At 15 years old Alex and I met at what we’ll just call a “high school gathering.” We had no idea what we were in for that day. Neither of us exchanged phone numbers, but instead waited until the night after to ask the same mutual friend to give us the others number. Our first date at laser tag quickly turned into Alex officially asking to date in the McDonald’s parking lot…… And so our 9 and a half year adventure. Enduring long distance has been something we’ve always had to navigate in our relationship. It started when Alex was asked to play with team USA in high school, continued with his scholarship to play at Michigan State, and is now blessed with his opportunity play professionally in the Washington Nationals Organization. All of these experiences have challenged us, but ultimately strengthened our relationship in ways we would’ve never expected. Alex and I both attended college in Michigan where we both made friends and grew independently, but nonetheless never gave up on each other. Our relationship has gone through a lot, but has also sustained a lot. A few years out of college, the both of us decided to put our faith in God and place him at the center of our lives and our relationship. This decision was the best one we’ve ever made for not only ourselves but for each other as well. It is by his grace we are where we are today and we are so thankful for that. God is continuing to teach us how to love each other and everyone around us in the same way he does. We couldn’t be more ready to enter into this next chapter of life together and see all god has in store.