Although we don’t remember meeting, we did. During our senior year of high school, Norah traveled from Montana to Idaho to tour the University of Idaho. We crossed paths at Living Faith Fellowship. We like to say that Jesus was shielding our eyes from one another.

During our freshman year of college, Kyle was deeply involved in volleyball officiating, while Norah dove headfirst into the whole “college experience.” By the time we finally met that October, Kyle assumed Norah must have been a junior. We began attending the same Sunday small group after Church, and from there our friend group quickly formed. Together we shared Bible studies, worship services, and soon discovered swing dancing at the Moose Lodge. Which Jamie liked to call "Our Late-Night Chemistry Lab ;)" Late night prayer gatherings often stretched until 1 a.m., and every Friday we joined our college fellowship group (CCF), building our friendship.

It took Kyle asking twice before we finally set a time for our first date. By then, we had already spent many evenings swing dancing together, so we knew each other a bit, but had not spent much time actually talking. We had gone skiing, shared countless moments at church, and built a rhythm of friendship and faith. Norah was beginning to fall for him, while Kyle was already head over heels. We went to Panhandle Ice Cream. We talked about all things outdoors, from hiking to National Parks and of course, Rafting and Skiing!

Kyle asked Norah twice to be his official girlfriend, and both times she said no. To her, going on dates felt like zero commitment, and that year she wrestled with a fear of committing. After prayer and guidance from mentors, Norah realized she truly did want to be with Kyle. We made it official just four days before she returned home to Montana for the summer.

With Norah returning to Helena, Montana every summer, we grew fairly comfortable with long-distance. We weren’t great at it, but we managed for a while. Later, when Norah spent three months studying in Rome, Italy, we became much more intentional about staying connected, through regular phone calls and thoughtful texts that carried us across the miles.

Kyle’s first summer away from his parents was spent working for Norah’s grandparents and living in her parents’ guest room. That summer taught us a lot and became one of those unforgettable seasons of growth and learning together. Norah's parents enjoyed getting to know Kyle more and putting him to work! (haha)

Kyle proposed....and you all know what Norah said! He planned every detail of the day with care. Mondays were our routine driving together day, and this one began just like any other during the semester. Norah had been away all weekend in Oregon for a class trip, and while she was gone, Kyle was busy preparing. We had already decided to hike Kamiak Butte, but little did Norah know that Kyle had orchestrated something more. He gathered friends to set up a beautiful picnic at the summit and asked friends to hide nearby to take photos (thank you, Sam, Cait, and Liam!). After class, we headed out in the late afternoon and began the climb. At the top, we paused at a bench, when suddenly Kyle said, “Hey, I think there’s a geocache over on this side of the mountain. Let’s go look for it!” Norah followed, though she questioned, “Are you sure? We’re not even on the path anymore.” A few steps later, we rounded a fallen tree and discovered a blanket laid out, red tablecloth with red roses and soft music playing. Nervous but determined, Kyle fumbled a little before asking, “Norah, will you marry me?” And of course, I said “Yes!” Our hidden “peanut gallery” burst out from the trees, cheering and celebrating. Then came a quick surprise costume change, secretly arranged by Norah's roommates, for more photos. As we made our way down the mountain, we were greeted by friends and family waiting with food, flowers, and drinks. Surrounded by hugs and joy, we felt so loved. Thank you to everyone who supported us and made that day unforgettable!