On February 11, 2023 I showed up to Carlee’s apartment for our first date :)

We had an amazing time. We connected even more than we had anticipated and truly enjoyed each other’s company without it feeling forced.

Afterwards, I dropped her back off and I felt two very strong emotions: 1. Excited because this girl was amazing and it was a successful date, and 2. An overwhelming feeling of confidence knowing that she was the one I am supposed to be with for the rest of my life.

I had been praying for so long that I would be with the right person. And not only did God do that, he found the perfect person. We have even more commonalities than what I had realized, to a point that it was a little scary. (We have the same birthday??)

There have been easier and rougher times, but we keep thanking God and those around us though it all for everything. We cannot be more grateful for the community that we are surrounded by that continues to support us through it all.

Knowing that I am going to be marrying the girl I have always wished for is the best feeling in the world. I know that no matter what life throws at us, we will be okay. God has provided, and I know he will again, I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days with my future Carlee Ray.