Our story is a love story I could have never imagined for myself. I, Madison, am a quiet reserved small town girl who only gets out to go to work as a first grade teacher and cross country coach at a rural private Christian school and church on Sunday. That was the extent of my social calendar until a special someone came along. One day, as a good college friend of mine was visiting me in July of 2023, I came across this website called “Find Your Squeeze”. It is a matchmaking and speed dating service put on by a certified Christian marriage and family therapist. The unique part of the story is that the matchmaker is Bodie’s cousin. I decided to give the event a try as I really had nothing to lose by participating and you never know what God has in store. As I attended the event on September 28th, the day Bodie and I met, I was full of nerves and excitement all at once. We talked for 20 minutes as we discussed our job and hobbies. I asked myself “would I want to see and talk to him again?” and thought “Yes.” Apparently he thought the same thing about me so we were a mutual match. Ever since our phone numbers were exchanged, we started texting, but I had to wait nearly 3 weeks (partially my fault as I was traveling for a little over a week) before we went on our first date since the event. He also didn’t text me for a day or two which almost dissipated our texting conversation and any hopes of meeting up for good. Luckily, he eventually realized he forgot to answer back and sent a text. Our first date finally got scheduled for October 20th, 2023. We played tennis where in Bodie’s words, “I kicked his butt.” I thought he would not like me after that, but to my surprise, asked me on another date. It was on our second date on October 24th, 2023 that I thought to myself, “my life might be about to change forever.” Ever since then, I have continued to grow in my love for Bodie. He officially asked me to be his girlfriend on November 9th, 2023. We got engaged on March 21st, 2024, which is another spectacular story for another time. It is evident to Bodie and I that God has prepared us for each other and brought us together in His perfect timing. I am thankful that God provided us with courage to do something out of our comfort zone and graciously blessed us with a love neither Bodie or I were expecting. Bodie is the first person I want to talk to about my day and someone I do not want to live without. My love for him continues to grow as he never fails to impress me with how well he cares, protects, provides and encourages me on a daily basis. I am beyond blessed to marry my best friend and a man that I know undoubtedly loves me. I am looking forward to seeing how God grows us through the years to come.