It’s clear to us now that God has been writing our story and connecting us before we knew each other. We both attended the same church, Park Community Church – Lincoln Park, for several years, but our paths never crossed even though there were many opportunities for it. For example, in the spring of 2023, Nick was baptized at our church, and Kaitlyn happened to be the photographer for it (we didn’t realize it until Kate searched for photos of Nick once we were dating, and we saw them!). Or, for instance, we were at the same volunteer event for the holidays back-to-back years, and we didn’t meet there either. We had multiple close mutual friends, but somehow never met until it was the right moment – and looking back, it is so clear that it was God’s perfect timing for us. We eventually met on the beach volleyball courts at the start of summer of 2024. Our friendship quickly grew because we took roles planning and organizing events together, such as the annual Stars and Stripes tournament (fun fact: Kate put Nick on her team because she was trying to lose … it turns out Nick is ~kinda~ athletic!). The initial timing wasn’t quite right, but our deep involvement in community allowed us to know each other’s love for the Lord and see each other’s gifts of leadership, service, and hospitality. Toward the end of the summer of 2024, Nick began to pursue Kaitlyn and soon we were on our first date at Foster beach. From the beginning of our relationship, we both knew our draw to each other was something special. Our time together was filled with joy, deep connection, and a newly experienced peace. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” As we drew closer to each other, we experienced God even more as we spent time with each other. As we sought answers from God on the timing and direction of our relationship, He answered our prayers and gave us the discernment to know this was the path He had for us. Since then, we’ve spent our time on the beach volleyball and pickleball courts (and any sports field), mentoring students through SLAM, dining at Italian restaurants, cooking together, playing Catan and euchre, visiting each other’s hometowns, spending time with our families, attending weddings, and fostering community. When we reflect back on our lives individually and now (and how they’re tied together) we are so overcome with the goodness of God. He has completely changed our lives, and we want those around us to get to experience it too. Our mission in marriage is to be partners living for the Lord and loving others through the outpouring of Jesus’s love. As it says in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” We aren’t perfect now, and that will never be the case – but with the foundation of Jesus’s love for our marriage, we are confident in what’s ahead for us, and we are grateful for you all to be a part of it too!