In the year of 2023, the two separately strived towards their aspirations. Unaware of what laid ahead, the only things consuming their minds were the Lord and their studies. Soon enough, God would reveal the most precious blessing of their lives.

They met in the library the week before classes ended in December of 2023 not knowing if they would see each other again, but the future was in hands greater than theirs.

They reunite in the gym in January 2024, and Ethan informs McKinley that she would be his lab partner for Microbiology, and she couldn't turn down the offer. They both knew the other was set apart, and they longed for the scheduled times to spend learning about one another. Even though the lab would end, the conversations wouldn't. God was not done writing the story.

They extended their time from inside the lab to outside around Chadwick Lake at Mississippi State University, late night studying at the library, working out together, and running together. Their "first date" was running 10 miles together, then spending hours talking about life on a railroad track. The Lord had something beautiful coming, and deep in their hearts the Lord was confirming things little by little.

On February 17th after an intense pickleball match, in which Ethan carried McKinley, he officially asked her to be his girlfriend. However, this was not a part of his original plan. Ethan planned to take McKinley on a date the next day to ask her, but the Lord revealed that although man may make his own plan, He determines his steps. Ethan did not hesitate to follow the Lord's lead, and there was no hesitation in her answer. She had been praying for this moment since the week she met him. The Lord lit a fire in their hearts for each other, and their fire for the Lord grew even stronger alongside each other.

As the months go by, the couple looks back on all the incredible things the Lord has done. Every part of their individual story the Lord used to lead them to the destination He had for them. He is not done yet, and He has a purpose for their marriage beyond blessing the two, soon to become one. By His divine power and plan, the Lord Unites.

To God be the Glory.