We met the traditional way: on the cobblestone streets of Porto, Portugal, just two nights before beginning our pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) in Spain. How did we go from "friend-of-a-friend" in Porto to planning a date together on the steps of the cathedral in Santiago? Our story begins with 100 kilometers, 8 days, 34 pilgrims, and one shared glass of wine. The Camino is not about any single experience, but the accumulation of tens of thousands of steps, countless glasses of wine and cups of cafe con leche, and hours and hours of quality conversation and time in prayer. Our pilgrimage was no different. An impossibly loud restaurant featuring a disgruntled waiter does not seem like a great place to get to know someone, especially after we journeyed 16 miles that day. But in that echoing room, we learned so much about each other, which led to an evening walk for gelato, ending with failed attempts to order in Spanish and so much laughter. A few days later in Santiago, on the steps of the cathedral, Eric asked Sarah if he could take her on a date in San Antonio – and she replied, “I would love that.” The next ten months were filled with trips down I-10 as Eric and Sarah visited one another in Houston and San Antonio. Each weekend we shared laughter, homecooked meals, deep conversation, and realized we didn’t want the time together to end. On July 26th, 2025, Eric surprised Sarah (somehow!), got down on one knee, and we said yes to walking side by side, for the rest of our lives!

We are so excited to celebrate with each of you! Please pray for us as we continue to prepare for marriage. And as we prepare, we offer our support as well: let us know how we can pray for you! St. James, pray for us!