Our journey started on the first day of World Race Gap Year. Filled with hope and wonder, we both said yes to the Lord, stepping into 9 months of mission, community, and intimacy with Him. Although we sat next to each other on that very first day, we didn’t really connect until much later.

Fast forward to month four in Romania. After spending three months in Guatemala, smaller living spaces meant closer friendships—and for Jackson, the start of deeper feelings for Emily. That only deepened as the race continued.

By month eight in Eswatini, Jackson’s feelings were clear (to everyone except Emily). Slowly but surely, Emily began to reciprocate, though neither of us imagined it would lead anywhere after the race ended.

After the race, we thought the “fishbowl effect” would fade those feelings. Instead, they only grew stronger. A quick July visit solidified Jackson’s feelings, though he prayed for the right timing to share them.

Now comes august 2023: picture this, all of the race friends back together for a week at the lake. night one, your best friends mom casually says that she feels from the Lord that two of us are supposed to be together (as in marriage). everyone spends the week pairing everyone up. Jackson spends the week praying it’s him + emily.

Sure enough, it was us. We started dating, and life together has been pretty special ever since.

Our fall and winter were filled with road trips, wedding dates, and holidays together!

On January 24, Emily was hit with the perfect storm: COVID, the flu, and pneumonia sent her to the neurological ICU. For days, we didn’t know if she’d make it. But as we prayed fervently, we witnessed miracle after miracle. Ten days later, she was out of the ICU, and by day 12, out of the hospital—nearly symptom-free.

Jackson went to Kyrgyzstan with the rest of his squad, while Emily focused on recovery and school. Navigating a new relationship amidst time zones and trauma wasn’t easy, but we fought hard for the love we’d found. In May, Emily joined Jackson in Morocco for two unforgettable weeks of ministry and adventure.

By summer, Jackson moved to Greenville, and we spent our days exploring South Carolina, working from coffee shops, binge-watching Modern Family, and having the best time together.

Emily went back to school, and Jackson moved to Gainesville for work. We balanced a two-hour drive with weeknight dinner dates and weekends together. After much prayer and seeking God’s will, we felt immense peace about taking the next step.

This year is a season of excitement and transition. Emily will move to Gainesville with friends, and Jackson will continue his work there. Together, we’re thrilled to see how God continues to write our story.