Although we grew up knowing of each other, it wasn't until 2015 that we really connected Our paths crossed in a large friend group, and by 2016, we were close friends.

As we grew closer, we had the opportunity to attend junior prom. It's crazy to look back and see that we were able to share some of our first memorable moments together.

After losing touch for a bit, fate had a funny way of bringing us back together. We both decided to attend Texas A&M University—completely unplanned! Karen's family moved to Texas in 2016, and Josh was following in his cousins Denny and Sarah's footsteps by attending the university. We only discovered this coincidence after we had both made our decisions. Who would have thought two New Yorkers would end up at the same Texas school?

As we both began to volunteer for Thrive Student Ministry, we found ourselves working and serving together.

As time went on, we realized that we had a strong friendship that followed us from New York. Eventually, it became noticeable that our lives were intertwined. Without wanting to rush into anything, we waited to make sure it was the right decision. In December 2019, Josh officially asked out Karen and they pursued a relationship.

While navigating school and life, College Station felt like home, and our friends became family. Our friends were our biggest supporters and guided us through our college years.

After completing our degrees through the pandemic, we graduated together in 2021. However, life took us on different paths as Josh moved back to New York. We had to learn how to navigate a long-distance relationship for two years. We knew that if it was God's will, we would be back together one day.

Two years later, God provided a way for Karen to attend law school in New York. With the prayers and support of family, Karen was moved in and ready to return to her home state.

Eight years after meeting and two states later, Josh got down on one knee and proposed, marking the beginning of our next chapter together. Though that was everything in a nutshell, that is our story. God has been there through it all. We would not be where we are today without Him. Please continue to pray for us and our future marriage. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all! Love, Joshua & Karen