When I was in college, I helped lead a men’s bible study at our local church during the summertime. In the summer of 2021, we needed a women’s leader. My mind went to a beautiful woman whom I knew from high school (but never talked to) because she also attended the church! I reached out and we began to chat. We continued talking and I eventually asked her on a date to go to the local park and hammock.

On our first Sunday home from college for the summer, I arrived at church a few minutes early to save a few seats for my friends. I was able to get in the front row and save two seats next to me. However, my friends were late and Katie was looking for a seat. Her friend Maddy led her over and Katie sat next to me (sorry guys)! That is where it started, worshiping, praying, and learning about our God together. Our first date we planned was the next day- it rained the day before and I was nervous that the trail would be muddy- so I walked the trail before we went to make sure it went smoothly. God opened up so many conversations that night!

That summer I was working with the youth group at the church and Katie began serving as well. I fell in love with Katie when I saw the way that she serves The Lord. Katie is patient, devoted, and generous. Each day she reflects what it says in Proverbs 31. It was the most impactful summer of my life and The Lord worked in incredible ways. Katie and I were able to serve within the church and work through Bible devotionals and Christian books all together this summer. Katie helped show me that I want to become the biblical man that she deserves.

You can’t talk about our story without bringing up the city of Lexington. Lexington has a special place in my heart. At the end of the summer, we tried to find dates that I would be able to come and visit her at the University of Kentucky, and for her to come and visit me in Cincinnati. Katie was in her last year at UK throughout the fall and spring. Lexington is the place where our relationship was cultivated and grew in ways that our God so graciously opened for us. God taught me in that city that there was someone to give rest to my heart and soul, and that was sweet Katie. Yes, Lexington is just a city, but to Katie and I it is a place where God was able to show both of us how our hearts fit each other.

Katie has a special heart, that I can only say is from God, towards animals. We prayed for months and months prior to her acceptance into The Ohio State Veterinary School. In her first year, I was able to witness Katie work towards her passion and what God has put on her heart to become a veterinarian. She has shown and taught me a new level of care for all of creation (Genesis 1:25-28). We spent another year doing semi-long distance which is not ideal, but we can look back and see how much we learned. We were able to grow in our intentionality towards each other and find new ways to connect.

Every season of life brings new challenges, new ways to love, and new ways to serve our God. I am blessed with a woman who speaks, acts, and studies biblical love in 1 Corinthians 13. I love Katie with all of my heart. I pray that I can serve, honor, and cherish her for all the days ahead. I can not wait to be her husband and see what God has planned next for our lives.

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