We first met at Cafe Benne on Green St in Champaign. Micah was meeting with Doug (one of our favorite cru staff members!) and I was meeting up with a greek student for coffee. I saw Doug and decided to say hello, I didn't realize he was meeting with a potential new student! I joyfully said hi to Doug, and then realized that he was with a VERY cute new boy, now all nervous, I frantically said goodbye and left. A few days later we met again at a cru kickoff, Micah threw me a touchdown pass, and I caught it! (peak romance if you ask me!)

Micah and I had our first conversation (or fight rather) at Fall Getaway our sophomore year. One of the biggest fall getaway events is when the classes team up for a kickball tournament. The sophomores, being the best class ever, decided to tye dye tshirts to wear for the game! Some of us picked a day and made the shirts, but we made headbands for those who couldn't come. Prior the game, as everyone was finding their team and getting ready, Micah came to find me. I was holding the spare headbands, and he asked me for one. I, being way overly confident, said no. I thought he was a year above, and these were for the sophomores. I said "sorry, these are for the sophomores only." He responded with "yes, I know, I am a sophomore." I fought him on it! After proving to me (which wasn't easy) that he was a sophomore, I gave him a headband, and he joined our squad. And, the rest is history!

After over a year of me crushing on Micah (and throwing him many clues, ask me about the avocado story!) and him being completely oblivious, Micah finally made a move. On November 1st Micah was driving me home from a late night study session with friends. Before he dropped me off, he said, "wait I have something to ask you." I, giddily anticipating what he was gonna say, paused and let him go ahead. He said, "I would love to take you on a date!" and I responded with "I would really love that!" So, a week later, Micah picked me up at 10am on a Monday morning and we went for breakfast at the Original Pancake House in Champaign. I have a weak spot for chocolate chip pancakes, and Micah knew that. Two weeks later, Micah asked me to be his girlfriend, on November 13th, 2023!

We spent the next two years getting to know each other and explore what this life together might look like! I struggled at first with the whole, "this is a safe person and I am supposed to let them in" but Micah never failed to respond to me with patience and understanding. He is steady and has never waivered in his commitment toward me, and for that I am so thankful! We walked through fears and worries together, at the start of dating and learning how to manage finding time together. We walked through long distance, when I spent the summer in Uganda and he was in Champaign. We have walked through grief together, when Micah's older brother passed away last November. And now we are slowly learning and processing how to do life together, how to carry, love, support, and encourage each other through the many ups and downs of this wild ride.

June 23rd, 2025!! Micah came on the Bickhart family vacation to Holland Michigan, and this is where he decided to PROPOSE! Monday night, after a long beach day, family dinner, card games, and walking adventures, Micah asked me to go on a walk down the beach. I was surprised by this request, he's more of a pickleball and basketball player than a casual stroller, AND he had a broken ankle that was swollen to the size of a softball. Regardless, he was set on an evening walk. We bolted, not strolled, to his destination spot on the beach. Micah lovingly and compassionately popped the question and we eagerly walked back to where the entrance to the beach was. We were joyfully greeted by both our families, Micah's family came down to surprise us. The rest of the week was incredibly sweet, as we got to enjoy a week of rest, growing comfortability, and joyful moments together. This was the best way to start our forever journey together! I am so thankful for Micah! God's grace, kindness, and steadiness is so evident in our relationship, and for that, WE PRAISE!