It’s happening!

It's a funny story, really. Kaleb and Keisha both were classmates at George Fox University. Majoring in Communication, they had multiple classes together and were the type of friends that engaged in casual conversations. After graduating in 2012, Kaleb spent four years teaching English in China and learning how to cook some really amazing food. Keisha stayed in Newberg coaching women's basketball, working in the admissions office, and figuring out how many times she could go to DQ in a day without being caught. Gotta love those $5 buck lunches! Fast forward -- it's summer 2020. The pandemic. Quarantined. All of the things. They both decided to give online dating another go (you know how that cycle goes). After Kaleb saw Keisha's profile pop up once again, he decided to finally reach out. He commented on a post in reference to a book Keisha was reading, and from that initial conversation, the rest was history. The next week involved endless hours on the phone while Kaleb was visiting his family in Wyoming. In fact, one night, they spent 5 1/2 hours on the phone together. Later, Kaleb's dad mentioned he was glad that he found love, but it was going to cost him $42 dollars for the phone bill. Worth it.

If you know Keisha well, you will vividly remembering her getting her nails done multiple times in December. They both knew engagement was in the future before the New Year, but Kaleb kept Keisha on her toes. After spending Christmas with her family, Kaleb and Keisha traveled back to Newberg for another round of disc golf at Hoover Park. While playing, Kaleb casually mentioned that Keisha wouldn't have time to clean her room that day. Puzzled and confused, Kaleb mentioned they'd be traveling to Lincoln City for two nights. *Cue Keisha getting emotional and nervously excited* The beach was always a special place to them. It was where they went on their first official date and had a lovely picnic on the beach. Kaleb booked them an oceanfront view and they spent the first night playing hours of Phase 10, which Keisha lost every time. The next morning, Kaleb made breakfast, and they decided to head for a walk on the beach. After Keisha got dressed and was ready to hit the beach, Kaleb was gone. The room was empty. The phone buzzed and a message appeared from Kaleb that Keisha would never forget: "Meet me on the beach <3." After shedding tears and trying to figure out what to wear (mascara proved to be irrelevant), Keisha made it to the beach and Kaleb was waiting patiently (for what he thought were hours). Words were exchanged. They both were gushing with so much love and emotion. And Kaleb got down on one knee and popped the big question. It was such an easy "yes."

We couldn't be more excited for this next journey of our lives! We know we're not just saying yes to a wedding, but we're saying yes to marriage. To the ups and downs. To the highs and lows. To doing life with each other. We are grateful for the ways that Jesus has moved in our lives and brought us together. We, along with our friends and family, are praying for a beautiful life together -- knowing the God we serve and the gift it is to do life together.