Andy and I have been friends since we were 13. We met through little league playing on the same baseball team,we played on the same soccer team, we were in the same church group, and went to the same junior high, we went to the same high school. Andy has been a constant presence in my life. He, his wife, and their son have recently made the move to Berlin to act out their calling to be missionaries.Andy, thanks for going along with the scheming to set Cori and me up.

Ashley is my thoughtful, beautiful and encouraging sister. Growing up, I always wanted to be right by her side, playing with her toys (she had the coolest Barbie convertible car!), hanging out with her friends, wearing her hand-me-down clothes--okay, not that last one, but that was my duty as the younger sister. Ashley is so kind. When I talk to her on the phone, she shares about the people she's been praying for and a lot of times, that's been me. She longs for people to know the love of Jesus and be part of his family. She is committed to her marriage and loves her two sons so much. Just like all those times I wanted to be right next to you, I'm thankful you are going to stand by my side on one of the most important days of my life. I love you, Ashley.

Matt and I became friends in high school. We were both on the school baseball team, then were eventually in the same church group. These days Matt lives in Colorado with his wife and daughter.Matt, your friendship has been a blessing that has helped me through difficult times.

Heather is my closest friend and my adventure buddy. We've gone paragliding in Hungary, eaten cream cake in Slovenia, and seen the standing Cadillacs in Texas. We grew up 15 minutes from each other, going to church and high school together. During college, our friendship deepened and Heather was the friend I wanted to spend my time laughing and making goofy voices with. We spent summers interning in Ukraine together and she eventually moved there to be a missionary. While I wish we still lived only 15 minutes from each other, I'm thankful for how God has used Heather to show me the impact of being intentional with relationships.Heather, I've known you for as long as I can remember and look forward to many more adventures together.

Tim has been a good and consistent friend to me since we first met on our AAA little league team. We were the “Devil Rays”, Tim played catcher. He and his wife just recently welcomed their second child into their increasingly large family, consisting of himself, his wife, their two kids, his service animal, two family dogs and two horses. Tim, I’m glad to call you my friend and I’m happy to have you there with me for this big moment.