Deacon and I really started to become friends at Elevate 2021 where we were in the same village. I didn’t understand his humor or sarcasm so I wasn’t super impressed by him 🤪

We were chosen to lead a village together in Ellensburg starting that fall and that’s when I really got to know him. I learned about his heart for students on campus, his desire to deeply understand the Lord, his need for Jesus in daily life and his honesty towards his struggles. We led together for a whole year as besties. Earning ourselves the “friendship" award by our leaders.

We continued to be friends but at a respectful distance as we were both navigating different struggles and life circumstances. I was learning to be single and content in the Lord and as soon as I had come to terms with that I realized I was crushing. (funny how God does that) We started our second year village leading together but there was a different level of chemistry going on. Deacon invited himself over to my house to help me bake (something I did not need help with) and he told me a lot of sweet things about my character and how he wanted to get to know me better and if I was interested in going on a date. I said yes (of course :) So we went on our first date, and then a couple more, and January 2nd he asked me to be his girlfriend!

We started out dating trying to navigate appeasing our community and learning what its like to look like Christ in that, which ultimately led to a breakup in March. We both had really important things to learn and God really used our hiatus to grow both of us and teach us that we are living to glorify Him not ourselves. In May 2023 Deacon asked me if I would be willing to consider dating again. I was over the moon because part of me knew (really wanted) that we were meant to be together, I just had to learn to be patient.

We started dating again May 7th, 2023 and the rest is history. We have learned so much about each other and our God through our good times, our conflict, and navigating life together. Deacon is so quick to apologize, quick to own up to his mistakes, he is emotionally intelligent and an excellent communicator (which teaches me how to do the same). He is also quick to explain his sarcasm or even tone it down. He is gracious, and so caring to put aside his grievances to comfort me and take care of me. I have so much hope for the future when I dream about a life with him. I look up to his leadership and trust him fully to lead me and our future family to the Lord instead of myself. I love catching myself saying his phrases and making his jokes. I can't wait for my friends and family to be so blessed by his addition to my life in a marriage context. I am so blessed and the Lord is so kind to bring us together.

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