“Love between man and woman cannot be built without sacrifices and self-denial.” ― St. Pope John Paul II

We met wayyy back in 2019 at Catholic Youth Summer Camp. Sam and I were on the same counseling staff and quickly became *kinda* friends. We would laugh together often and were always put on the same activities when they were co-ed. That summer was really hard for Abby in a lot of ways. There was one conversation that sticks in our minds to this day. We were out together at the zip line with our high schoolers and they were all doing fine on their own so we just got a break to chat. We were under the dock and talked about everything for the whole lake time. It was one of the only times that summer Abby felt like someone really listened to her about everything. Well summer ended and we kinda parted ways. Sarah and Noah, Sam's brother and *now* sister-in law started dating (with the help of Abby no less) so we always knew what the other was up to via them. Sam served 2 years with Damascus and then after graduation went to Canada to do a novitiate year with the Companions of the Cross. He had been discerning the priesthood for a good bit and finally took the jump to enter seminary. A year later, after a very hard year Sam discerned out and spent the summer at home in Michigan. He was offered a job on National Team with Damascus Catholic Mission Campus and would return back to Ohio for another year! All while this was going on in Sam's life, Abby dated other boys, was in college, graduated college and started her full time job. After moving back home Abby became involved in the youth group at St. Michael's who ran their youth ministry with Damascus. In early August 2022 Sarah and Noah were married and Abby went to the wedding, and Sam of course was the best man. We talked for *maybe* 10 minutes the whole night. I jokingly said to Sarah and Noah "when are you going to return the favor to me?" *Not thinking they would in a way* Then a few weeks later we both were at Damascus, Abby was there for a youth group retreat and Sam was there to leave for National Team.

I had been in a desolated spot with the Lord about my vocation. I knew I was called to marriage and had a desire to always get married and have kids, but it just wasn't happening and I was really frustrated with the Lord. After a holy hour in the Damascus chapel where I finally said "you know what Lord, I give this to you. make something beautiful out of it" I walked out of the chapel, where Sam was sitting in the back (I didn't even notice him). I went to dinner at the Lake and my girls were playing with the other high schoolers so I went to grab my water bottle and saw Sam sitting in a golf cart, I decided to go say hi *thinking it's be a 5 minute conversation* 2 hours later lake time was over and Sam and I's conversation had gone all over the place. It took me back to that conversation we had under to dock 3 years prior, I felt seen, heard, and loved. Sam asked for my number which I gave him a hard time for, but willingly gave it to him. A few days later we called, and laughed, and Sam asked me out on our first date. And truly on that first date I knew I'd spend forever with him.

So I was in the chapel and I was praying and I asked the Lord "What do you want for me in my vocation?" I had been discerning the priesthood for years. I heard the Lord say to me "Let your vocation come to you." So I said to the Lord "Yes Lord I will let it come to me, show me where to go." Abigail was in the chapel too, I didn't really know she was there. Later we saw each other at the beach and I was eating a burger and about 2 hours later we were still talking and I asked for her number (which she gave to me after 15 minutes of bickering) going to California for 6 weeks I intentionally prayed and pursued Abigail, and that was the start of the rest of our lives.

It's crazy what the Lord has done in this time of our friendship, dating, & engagement. The Lord truly always know what He's doing. We've gone places, many dates, bought a house, started and finished long distance and traveling, prayed, loved, and laughed. All Sam and I have done is continue to listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide our relationship. It hasn't always been easy but when your relationship is rooted in Christ, laying down one's life for the sake of another and so so beautiful. I can't wait to do it for Sam for the rest of my life :) I simply cannot wait to be his wife.