Emma and I began our journey in the summer of 2019. We started talking and finally hung out for the first time in August before I left for college. Long distance was the norm for the first 6 months of our relationship. Although this was difficult at times, we eventually found a rhythm and were able to continue to get to know each other over long facetime calls and always-too-short weekend visits.

At only 6 months of dating, Emma's grandma insisted I go on their biannual family vacation to Crosby, MN. Here, Emma and I were able to spend an extended period of time together and get to know each other on a deeper level. Every morning, we would sit on the dock and do devotions together - it was here that we started to talk about our future and our relationships with God. I was also able to get to know Emma's family better! This vacation marked a huge period of growth for Emma and I.

Long distance became a short walk across campus when I decided to transfer from Dordt to Northwestern College in the spring of 2021. This was a big transition for me and also an adjustment for our relationship as Emma was also still adjusting during her freshman year. Although there were challenges, experiencing college together grew our relationship even more. Weekly coffee dates, late-night runs to Mexican food, nature walks, study dates which usually turned into hangout-and-talk-in-the-library-time, racquetball, and getting involved with church were all great memories as we went through college with each other. There were ups and downs, but our relationship continued to thrive as we became closer and learned more about the other person through our everyday routines.

I graduated college in May of 2023. Less than three weeks later, I got down on one knee and asked Emma to marry me. Now our story is beginning a new chapter! We are excited to start this new chapter in preparation for our lifelong commitment to each other, and we cannot be more excited to spend the rest of our lives with the person we love most.

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