Our story is that of two springtime plants (one particularly a flower) who by God’s grace found each other. Kristine and I first met at a Spring Retreat run by the Catholic Center at Rutgers. The theme of the retreat was ‘True North’. And our compasses after leading us in all directions, were finally set toward Him who fulfills all our desires. It would not be until five more Springs that I began to pursue Kristine in a dating relationship (#Patience4Love). And what providence that was, for it was around that time God confirmed our Vocations. The last two years of courting, dating, and engaging were filled with many adventures. I had the great privilege of knowing who Krisitne is, her beauty, her humor, her authenticity, her prayer, her confidence and many more. I knew how blessed I was to be on this journey with her. Here in laughter, here in tears, here with expectations, here with disappointments, here in prayer and here in friendship. Through all these and discerning with spiritual directors our desire for a life together was confirmed with our God's blessing. On August 15th, on the feast of the Assumption of Mary, I asked Kristine to marry me. Luckily, the love of my life said ‘yes’. And thus, our days of discernment were numbered and come the days of joy and perseverance. These past months of engagement has showed me that it was for Love that we are created. We were born out of an act of Love and we live to be Loved. Yet, this Love takes time and patient nurturing. Just like a flower in the beginning of springtime waiting for the sun’s rays to kiss it and for the rains to move it. So too is our Love, always needing the grace of God to shine on it and our courage and work to water it. Thus on June 20th, the last day of this year's Spring we will promise to one another to remain in this Love in sickness and in health for the rest of our days. We pray to our God that it bears much fruit. Please keep us in your prayers. as we pray for you.