The next chapter

Our mutual friend Ben Courter (one of our groomsmen) introduced us on Friday, September 12th, the night before a 22-mile day hike. As miles passed in the mountains, we quickly learned we had many shared passions and interests. After a few weeks of wing-manned rock climbing and trail running, Nico had made up his mind that Adriana had to be his girlfriend. She was shocked at Nico’s “early” proposal, until she learned that he had a pre-determined list of desires for his spouse that perfectly mirrored her own. Aside from following Jesus, we were both seeking someone who was called to international mission work, intellectually stimulating, adventurous/active, and who would enhance our capacity to do ministry. On top of that, Nico desired someone grounded, emotionally steady, high energy, enthusiastic, and upfront in her communication style. . . which is exactly Adriana. As God had His hand in our blossoming dating relationship, there came many beautiful, soul-stirring discoveries that augmented the feeling of being made for each other; not because we were a perfect match but because we were wonderfully and uniquely capacitated to help each other grow. We had truly found someone that could encourage, inspire, challenge, and model Christ, albeit imperfectly. Adriana learned she needed someone deeply sensitive and passionate like Nico and Nico experienced great peace through Adriana’s silly chaos and simultaneous steadiness. Quietly, steadily, and with abundant peace, we both realized that the love of a lifetime had stepped into reality. As we worked hard to build a healthy relationship, we experienced challenges and beauty. Our efforts to pursue togetherness infused the world with vivid color and beauty, permitting us to bask in the safety and trust we had built. The decision to be engaged was deeply weighty, and also easy. God provided for all the little details of the proposal and Nico got down on one knee backdropped by the Tetons on a Kunze family ski trip. We couldn’t be more excited to step into the next phase of our journey with all of you—you who have formed us, invested in us, and continually choose to love us.