading in such a way but first I asked why he asked me out to begin with and he responded in a way I’ve only prayed for a future spouse to respond: “I prayed about it”. That is essentially the moment that I knew I wanted this man to be my husband because he sought God 1st. We then verbally reciprocated in how we felt towards one another and then the last day of kamp he asked for my phone number. From there we FaceTimed several times and he made his first roadtrip to CO where he met friends, the ministry I am involved in, my pastors, and my family. I wanted to be friends for a few months before dating to have a stronger foundation as well as to meet both sides of our families before any official titles just out of respect for them. We starting dating officially on November 26, 2022 and the rest is history ;)

Essentially...I was at kamp minding my own business and this sassy frass girl quotes a meme and come to find out she didn't mean to quote the meme so we awkwardly laughed. Then a year and half later we're getting married. Story done. Just kidding, here's the extended version. Later that night after the awkward conversation, Ms. Kaitlin and I started seeing each other more often with more opportunities to talk which was a huge act of providence and something that had not happened the past weeks we were at kamp. The week we started talking (Week 7) it seemed like I couldn't turn without Kaitlin being there and throughout the following two weeks through experiences like Kaitlin dressing up like Buzz Lightyear for a 'Zero to Hero' party to seeing her become a Blob monster for the kiddos to Kaitlin's quirky drowning, and so many others I fell head over heels for this goober. I had previously created a list of non-negotiables and desires for a future wife and Kaitlin was all of that plus a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce. But in all seriousness, God fearing, graceful, passionate for ministry because I want to be a pastor, cares for others, extremely devoted/loyal, helpful, and holds me accountable. She is the hardest worker I know and she loves so well despite when people don't deserve it. She is overall biblically qualified and the women that I couldn't wait to make my wife. At kamp, every morning I'd wake up and pray "God, please don't be teasing me". The night before she was getting ready to leave for KampOut, we saw each other in the skit closet and talked. As she was walking away I had asked for her number but she kept walking away (because she didn't hear me) so initially I thought she didn't want it. The morning she left, I saw her again before breakfast and we talked where I left the end of our conversation with saying "I'll see you when I'll see you" because there was no way I gonna let this woman go. Kaitlin left for KampOut and whenever, God allowed Kaitlin to come back a week later to kamp, when it was all so uncertain, I knew God had answered my prayer. Week 10 (Last week of kamp) it was a done deal. Every chance I could, every time I could see/talk to her, I would. I would set up stations to work with her without her knowing and even bring her kamper's rain jacket back to her just to see her. We went on a few walks, the first one of which was the closest thing to a hurricane Missouri could get. Finally, the last day of kamp after 3 failed attempts of getting Kaitlin's phone number, I succeeded. 2 weeks later I drove out to Colorado to see her in person because I couldn't wait to see her again. I got to see she was just as amazing outside of kamp as she was in kamp. So as soon as I could, I asked her to be my girl then as soon as I could, I asked her to be my forever girl.