SOREN’S VIEWPOINT:

My story with Isabelle starts with Jesus calling my family to leave our home in Chicago to what I thought was some lame city. I’m glad to say I was WAY wrong! Over five years later, Grand Rapids has become my home and Isabelle is one of the biggest reasons why! Isabelle caught my attention immediately in school for her beauty, and witty jokes, but also for her deep kindness for others, and her heart to serve. I spent the first school year assuming she was not an option as she was a year older than me, but our younger brothers becoming friends was my perfect opportunity. Our families would get together occasionally, and she would drop off Garrett at my house from time to time. My real chance was when Tennyson and Garrett started playing soccer together. I would join to “watch the games” but would really go to talk to her. She was being a supportive older sister; I was being a guy with a crush. I eventually asked her out on a date after a few more months of getting to know her and have had the privilege of being by her side over the past 4 years. I’ve learned so much about her and myself already during all the ups and downs with Covid, her mission trips to Africa, and now full-time work and nursing school. I have been so blessed to have a woman who has grown with me as we both learn to follow Jesus together. It is Christ who brought us together and our trust in Him is what will keep us together. It’s crazy to think this is only the beginning but there’s no one I’d rather do it with!

ISABELLE’S VIEWPOINT:

Our story starts in spring of 2019, cheering our brothers on from the sidelines of their soccer games. We spent almost every game that season sitting next to each other talking and getting to know each other. Here I thought, “wow, look at this guy taking time out of his week to support his brother”. Little did I know that wasn’t the full truth... Throughout the summer, texting became more regular, and we continued to see each other through mutual friend groups. We eventually started hanging out just the two of us. (I would like to say I initiated the first “one on one” hangout!) One night Soren was acting particularly nervous, more than normal, and he asked me out on an official date where he took me to Robinette’s and Provin Trails. After a couple dates, we made it official on October 21, 2019. Almost 4 whole years ago! My 17 year old self would not believe how far we’ve come. I would be filled with joy to know that we still play boggle, watch movies on the projector, play foosball, read the Bible together, I can still out-fish him, and I am just as giddy to spend time with him as I was 4 years ago. Most of all, I think I would have been blown away that Soren continued to pursue Jesus with everything in him and loves me as Christ intends a man to love.