Anika and I met each other about eight and a half years ago. Our families were both part of a homeschool co-op, which is when our families started to get together and spend time with one another. The Stebbins and Johnston bond continued to grow over the years. I now consider the Stebbins family to be an extension of my own, even before it's made official by law.

I became particularly close friends with Anika's brother Lucas, although not long after that, I started to take note of Anika, and we also became good friends. In my years of friendship with her I noticed how kind and caring she is, how serious she is in her pursuit of God, how she's so patient with her siblings, hardworking, and always willing to help her family in any way.

Anika and I didn't start dating until about five years after our families became friends. To many, this seems like a long time to be "just friends" before pursuing a deeper relationship, but I believe that patience is a large part of the success that we've had in our relationship. I'm incredibly happy that Anika and I will be entering this new chapter together, and I look forward to the many memories we'll create together!

My first memories of Hawkin are back in 2015 when we were both just kids and his family joined our homeschool co-op. Our families started hanging out in 2016 and soon became extremely close. As families, we have a wonderful dynamic of providing each other with strength and encouragement when it is needed and drawing closer to the Lord together, and I have found my own relationship with the Lord has grown through our bond with the Johnston clan. Now, I can’t even imagine my life without them.

Mine and Hawkin’s personal friendship grew gradually. As I got to know his family, I noticed his sweet and caring personality. He always has a smile on his face and frequently brings laughter to the group. Over time we found many little activities that we enjoyed doing together, such as piano, learning to juggle, and attempting to build card houses. Our friendship continued until one day, in 2021, he asked me out!

Over the next few years I had the privilege of discovering even more just how amazing Hawkin is! He has demonstrated such kindness, care, humility, hard work, and overall character that he has won not only my heart, but the good opinion and friendship of my entire family. So when he asked me to marry him, it was an easy yes, and I am so excited for the life we get to build together!