We met at church in our college and career group. For the most part it was a friendship from a distance where we would chat every once in a while.

In July of 2020 Josiah called Rachel and asked to get to know her more intentionally. We then began a season of hanging out once a week and going on what we laughingly call "ice cream appointments." We weren't technically dating but striving to build a friendship with the purpose of hopefully dating. It was a funny, sweet, and awkward season that lasted 3 months. The Lord providentially ordained it to end and an intense period of growing to commence.

Both Josiah and Rachel had sins to work through and needed to grow a deeper trust in the Lord. After 7 months of battling their sin the Lord allowed Josiah and Rachel to come back together. We jokingly say "we got out of class at the same time."

In June of 2021 Josiah sought Rachel out again and asked for her forgiveness and then told her he still liked her. He asked if they could begin dating. Rachel forgave Josiah and sought his forgiveness as well. As Rachel sought counsel on whether or not to date, she left Josiah waiting for 2 weeks. By the end of that time and more discussion together the resounding answer was yes, let's start dating.

The dating season was a joy and they picked there friendship back up right where it left off, but this time with a greater trust in the Lord. The lessons learned apart made this season even lovelier. Their dating relationship quickly progressed to the sweetest of friendships. As they learned one another they fell in love yet were careful to remember that the Lord is the only one who gives marriage. Until they say their vows at the altar they remain a brother and sister in Christ.

After 6 sweet months of dating, Josiah and Rachel traveled to Oregon for Christmas to meet his family. The Monday before Christmas they headed out to do some sight seeing. It was a cold rainy morning when they arrived at Silver Falls State Park. They had the park almost to themselves, as there were only 2 other cars there in the lot. They began walking heading down the path dodging streams of water and eventually ending up with soaked feet a few minutes in. The path wandered behind the waterfall and then back out to the front. They passed one woman who happened to be Josiah's sister, Tasha, but Rachel didn't realize. Josiah and Rachel chatted as they walked holding hands and marveling at the beauty. Then Josiah led the way over a fence closer towards the falls. They stood there staring at the falls and Josiah told Rachel he loved her for the first time. He then asked if he could ask her a question and got down on one knee and asked Rachel to Marry him. Rachel said yes and they hugged. From that point on it was a sweet day of rejoicing together and with family. Everyone but Rachel knew the engagement had been coming and she didn't figure it out till Josiah popped the question.

We rejoice in the Lord's kindness that he has allowed us to build a friendship, date, be engaged and grow in Christ-likeness together. It is the greatest privilege to be striving together and Lord willing to be married on June 25. There is not a single detail of our relationship we would change, especially those tough seven months apart, because now we have greater joy in knowing Christ more intimately and treasuring one another far more. As we look ahead to June 25 and ultimately to all the days after, we ask for your prayers. Please pray that we would be faithful and that we would seek God's glory with every day he so kindly gives us.

Grace and Peace,

Josiah and Rachel

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