In late May or early June of 2024, Jonah and Holly met for the first time at a campfire worship night hosted by some of their mutual friends. As was their tradition, the friend group headed to Sonic afterward and it was there that the two clicked. Holly remembers telling Jonah, "We're going to be best friends!" and he agreed. Neither thought it would end up becoming more than a friendship, as both of them had just about given up on dating altogether and Holly would move to China in August. (She did think Jonah was cute, though!)

With each interaction, more meaningful conversations were had between the pair. Both were taken aback by how comfortable they felt with the other, leaving them wondering where this friend had been all their life. Jonah asked Holly if she would want to get coffee, so the two met at Herban Market in Brentwood, Tennessee on June 17, 2024. The pair chatted effortlessly for more than six hours, absolutely delighted over this new friendship.

The same week, the two found a reason to hang out again. Perched on a restaurant patio, Jonah and Holly talked the day away, sharing even the most difficult parts of themselves. Looking back, it still fascinates them how quickly they became so comfortable with and trusting of one another. By this time, Holly was already head over heels, convinced that Jonah had been flirting this whole time (he had not). At some point in the conversation, Jonah discovered that Holly had never seen the movie The Matrix, which is one of his favorites. An impromptu movie night took place that evening, and by the time it was over, Holly's head was resting on Jonah's shoulder.

"Now what?" Jonah said, addressing the elephant in the room who had taken a seat on the couch with them the second the relationship took a romantic turn. There were less than two months before Holly would move to China for a year. Should they give long-distance with a 13-hour time difference a shot? Should they part ways and perhaps revisit things next summer? Ultimately, they decided to see how the rest of the summer went, then make a final decision in August. By the time August rolled around, the decision was clear-- this relationship was unlike anything either of them had ever experienced and they wouldn't even consider giving it up.

Holly and Jonah felt a lot of different things during this time. There were lots of tears every month. The time difference was challenging, and some weeks seemed like nothing more than a series of good mornings and goodnights. Holly's extroversion and Jonah's introversion highlighted their different social needs. Some days, they just really needed a hug. At the same time, it was a process that led to growth and sanctification. The two became comfortable expressing their own needs and wants, as well as accommodating the needs and wants of the other. Loving sacrificially and communicating effectively were their bread and butter (and still are). When talking is all there is to do, no topic is off the table. Overall, the pair grew and changed so much-- as a couple and as individuals-- and agree that they are better off because of it.

After Holly returned from China, the pair applied to numerous jobs, Jonah considered Master's programs, and they examined other opportunities all over the country. They even briefly considered heading overseas. Jonah and Holly waited for almost a year for a door to open that would allow them to begin their life together. Finally, Holly was offered her dream position in Colorado and they jointly decided that this was it. Over the course of roughly six weeks, they are getting married, moving to Colorado, and beginning their life together!