For 20 years, we both lived 20 miles east (in Arcadia) and west (in Calhoun) of Ruston. All the while, we both were attending church, driving to school, growing up in a small town, playing sports, fishing, camping, and enjoying life with our families. We also both spent many nights praying for someone we had not yet met.

Though we had unknowingly been within 20 miles of one another our whole lives, the Lord crossed our paths for the very first time 525 miles away from our home towns in Panama City Beach while on an annual church trip with Temple Baptist Church. The goal of the trip was for incoming freshmen to have the opportunity to meet and mingle with upperclassmen before being thrown into the world-wind of college. The first evening on the trip is always a Hawaiian-themed night where everyone dresses up in Hawaiian outfits. Who would have thought that nearly 7 years later to the day, we would be boarding a plane to Hawaii as a newly-married couple?

God has been gracious to us; there really is no other way to describe the path and story of our friendship. We have been privileged to know each other for going on 7 years now, and we have found that the moments truly do continuously become sweeter. Through distance, work, medical school, and life's challenges, we have learned many lessons about one another, about our relationship, and about our Lord. We have learned to cling to Jesus first and then to one another; to trust; to lean into our relationship; to pray together; to laugh; to be truthful; to be resolved; to never stop trying; to always be present.

Though we know life will not be straightforward, we know that God has placed us together as a team, and knowing this fact brings great reassurance for the unknown future. As we anticipate many upcoming challenges, we trust in The Great Shepherd, our Savior, Jesus, and we know He will provide each step of the way. We also thank the Lord for our God-focused, selfless, loving parents. Without these four individuals, neither of us would have the opportunities and privileges that we do today. We are grateful for their lifelong partnership which we know continues through marriage. We also thank God for our church families who have been such a crucial part of our growth and lives—they have raised us, too. We are grateful for the lasting aroma of their love in our lives, and we are excited and privileged to serve alongside them now as husband and wife.

As Song of Solomon 3:4 says, “We have found the one whom our heart loves.” Only the Lord could have orchestrated this friendship and this marriage, and we fully acknowledge Him!

Thank you for being so gracious to us…your prayers and friendship are the most precious gift of all!