We're getting married!

Josh's Version: It happened on a Wednesday. It was August 16, 2017. I had to drive to the Emory Clairmont campus to get my parking pass for seminary. Before I could turn left on Starvine Way, another star walked down the cross walk in front of my jeep. There she was, the girl in the blue dress. I had never seen her before, but my oh my she was radiant. She truly shined. I thought out loud to myself, "Wow, that girl is beautiful! But I'll probably never see her again." So I went on about my day... Later that day, in the Canon Chapel at Emory, seminary orientation continued. At one point, the facilitator asked us to all get up and move to a new spot in the Chapel. As I walked around, what should appear before my very eyes but the girl in the blue dress. With all of the nervous energy in the world, I reached out my hand toward her: "Hello, I'm Josh, what's your name?" The rest is history. Emily's Version: On my first day of orientation for seminary I was very nervous. Between moving to a new state, starting a rigorous Masters program, and beginning a new job, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. The last thing on my mind was finding a boyfriend. Then, during orientation, Josh approached me. We introduced ourselves and took a seat. I remember thinking "he is so sweet!" But I was really focused on school. Later that day, I vividly remember praying to God that I would fall in love. What I meant by that prayer was that I wanted to fall in love with my studies in school. Turns out, I did love (most of) my education. However, I think God interpreted my prayer differently than I intended. Our love didn't happen all at once. It happened through study sessions in Pitts library, lunches in the courtyard, and flirting during Old Testament class. It happened through honest talks, tears, laughter, and fun. It happened in gym workouts and car rides. It happened when I was least expecting it. I am here to say that God answers prayers; it just might be different than what you imagine.

Josh's Version: Emily had no clue that on Wednesday evening, February 3, I was in Winston-Salem at her parent's house. She even called me twice to check in as to how things were going in Athens. Ha. The first time she called I was in the middle of the great steak dinner her mom made. The second call came later in the evening when her parents and I were watching Netflix. Fun moments came with our scramble to stay calm when these calls came. The next day I drove Pineville Lake Park near Emily's church and apartment. I walked the grounds and prayed a lot. I even thought about how happy my mama would be about the girl I was eager to make my wife. The surprise would not have been possible without the help of a few of Emily's co-workers. We coordinated things (almost) to perfection. Emily had to be at the church for a recording. Then, when Emily finally exited the church, after some gentle nudging to leave, she noticed the note on her car windshield directing her to drive to the park where I was waiting. Oh yeah, Emily's parents were waiting at the park, too. When Emily saw her mom and dad present, she just lost it with emotions. She was so surprised and emotional that I gave up on my speech! She was not listening to it. There was only one important question I needed to get down on one knee to ask: "Will you marry me?" Emily's Version: Pretty much what he said.