When Michael and I first met, we lived almost 400 miles apart. We were pretty smitten with each other and ready to have a first date after a week of getting to know each other. Abilene was about halfway for both of us, so we drove 3 hours each way just to go to dinner together. It sounds crazy when I say that now, but we both knew something was special about the other. It turns out that gut feeling was right. What was supposed to be just a quick dinner turned into an 8-hour date full of mini dates! We had an amazing day filled with dinner, bowling (where his score put me to shame), drinks at the golf course, and axe throwing (which I smoked him in). It was pouring rain most of that day, but we had a blast anyway! After we finished bowling, the rain actually presented a great opportunity for Michael to display his caring, selfless, hardworking nature. There was so much flooding that the plastic guard under my car ripped off and was dragging on the ground. I was so embarrassed, but Michael took action right away. He took off his jacket in the pouring rain and laid it on the ground to inspect my car in his white shorts. He worked on it for probably 30 minutes with just determination and the tools in his truck. I stood out in the rain with him just thinking about how special this man was. He had only just met me, but he was willing to drop everything to help me. To him, this was just second nature. But to me, he showed his integrity and heart in that act of kindness. It was at that point that I realized he was one of the "good ones". Once he got the car all fixed up, my perfectly curled hair was now straight and frizzy, makeup washed away, and both of us were drenched. He hugged me tight telling me I was beautiful, and he wanted me to get home safely. It was a special moment like something in a movie. No cinematic kiss was had, but we swayed in the rain to the music playing in the parking lot for a little while. (And he thinks he's not romantic.) When the day came to an end, neither of us was ready to go home. We had so much fun laughing and goofing around with each other. Turns out we are both major nerds with lots in common. Before the long drive home, Michael managed to sneak in a kiss or two for the road. I'm not usually a "kiss on the first date" type of girl, but we really had about 4 dates in one. So, I made an exception for him. I remember on that long drive home just grinning from ear to ear with joy and peace. I spent about half the trip praying to God about what just happened, praying over his safety, praying for clear eyes in all the excitement, and praying for protection over the seed that He planted that day. As I prayed, I began to cry, because I knew that I had just met my future husband. I kept it close to my chest, but my gut was convinced he was a part of God's plan for me. I'm so glad I trusted Him then. Over the next 11 months, Michael and I pursued each other across the 400-mile gap between us. Our visits were few and far between, but we were committed to making it work. I am so thankful to have a man that was willing to drive nearly 6 hours one-way just to see me for a weekend. In this time, we got to meet each other's friends and family making lots of fun memories. Finally, God blessed us with an opportunity to live closer together in June 2024. Michael took a leap of faith and moved to Arlington to start a new chapter in our lives. We still argue to this day over whether we live in North Texas or "East" Texas. I guess everything is east of Odessa, though. We have been on so many trips and mini adventures together in such a short time. We've felt love, loss, joy, and frustration together. Through it all, we continue to grow as individuals, partners, and friends. Now we embark on our next great adventure together. Marriage. We are so honored and blessed that you are part of our story, too. Please pray for our marriage and our future to come. Thank you for your love and support!