How we met – Austin's perspective... "Hi, you're Austin. Your face is on my fridge!" These were the first words Madison spoke to me at our New Staff Training with FOCUS in Bismarck, ND, during the summer of 2021. We exchanged phone numbers and later grabbed lunch together. We had dinner the same night, and the sparks flew. I knew there was something special about her in the way she talked about her life. We watched the sunset together a few days later and I spontaneously read her poetry. The next day, I officially asked Madison out on a first date for the last day of training. It was beautiful, filled with rich conversation and lush scenery overlooking the city (again at sunset). She looked beautiful that night, and I was hooked. Date #2 – Madison's perspective... After Austin's 8-day silent retreat following training, he asked me on a second date. Because I was moving from Oregon to Los Angeles in July, we were able to meet up in San Diego for a full day that Austin planned for us. We kayaked in the ocean waters of La Jolla, drank smoothies, walked around Balboa Park, attended Mass and prayed our daily holy hour, watched the sunset (of course!), ate at a fancy restaurant, and walked on the beach in the moonlight. That 14 hour day was a dream! Falling in love... From July to December, we visited each other about once a month for weekend trips and had lots of zoom dates in-between. We talked daily, and it quickly became apparent that love was brewing in our hearts. Finally, Austin visited Madison's home town in Farmington, MO and popped the question on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis before midnight Mass. Even though she saw it coming and Austin was super nervous, it was perfect.