While we grew up in similar circles, our story didn’t start until February of 2023. Matt saw Madi was back in town on a running app called Strava and got the courage to send her a random text out of the blue asking her to go hiking. After a few months of going on dates, we became official on May 13th. Matt quickly became attracted to Madi’s love for the Lord and determination (if running a race in freezing rain and snow in Leadville wearing shorts doesn’t show determination...he doesn’t know what does). Most of all, he started to fall in love with her when he saw her goofy side - the version of her that would have a dance off with her mom in the kitchen cooking dinner. Madi became attracted to Matt when she began to see the depths of his character. She was struck by his kindness and heart for others. We bonded over our mutual love for the outdoors, camping, coffee, long walks, people, and cute dogs. In late September, while taking a walk in Madi's neighborhood, Matt told Madi he loved her. And then he waited the longest half second ever recorded by man kind before she responded with “I love you too." Our relationship has had bumps along the way including navigating long-distance, Madi being in residency, and a short time apart. Through our years together, we have see more of the Lord both individually and together. His hand has clearly been gently leading us the whole way, and our greatest joy in our future union is our joint pursuit of Him. On February 21st in Eureka Springs, AK, Matt proposed to Madi in a very “on brand way” at sunrise (In case you are wondering...she did say yes). Thanks be to to God who, through His grace, has given us the gift of each-other and showed us more of His love through our love for one another!