Once upon a semester I (Elias) was finding ways to engage more in ministry. At Bethel, there was a thing called student ministries and it was perfect! And I was like Perfect--boom-shocka-locka! That's the ministry for me. So I showed up and there was this girl...


Now, I thought she was really cute, but she was on the other side of the room--way too far away, I could do nothing about it. A whole semester passed and I thought to myself: I need to get to know this gal during J-term. It's perfect cause nothing happens during J-term! plenty of time to start seeing what she is all about. Day one of J-term rolls around and I look around, but she's nowhere to be seen. Turns out she was taking an online Spanish class FROM HOME and forgot to tell her secret admirer! How dare she.


So I look at my younger sister Myra (who was also in Student Ministries at the time) and I'm like, you think I got a shot with Taylor?? She's like, Go for it! So I wait, and when Taylor comes back for spring semester, we both, unbeknownst to each other, start doing street ministry. A few cold nights later, she's talking to me! (*gasp!*) It was a good day. Got her number super slick like: you want to work on homework together with no ulterior motives at all? (*wink*)


We got an assignment to visit a non-American church and got some friends together to go. They all dropped out last minute...except for Taylor. So we head off to the church, and have a great time, where she's like: Hey! want to eat out of the same bowl? And me being super smooth, was like: I would love you! erp, I mean to! And so we did, at a table of old folks, who did not speak English and asked if we were married.


So I wanted to ask her out, right? Well, I was trying to set myself up, but my friends would not leave us alone after class! Every day, after class, we would talk and there were 20 minutes before Taylor had to go to choir. So every day I would hope to catch her alone, but it took like a week! (I was sweating.) But finally! I asked if she wanted to get some ice cream, except not, because it was yogurt. You can probably guess what she said. (Happy happy, joy joy!)


The rest is history.


*this has been a completely accurate and true account of the start of our relationship by none other then Elias Friese :)




NOW, for her side of the story:


So one day I met this really cute guy in theology and he asked me out. I said yes.


But why did I say yes? I can recall 3 instances in particular that made Elias stand out:


1. I was in the library checking out a book when this goofy library employee starts cracking jokes and messing with me. I thought to myself Is this really happening?
Then a gal enters the library and walks right up to him, looking really frustrated and telling him how she's in this rough situation. He suddenly shifts from goofy, jokester to serious and compassionate, turning all his attention on her in a fatherly way. I was a bit shocked. He was admirable and I couldn't help but think Wow. I don't think I've seen many men do that. That was really attractive. I promptly left, but I couldn't help but recall that moment over and over again.


2. Christmas time came and the annual student ministries party commenced. We played games and opened gifts, when--suddenly--a wrapping paper fight broke out. Within seconds, I find myself attacked by three strategically aimed bombs of paper coming from none other than Elias. I look at the direction of the throws and see him--we lock eyes. I pause for a few seconds and challenge him with my gaze. He quickly looks down at the ground, feigning innocence. Again, I'm both surprised and amused by him. I smile, unable to forget the look on his face.


3. Fast-forward two months. Elias and I end up in the same theology class, seated right next to each other. Week 2 of the class, the professor tells us to turn to our neighbors and discuss our opinions on whether or not women can be pastors. I was intrigued. We had a fantastic conversation that poured into time after class and within a few weeks he was asking for my number.


Later down the line...


Elias and I dated the remainder of my senior year at Bethel University. He encouraged me in my faith, took me on adventures, introduced me to his eclectic taste in music, and, ultimately, pursued me well. Summer came and along with it came our attempt at a long-distance relationship. He lived in Ely, MN for the summer and I lived in Watertown, SD. I was hesitant that our relationship would work out through this season, but he surprised me. 😊


He wrote me letters and called as often as he could. He wrote me fascinating stories that made me laugh and cry even when we were hundreds of miles away. Elias chased after my heart...and he got it. In the first week of August 2024, we went on a canoe trip, after I had surprised him for his birthday. He told me he loved me for the first time. Yes--he said it first, but I was quick to follow.


We continued long-distance for the next 4 months, but were intentional about pursuing each other from afar. Soon we were making arrangements to fly to see each other while I lived in Nashville and he was in Minnesota. We've struggled through hard seasons, laughed, smiled, grown, persevered, cried, rejoiced, and clung to the Lord. Life has its inevitable mountaintop highs and valley lows, but I cannot wait to spend the rest of mine walking along his side.


ALRIGHT, it's Elias again. Taylor's story was super sweet right? And completely accurate—I am that awesome. ;)


Anyway, I have a few final things I would like to say. I did write letters, but she wrote back in equal creative storytelling and sweet sentiment. She did come suprise me on my birthday. She secretly communicated with my sister and boss, with word reaching everyone but me that she was coming. She drove 8 hours in one day to supprise me after Chapel. I was blown away. It took me a moment to even realize she was standing in front of me. It was amazing. She is amazing. I did say I love you first, the very next day, and she met it with such an amazing smile. When she said it back, I knew I had been blessed.


Distance has been hard (it still is), but the Lord has provided, and we have overcome. I love you Taylor, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.