We’re choosing forever!

I met Austin through Hinge. We messaged back and forth for a few weeks before we met, because he was on assignment in Missouri. We met August 9th, 2022 in Indianapolis. We would have met a bit sooner, but I busted my face open on a Bird Scooter the day before we had our originally scheduled date. We had dinner at Livery where I proceeded to tell him everything he wanted to know about me (and likely didn’t want to know) at our bar seats. It was hot, and I was sweating from being nervous. He offered to walk me home, if I wanted, and we took a little detour through my old neighborhood of Lockerbie Square. When we got to my doorstep, he gave me a hug and said goodbye. I wasn’t sure if anything would continue between us, but I knew he was a gentleman who loves Jesus. That was enough to at least give a second date a chance.

Rachel and I met at tumultuous times in each other’s lives. We weren’t sure about each other…but after a few months we knew something worthwhile was in front of us. There are countless memories of laughter, joy, adventures. Star gazing, watching Netflix via FaceTime, Rachel visiting YL clubs in Batesville and being a part of ministry. Visiting her parents and going to a hockey game or reds games with them and her family. She was silly, serious, and hard working. All while trying to be aware of those around her and love them well. What stands out from all of it is how we chose to handle problems when they arose. Early on we had to overcome a few obstacles, long distance dating, different ideas on life and dating, schedule differences…but we overcame it quickly. Accepted the challenges and worked through them, despite how hard it was at times. We both decided we were each worth it. Rachel’s relationship with Jesus, her growing faith, her love for those around her, all of that confirmed what I already knew. And now Rachel and I are making it a reality.