Welcome

Lizzy and Nate met at the Bible college they attended, Called College. Believe it or not, Lizzy was not a big fan of Nate at first due to his volleyball hogging (though this was very short-lived). Over time, they became good friends throughout their first year of college. During their second year, they both helped promote Called College at an Iowa youth convention, and in the process realized how much they enjoyed each other’s friendship. Later, Nate wanted to learn Spanish and reached out to Lizzy. She gave him some resources, but he wanted to learn in person with her. Through those meetings, they grew closer as friends and spent time talking about life. Nate invited Lizzy to his church’s first service in their new building and later that evening to a young adults gathering. During that time, they developed fun moments with one another. While Nate began developing feelings for her, Lizzy believed he was simply being kind as a friend—though she secretly liked him too. After college, Nate kept in contact with Lizzy almost every night throughout the summer. They traveled together for Called events and spent time talking during young adult gatherings. Although they were both interested in each other, each thought the other only saw them as a friend. During this time, God was growing them individually. Lizzy was then offered a youth pastor position in Diamond, Illinois—only 30 minutes away from Nate, instead of two hours from her hometown. She accepted the position and began working on Sunday nights in September. In October, Lizzy offered Nate a ride to a Next Gen Summit since they now lived much closer. During that ride, their friendship became a little more than usual. In November, Lizzy fully moved into her position in Diamond, and Nate helped her move in. They began spending time together almost every day, growing closer and closer. On November 20th, Nate asked Lizzy to be his girlfriend, and she, of course, said yes. Then, on March 19th, Lizzy and Nate returned to their Bible college for a “Fall Preview.” Lizzy was excited to see familiar faces, but Nate was feeling both excited and nervous for a different reason. That evening, Nate gathered family, friends, and a few of Lizzy’s students for something special—her proposal. Overwhelmed with excitement, Lizzy even started to hyperventilate. Surrounded by the people she loved, she said yes to Nate’s proposal, making it a moment she would never forget.