We met in 5th grade. I (Abby) was the new girl in class and caught JD's attention immediately. A few secret notes passed back and forth and our story had begun

We loved doing everything we could together throughout middle school, including playing on the soccer team and sitting next to each other in class

At our 8th-grade graduation dinner, I told JD I would be returning to CCA for high school, thus allowing us to continue seeing each other every day and building our friendship

We began spending time with each other's families at our houses. It was nice to get to see one another outside of school

First year of high school...check!

During a week at camp, we discussed our feelings about each other and what possibly could be in store for us in the future. We laugh about this now, but we took this very seriously at freshly 15 and 16-years-old!

JD getting his license was a big deal. Now, we could go out together without needing to ask our parents to drive us!

Sophomore Year...check!

Entering into our Junior year, conversations about dating were becoming more frequent. I told JD "Let's give it a try and see where it goes". Well, after a bonfire at our high school one night, I came home and there he was...sitting on the roof outside my window with music playing, a heart-shaped pizza with our initials outlined in pepperoni, and a scrapbook that he made with pictures of us throughout the years. Needless to say, I said yes!

On our first day as boyfriend/girlfriend I posted this picture on my Instagram with the caption, "Number 9 is mine!"

Junior prom was canceled as a result of COVID, but JD surprised me with a cozy movie night in his parent's backyard, complete with a Promposal sign...it was perfect!

First day of senior year!

Last day of high school!

Graduation!

Senior Prom- "Best Couple"

JD moved to PA and decided to attend Alfred State to study Building Construction...thus beginning our journey through long-distance

I attended Roberts Wesleyan University to study Nursing

I decided to transfer colleges and JD changed his career plan. We toured and enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University...excited to go to college together, the second semester flew by

JD and I were thrilled to be going to Costa Rica for an educational mission trip. It was on this trip that I decided that instead of college in the fall, I would be heading to Costa Rica to be a student in the Atlas Travel and Study Abroad GAP Year Program. JD's plans also changed when he was offered a job and free online college by his previous boss in Buffalo. Thus, I left for Costa Rica to study the Bible and Spanish for 6 months, and JD moved back to NY to continue schooling and work full-time. These events kickstarted a period of immense growth for us both

During my student year abroad, I had committed to return to Costa Rica and serve on staff for the next year's GAP Program. By this point, JD's schedule was very busy. He was working full-time on top of his schooling, which he was planning to finish in an accelerated time frame. However, he managed to find time somewhere in there to design an engagement ring...

I said yes! About two weeks later, we entered into the final 97 days of being 3,838 miles away from each other

JD moved into the house that will become OUR home on September 15, 2024. I cannot wait!