Alona and I met at church in the spring of 2023. I remember chatting with her briefly and thinking, “Wow, she is really sweet,” but at the time I didn’t think much more of it. That summer, we’d see each other here and there at different church events, usually exchanging a few words in passing. As fall rolled around, our paths began to cross more often, whether at church or in the Perspectives class we were both part of, and our friendship naturally started to grow. Heading into 2024, a group of friends began spending more time together, doing everything from run club and hanging out after church to cliff jumping and other adventures. As we grew closer as friends, Alona and I naturally gravitated toward each other. The more time I spent with her, especially in those group settings, the more my feelings for her grew. Getting to know her heart, her kindness, and her love for Jesus made that affection deepen. We were both part of a mission trip to Kenya, and after returning, I knew I wanted to take the next step. I asked her out in September of 2024, and after our first date, we officially started dating in early October. As our relationship grew, I fell in love with Alona. She is sweet, caring, beautiful, loves Jesus and people so well. In November of 2025, I asked her to marry me at High Point—a place where she spent three years living and working, and where we shared part of our very first date.

My first memory of meeting Tim was spring 2023 at an all day event at our church. We ended up chatting while cleaning up that evening, and I remember thinking, “Wow, I really enjoyed that… I hope I see him again.” I had no idea how often our paths would end up crossing. That fall, I signed up for a 15-week missions course in Lancaster and in walked that handsome boy. From there, our friendship grew through the course, church events, the run club Tim had started, and our shared friend group. After months of group hangouts, a little flirting, a little confusion, and a missions trip to Kenya, Tim finally asked me out and we decided to see if there was more there. Praise God, there was definitely more to our friendship!! On October 3rd of 2024, we officially began our journey, and about a year later, we were engaged. Tim continues to surprise me with his steadiness, wisdom, heart for others, discipline, grace, and his deep love for the Father. He has truly become my best friend and I cannot wait to be His wife and to grow old together. Praise the Father for His leading in our story!!