Lauren and I met at the end of the 2022 summer. It was a summer of growth for me where I truly began to lean into my faith and create it for myself. Through this I talked to God about a list of 6 different necessities I would need in a wife and shared them with one of my closest friends, Matt (this will come into play later).

I was in a great hall at Purdue where my RA staff, and a few others, were gathered to talk about self identities. A girl was turned away from me sitting with her knees tucked up to her neck and her feet on the chair. She raised her hand and boldly spoke out to the hall about the identities she felt and what others she had spoken too had talked about. It was the most beautiful voice I had ever heard and I was immediately interested in knowing more about this girl. The day went on and our staff headed outside to play a game. I walked up next to a friend and the same girl with a beautiful voice walked straight up to me and said "Hi I'm Lauren, what is your name?" I then realized that this was not an ordinary girl, she was the most beautiful WOMAN I had ever seen, I was in awe. I probably fumbled to her my name and then the game started so our conversation ended. Our staff meeting ended and I went back to my room to think more about this beautiful woman.

Later that day I decided to go to a staff ice cream social, a rare occurrence for me, and walked over to see what snacks they had. As I grabbed a popsicle I noticed that Lauren had walked up to grab a popsicle as well. We started talking and she asked me if I remembered her name, OF COURSE I DID! I said "Yes, you're name is Lauren" and I think she was a little surprised that I had remembered (During the break I had also done a little Instagram stalking so I was familiar with her name). She asked where I was from and I casually said I lived in Austin Texas. Her eyes and face lit up and she nearly screamed "NO WAY, ME TOO!". I was very laid back and nonchalantly said "o, nice, that's cool". Our conversation very quickly died after that....

Over the next few weeks Lauren kept asking me to hang out. This semester was my busiest semester yet in my life and I was constantly having to tell her no, maybe next time. It was as if I was telling my teacher that my dog ate my homework and yet it actually happened every single day. Then one day I was eating lunch and Lauren asked me to come eat with her and a friend. I said yes and I noticed how much I still loved her voice but also how quirky, beautiful, fun, and loving she was.

I wasn't sure what this was and talked to God to see if I should continue on. I was urged to continue hanging out with Lauren and our conversations continued. (You know how I had talked to God about 6 things I needed in a wife? This is where it comes into play) Lauren and I's next 6 conversations were all brought forth by God and we talked about the 6 things I needed in a wife without me ever bringing them up. I saw this as a HUGE sign from God saying "Andrew, wake up, she's right here!"

Our lunches turned to dinners and our dinners turned to late nights. Our love grew for each other every day and I found myself wanting to be with Lauren every day for the rest of my life. When I was young I always asked my parents how they knew they had found the one and they always said "when you know you know" and I had always been so upset with that because that wasn't really an answer to me. However, I now know they were telling the truth because one of the last conversations Lauren and I had before dating was what we wanted out of our relationship and to which we both replied, I intend to marry you. Lauren and I's love is the truest version of when you know you know and how God brought us together to show us our God Designed partner.

A&L