Nathan and I met at Ouachita Hills College. Our first conversation was at Camp Yorktown Bay. I was so homesick and I told him my family was going to a violin concert that night in Boulder. We talked briefly and I knew he would be a good friend. That February and April, we were both part of a small group who stayed on campus during the canvassing breaks. We became good friends and continued to be throughout college.

I’m not exactly sure how our friendship turned into a relationship. We were definitely in denial, since we weren’t allowed to be in an actual relationship, per school rules. A dating relationship consists of several components, one of which being, you know, dates. So, that relationship officially started in May of 2017. We had been best friends for so long, it was nice to finally be able to date and get to know each other on a deeper level.

In July of that year, I moved to Springfield, MO to teach Kindergarten through second grade at Springfield SDA Junior Academy, while Nathan was in the Nashville, TN area doing Bible work and pastoring. We dated long distance for a year. It was hard, but it did allow us to learn many of those valuable lessons you can only learn while being on your own in a place with no previous connections.

In August of 2018, Nathan moved to Springfield to attend Missouri State University. He is currently in his last year studying instrumental music education. He teaches band at my school and has lots of private lessons. He is praying he will get a position in Springfield teaching high school orchestra. He is so happy teaching and playing music. I am still teaching, I now have Kindergarten through third grade. It keeps me very busy, but the kids are great. It has been a blessing experiencing life with each other and growing in so many ways. We have really seen how God’s timing is always best.

On August 7, 2021, Nathan and I went to Bolivar, MO for church. I had the children’s story and Nathan and our friend Neil played all the music. After lunch we left for home, and I called my family to say "Hi." All of a sudden, Nathan pulled onto a side road. He said he wanted to stop to see the Fender Chapel. I didn’t think it was weird since we always point it out when we pass. When we got there I didn’t want to get out since I was on the phone and it was really hot (my mom knew what was going on, but she played it off so well). I took a picture of Nathan and turned to get back in the car, but he said he wanted to go check out a backpack he saw by a tree. I reluctantly followed far behind while telling him not to touch it. He pulled out a box from the backpack and came out from behind the tree with it and knelt down. I was shocked. Neil, who set the backpack there, had gone before us and was filming from a distance. You can’t hear us, but I’m pretty sure it was the longest proposal ever. I was pretty confused. We had waited so long, it took me a while to believe it was real. Nathan got me a hair piece for our wedding from the Ukraine, a ruby keychain from Canada, a Swarovski crystal piece, a handkerchief with our names and proposal date, matching keychains with our pictures on them, and a customized recipe box with our names on it to hold it all. It was so sweet.

We are very excited to get married. We plan to stay here in Springfield for at least a few more years. God has been leading so much in our lives and in our relationship, that we know He will lead in our marriage. Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us through our journey thus far. Love, Amanda.

P.S. I asked Nathan if he wanted to add or say anything and he said he would just add more details. So, apparently you got the “short” version. ;)