How is it that a sweet southern belle and a mountain man fall in love? The short answer - God knew exactly what He was doing and brought us together at the perfect point! Knife point. Here is a longer answer! My brother Joe and his family live and work at Timberline Lodge Bible School in Fraser, CO. Naturally, from time to time, I would make the trip up the mountains to see them. Over the last year, I would also hope for a chance to see or interact with Sadie. This was a growing desire. Gradually the reason for my trips became more about hoping to see Sadie and less about seeing Joe (sorry Joe). I began looking for opportunities to see her and interact with her during my visits. My stomach would flutter every time she walked into a room, still does. At this point I had brought up my interest in Sadie to my parents, brother and Sam (Sadie’s boss + an old friend of mine). Sam, being the matchmaker he is, told me I needed to ask her out. He was right! Worst case scenario she wanted nothing to do with me and I could never show my face at Timberline or see my brother up there again. Worth the risk! So here I am knowing I want to talk to this beautiful woman of God and the nerves are mounting. Let’s shift gears for a moment and open a window into Sadie’s world during this time. Now, Sadie knew of me for almost all of her five years at Timberline. For the most part, I was Joseph's brother. When we first met in 2017, I didn’t make the best first impression.. That’s how we know it had to be the Lord’s work! Over the last year or so the Lord had been working in Sadie’s heart and she was warming up to me from a distance. She had seen some things in my life that gave her a new perspective on who I am. Up till this point, the two of us hadn’t shared more than a few simple greetings but we definitely were quietly drawn to each other.

The weekend of December 6th rolls around and I head up the mountain. Now, mind you I had resolved that this was the weekend I was going to say something. One way or the other. Friday night comes and goes, Saturday does the same. Sunday - my last opportunity. Morning comes and goes and still, I haven’t said anything. One thing to know about Sadie at Timberline is that she was virtually never alone. She lived in an apartment with her friends and was with them all the time, so getting her alone was not an easy task. The hours are counting down to when I need to head back down the mountain. I hatch a plan at my brother’s kitchen table. Here is that plan. Earlier that weekend I had offered to sharpen Alex’s knives. Alex was not only Sadie’s best friend but also the head chef at Timberline. I still had Alex’s knives. All sharpened up. The plan was simple, to go to their apartment door, give Alex the knife, and then ask if Sadie was there and if I could please talk to her. This is where God really made some things happen! I blasted out the door of my brother’s house which was only a few paces from Sadie’s front door. I headed straight for her apartment, knife in hand, stomach in knots. As I am almost to the door it opens. Adrenaline rushes… it's Sadie. I pull up short not believing my good fortune. Sadie, alone, not possible. As I come to a skidding halt I react without a second thought. I point a cleaver in Sadie’s direction, not wanting to miss this rare opportunity I say “Hey! You are just the person I wanted to talk to. '' Sadie looked up. She didn’t respond but also didn’t run. Good sign. I kept going cause, well, it was all or nothing now… “I’ve been wanting to ask you if you would be interested in getting to know each other intentionally?” After a few beats, she said, “Yes I would like to, but perhaps I don’t have much of a choice...” indicating the knife in my hand. At this point, we both laughed and I realized I had essentially asked Sadie out at knifepoint.

I couldn’t believe it. I was on cloud nine. I went back to my brother’s house. They were all there waiting to hear how it went. I celebrated with them and praised the Lord on my drive home that night. Sadie went back to her apartment, walked straight to her room and thanked the Lord too! God has been the author and director of our story from the very start. We have walked each day with a posture of gratitude for what He has given us in each other. We often end our phone calls each night with what we are thankful for that day. He did not have to bless us so fully but we thank Him daily for his kindness. Since that cold day in December, we have pursued one another in Christ. It has been a joy beyond what we could have imagined! Our passion and desire for one another only grows. We have confidence that Christ will lead us each step we take together as we depend on Him. Thank you for reading our story! We love it and are thrilled to celebrate with you what God has done. Thank you so much for your support and the part you play in our lives. With all of our love, Avi + Sadie