We're excited to celebrate with you!

It was our senior year of college, and Michael was attending South Dakota State University while Rachel was finishing up at The University of Sioux Falls. They were an hour apart and neither of them were fond of the idea of doing long-distance. They met through mutual friends and Rachel's sisters on a Sunday afternoon while playing basketball with friends. Michael being the jokester he is, suggested to Rachel that they rig the game of lightning they were playing by helping each other stay in. Michael who was in front of Rachel promised to return the ball slowly to the person behind her if she agreed to not get him out. Somehow, their plan worked and they ended up being the last two in the game. Rachel won of course. ;) After this day, Michael and Rachel continued to run into each other at gatherings with friends, watched the Rams Super Bowl with each other, and eventually went on their first date. That year was filled with countless hours in the car driving back and forth between Brookings and Sioux Falls, many missed classes (sorry mom), and lots of growth in both their relationship with each other and friendships with those around them. They treasured this sweet time of pursuing the Lord together as they learned of new ways to serve and honor Him.