Neither of us would have thought that going to the same university two years apart would be the spark that started it all. We both took quite a journey to find each other, through many highs and many lows, but on August 13th, 2022 Stephen finally had what he needed to start a conversation; "Hey, I heard you went to Bob Jones University." We began talking more frequently and texting daily and soon, I was going to his Monday night softball games and we were syncing up our Amazon accounts to watch movies or shows whenever we had a free night. On October 31st we went out on our first date and made our relationship official on December 17th after spending the night walking around the Christmas lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. We both knew pretty quickly from then on that if this was God's plan for us, we were both in it for the rest of our lives. It wasn't long until we had our first kiss, said our first "I love you", and starting talking about our long term plans with each other. In May Stephen gave me a heart necklace as a promise to me of his love and commitment, which I still wear most every day. By the summer we were talking about a wedding, figuring out a saving plan and budget for a future house, and on August 21st he bought a ring. With the engagement ring secured and plans in motion for a romantic sunset architecture tour on Lake Michigan during Labor Day weekend, everything was falling into place. The crucial approval from my dad came with genuine happiness. Yet, true to his romantic nature, Stephen had a surprise in store the night before our Chicago getaway. Thanks to generous friends, we had reservations in Downtown Naperville. Stephen suggested an early start for a casual stroll along the Riverwalk. As we meandered, he came to a stop and turned me to him, stating "I didn't like that it wasn't a surprise, so I'm changing up the plans." After reading a poem he wrote, he dropped to one knee and I tearfully said "yes!". We thank God daily for bringing us together. Reflecting on the journey, it's evident that God orchestrated our union in His perfect timing and for our ultimate well-being. His blessings have exceeded our wildest expectations. We humbly request your prayers as we embark on the next chapter of our lives together, committed to honoring both God and each other.