Samuel and I were both on staff for HSU’s new-student orientation called “Stampede.” He was on Steering Committee, and I was a Wrangler (which basically means he was a leader of the leaders.. and I got to see him speak to large groups of people A LOT). I always thought of him as “the cute Steering Committee boy,” but never imagined he’d go for the sophomore girl wearing the fanny pack and constantly being goofy and obnoxious with her co-wrangler Lucas. Luckily for me, Lucas happened to be one of Samuel’s favorite hiking bros!! I remember my heartbeat picking up quite a bit when Lucas finally introduced us. Throughout the whole week, I started to slowly get to know Samuel through Lucas. I watched how he interacted with Lucas and others on staff, and I would think to myself “Man.. this guy is kind.” We spoke a few times that week, but then school started and it was off to our separate majors, separate clubs, and separate lives. We would see each other around campus and always said "hi," or had a minute of small talk, but it wasn’t until after Christmas when he did it… That’s right ladies and gentlemen… He slid into the dm’s. After messaging for a while we had our first date at Monks Coffee Shop in Abilene, then explored the downtown Abilene area. We walked down the train tracks, and even climbed up and walked up on the top of a train! Right as we were leaving, we both got word that someone fired a gun in a neighborhood by the school! We ended up going to my friend Michael’s house until we got the all clear. This was a super scary event, but I still think God had a mysterious way of showing me Samuel’s comforting heart on the first date. It also added about three hours to our already three hour long first date, making the whole evening together about six hours long. I will never ever forget coming home to my roommate, (and now maid of honor!) Maddie, and saying “I like him.. I really like him. I’m so comfortable. It felt like we were already dating.” I’m so thankful that now I get to feel at home and comfortable with him forever. I’m so thankful I get to marry the “cute Steering Committee boy," who I still see as the kindest person I know.