In the middle of the pandemic, both of us found ourselves at a crossroads, searching for purpose and adventure. That’s when we stumbled upon AmeriCorps NCCC, a program that would send us across the Southern U.S. working on community service projects. We applied, got accepted, and soon found ourselves in Vicksburg, Mississippi for team leader training. Our first real connection? A minor oatmeal theft. Betty (innocently!) mistook Patrick’s gluten-free oatmeal as communal and helped herself. As fellow gluten-free eaters, it became the perfect excuse for Patrick to start striking up conversations and suggesting grocery store runs together. Slowly, between training sessions and late-night chats, a real friendship blossomed. Our first date took place in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and not long after, we made it official. That first year, we were mostly long distance, flying out to see each other whenever our teams were stationed in different places. Then came our wildest adventure yet: instead of backpacking through Europe, Patrick convinced Betty to bike across the U.S. Together, we pedaled through Niagara Falls, Chicago, Glacier National Park, and countless towns and trails in between. It was exhausting, magical, and unforgettable. Eventually, Patrick moved across the country to become a firefighter, and Betty started grad school to become a teacher (which she is today!). From stolen oatmeal to long-distance flights, to national parks and new careers, we’ve grown so much together, and we can’t wait to keep writing this story side by side.