Her words: Walker and I met in our early years at Auburn University through mutual friends. Our "circles" overlapped and we went to the same church. However, we didn't become friends until serving together on leadership for The Oaks Retreat. Prior to this, I had come to greatly respect Walker-- from a distance-- because of the way I saw him care for others. As we worked together for The Oaks, I learned that Walker was considerate and thoughtful, and that he had a deep desire to share the Gospel with those who did not know Jesus. Looking back, I can see how the Lord continued to make our paths cross over that following year, but we didn't start talking again until the Spring of 2021. Walker and I were both having conversations with people about joining the same team to go overseas for the summer. While that trip didn't end up happening, I now had his name on my mind when my sorority decided at the last minute to have formal in just two weeks' time. By this point, anytime I saw Walker, I all but giggled - so I definitely wanted to ask him to formal, but I was nervous! With the encouragement of some friends who could see more of my feelings than I could, I asked Walker to formal. He famously responded to my text with "100% absolutely yes!" and that still makes me smile to this day. Walker and I went to formal not long after that text was sent. That night, laughing deeply and speaking honestly with Walker felt like the most natural thing in the world. He asked me on a date before the night was over and I responded with the same eagerness that he had. As we started dating, I learned that Walker is wise, patient, and intentional. When he asked me to be his girlfriend, he made sure to communicate the respect that he had for me and that he desired to honor the Lord through our time together. As our relationship progressed, I quickly realized that I loved this boy. I loved the way he honored me, the way he respected others, and the way that he loved the Lord above all else. Our relationship is marked by lots of laughter and honest conversations-- and I know more of Jesus because of these things. When Walker Eiford asked me to spend the rest of our days glorifying the Lord together, the most natural response was "100% absolutely yes!" It's by God's grace that Walker and I get to worship the Lord together as husband and wife. I pray our life together magnifies God's glory! His thoughts: On the day that Kara asked me to go to a formal with her, there was absolutely no hesitation, for good reason. From what I knew of Kara, she was a kindhearted, elegant, beautiful girl. I remember standing in the corner of an apartment before that formal, loud music playing in the background, talking with Kara. Since the beginning of that conversation, my life has not quite been the same. To begin to know Kara, deeply know Kara, provided a desire I had not felt before in my life. Hearing about the depth of her life and forming a fuller picture of who she is has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. When that first night had ended, all I knew was that I could not leave without asking her to dinner. As I think about those moments, it is clear that since that night, nearness to Kara has always felt like home to me. When the evening of our first date came, it continued the theme of a conversation and interaction with a girl who I could not help but desire to understand and learn more about. I quickly learned the joy of her humor, the depth of her mind, and the kindness of her heart. Opening up and telling her about who I am and all the little parts of my life felt like I was talking to a friend that I’ve known deeply for years. I soon realized life with Kara is what I desired. I am so thankful that I will get to call Kara my wife. She is the compilation of all the things that I could ever think to desire and so much more. Her presence in my life points me towards Christ and inspires me to press forward in faith.