Matt and Charis met at their church small group which they both helped lead. It was during weekly hangouts with friends; eating food, playing games and having discussions that they fell for each other. Charis caught feelings at the end of fall semester as she noticed Matt’s thoughtfulness, intelligence, and willingness to laugh at her jokes (even the bad puns). Matt took a bit longer, despite Charis’ witty banter and attempts at flirting. Matt took note throughout the spring semester of Charis’ friendly demeanor, desire to help with anything, and care for others. It was through folding drapes at church and spending late nights playing games that their affections grew for each other and Matt realized while attending a friend’s wedding that he couldn’t let this one go. He resolved to ask her out on a date despite concerns about starting a relationship before spending a summer interning in Tennessee. Charis was so ecstatic to finally be asked out by Matt as they set up for Good Friday church service that she almost walked into a parked car. She of course said yes. They had fun on those first several dates, eating food, playing games, and going on hikes. They then decided that they were ready to brave a summer apart. It was difficult, but frequent late night FaceTime calls and a brief visit in Boise for Matt’s brother’s wedding got them through the summer.

It was after that visit in mid-July that Matt and Charis had each individually made up their minds that they’d like to marry each other. They entered their senior year with this in the back of their minds and enjoyed getting to continually see how they were cared for and loved by one another.