Rudy has been a family friend since 2015 when he and my big brother, Tanner, met while working together. Rudy quickly became like a part of the family.

For a long time, I thought of Rudy only as "Tanner’s friend" and he thought of me as “Tanner’s sister”. Our only connection was through my family and he had no idea of the process I was in preparing to go overseas.

In 2021, as I was preparing for a short-term internship to the Middle East, the Lord was working in Rudy’s heart in a different way; he wanted to get to know me better, but I was completely unaware. Through our times at our church home-group we got to know one another more and he wanted to know the whole story of how the Lord led me to want to live and work overseas. He asked insightful questions with genuine interest and I was able to share with him my story and experience. He knows in detail all I've gone through these last years.

All the while, I communicated clearly with Rudy that I could not have any distractions and must remain focused on what the Lord was leading me towards. I told him I couldn't commit to any relationship, as I was in the process of planning and preparing to go on the mission field long term. He respected that and remained a dear friend. He never tried to distract or pull me away from going on the field. Instead, he faithfully supported and encouraged me every step along the way.

I feared a relationship would be a distraction and prevent me from focusing on the work at hand, but the Lord seemed to use Rudy for quite the opposite. Instead of being a distraction that pulled me away from longterm work overseas, Rudy pushed me towards where the Lord was leading (even though he knew it would mean I'd be leaving without a return date in sight). He faithfully trusted the Lord and remained a steadfast companion. The Lord used him to be a stabilizer, emotional and spiritual support, deepened my love for our Father, strengthened my confidence, and helped me to laugh and remain lighthearted along the way. He has become my most favorite adventure partner.

He’s continued walking alongside me every single day since I’ve lived overseas, always ready to listen, help me process, and pray & read Scripture together. He asks insightful questions about the culture and has been learning along side me from afar.

We have an ongoing joke that when Rudy first asked me on a date, I said, "no"; he asked me to be his girlfriend and I said, "no"; then, he asked me to be his wife and I said, "Yes, Sí!"

Together, with our families and other wise counselors, Rudy and I have been seeking and trusting the Lord for His timing and next steps. We look forward to and anticipate with excitement are future marriage and are overjoyed to celebrate with you.

Photos