On a regular 'ol day in 2017, Joshua entered the Spotted Cow Coffee shop in Mill Creek, WA. He'd been entreated to come by a friend he knew from church, who'd sought Joshua for guidance about how she and her 3 gal pals could faithfully lead the Christian club they'd just begun at their local high school. She hoped that their group could learn from Joshua, who led a club at his own high school at the time and had more experience in pointing fellow high school students to Christ. Not knowing quite what to expect, but willing to help, Joshua agreed. When he sat down at their table near the window, amidst the group of girls, he glanced across the table from him and saw Camille for the first time. They wouldn't see each other again until 7 years after that.


Joshua- “I was excited to encourage another Christian club that was young and growing. I had met with other groups in the area, but I was really excited to meet with this group because I knew the person that had reached out to meet with me in the first place. Once I arrived, I sat down and immediately got down to the brass tax... Well, that’s not exactly true, because one of the most beautiful individuals that I had ever seen was sitting across from me at the table. After the meeting, I couldn’t help but think about Camille sitting across from me and the fact that I was thankful that I at least got her name. I friended her on Facebook and for the next 7 years I felt like I was that kid at the table; seeing the most beautiful girl from afar grow into a woman that genuinely feared the LORD.”


Camille- I remember thinking that day at the coffee shop that Joshua seemed quite mature, and I was surprised to find out that he was the same age as us. I could tell he was serious about his faith and definitely had a heart for Jesus. When he asked our group questions, I felt shy and didn't answer, but was listening intently to the things he said. Joshua friend requested me on Facebook later after that meeting, which I didn't think much of at the time (except that I'd gladly return the request).


During the years following this first meeting, both Camille and Joshua grew in their relationships with Christ, tasting great joys of the Lord and enduring prolonged and painful trials that tested their faith as gold through the fire. Through it all, there were points at which both of them lost hope they'd ever find a spouse and get married.


Come spring of 2023, Camille was seeking God's guidance about the future. She was praying earnestly, asking God what she should do with her heart's desire for marriage. As she did, she remembered Joshua and thought to herself I could follow a man who loves Jesus like that. So, she took the plunge and reached out to Joshua via Facebook Messenger.


Joshua- “Camille actually sent me a Facebook encouragement on my birthday, recounting the moment I met her for the first time. I remember my first reaction being excitement, quickly followed with tempered expectations as I infamously got in my own way (at least I thought) by telling her “don’t be a stranger.” March 7th, Camille reached back out and sent me a meme out of the blue and I didn’t hesitate to start that conversation I wish I had 7 years ago at that coffee shop.”


Camille- I had no idea how Joshua was going to react...it felt like a pretty bold move for me, winging it by sending him a random meme with zero context whatsoever. I was really hoping he had a good sense of humor! When he quickly responded, I was pleasantly surprised- and even more surprised by how natural our conversation felt and how fun and easy he was to talk to.


And here we are now; two of God's children eagerly looking forward to becoming one, as we enter into His design of marriage, for as many days as the Lord gives us here in this life -Joshua and Camille

”You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

you have loosed my sackcloth

and clothed me with gladness,

that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”

Psalm 30:11-12