Africa has always been the baseline of their relationship. In 2019, they met in Emeryville, California through a mutual friend Monica to discuss an opportunity to travel to Narok, Kenya for a mission trip. This was something Josh had done for years, and something Emily has never done before. Shortly after, COVID shut down all plans and they didn't cross paths again until February 8, 2021, almost 1.5 years later. Monica had called Josh up to ask what he was doing that evening and if he wanted to go to Emily's birthday celebration. Funny fact, he didn't remember who Emily was out of the two girls he has met back on November 23, 2019. He arrived at Emily's surprise birthday party and Emily wasn't expecting to see him at the door, but welcomed him in with a friendly "Oh hey!" and a warm hug. That evening Emily learned that Josh would be moving to Kenya in July for an internship. In Emily's head, she thought "What's in Kenya... Giraffes?" Not much getting to know each other happened at the birthday party, but that small detail Joshua shared about Kenya sparked something inside Emily....something that had already been stirring up inside of her for a couple of months. Emily had felt this strange, deep pull for Africa, but didn't know what it meant, why she had to go to Africa, what she needed to do there, and how she would get there. Sometime in March, Emily invited Monica and Josh over to pick their brains about Africa and that's where their story officially begins. About 5 months down the line, they are both moving to Africa as interns of the same program and they are the closest of friends the entire year. God's hand was orchestrating their friendship from years before they officially became friends, lining up events and opportunities for just this exact timing. Of course, the story has so much more to it. Josh asked Emily out two times, once in October 2021 and the other time in January 2022. Both times he was denied a chance. But! A turn of the story! God had been working hard in both of their lives and so deeply in their hearts. Coming May 2022, Emily had to make a choice and she pulled Josh aside to tell him WHAT.WAS.UP. Dating happened, then engagement. Now they are here! Their first conversation was around Africa, their time getting to become great friends was in Africa, and they hope to move there again soon after they get married.

Location: Cappadocia, Turkey The day began waking up at 5am with the McGehee family for their sunrise hot air balloon ride. This was one of Emily's bucket list things to do. Feeling peace the entire day, she soaked in how blessed she was to experience such incredible things with her family and Josh right by her side. After the balloon ride was over, they moved through the day slowly, walking around the village and browsing the intricately woven Turkish rugs. Joshua and Emily dreamed a bit about the rug they'd get for their future home together, knowing deep down and wholeheartedly that they would one day get married. It was fun for them to dream and envision what their home would look like, and how they would love to incorporate staple pieces in their future home with items they've gathered through their world travels. Evening time came around and it was time to get ready for a surprise date night experience. Emily felt a special peace as she quickly threw on one of her new dresses she bought for their trip to Tanzania, the trip they took just before meeting the McGehee family in Athens, Greece. After a beautiful sunset rooftop dinner overlooking the Cappadocia caves, Joshua escorted her back to their hotel and led her up to the rooftop to where a beautiful layout of candles, red roses and babies breath in the form of a heart covered the aged Turkish rugs. She had no idea it was for her. She was confused and admiring how beautiful and romantic it was. Then, Joshua asked her, "Do you want to step in?" She was trying to register that all of this was for her; that he had planned this somehow and executed it while they were out having dinner. He pulled out a folded hand-written letter and gave it to her to read as all the candles flickered beneath her. Eventually, because she had so many emotions, he took the letter to read for her. He got down on one knee and said "Emily Marie McGehee, will you marry me?" They were very grateful to have family involved leading up to the proposal, and having them there to be the first ones to celebrate on that rooftop. Joshua and Emily had an entire week left of the trip to soak in the proposal, engagement and exciting plans ahead.