The Lord brought us together. The singles ward had something like Family Home Evening on a Wednesday. It was a Thanksgiving feast prepared by members of the ward. This was the night that I met Josh. My first observation of him was, "Who is this tall man? He is so tall! And really cute." My second observation was that he seemed to be a giving person. Apparently he was passing out chocolate candies to the mothers at the event. I thought it was very sweet. I had a feeling about Josh right away. I knew he was going to be important. And although I knew that, I didn't push. Things just seemed to happen very easily and with little effort.

Somehow the following week we had decided we would go on a date. I honestly can't even remember how that conversation happened. All I can remember is that we had decided we would go out on Saturday night. Saturday night did not end up being our first date...the Tuesday prior ended up being our first date! Then our second date was on Wednesday, third was on Thursday, fourth was on Friday, and then on Saturday (which was supposed to be our first date), we spent all day together - a 13 hour date.

We spent nearly everyday together since then. Actually, to date, we haven't gone more than 7 days without seeing each other. Along the way we have learned and continue to learn about each other's lives; strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, heartbreak, and all about life's milestones. I had never connected with someone to this degree before and I fell in love fast. I knew I would be married to Josh only weeks after meeting him. And when I met his family during Christmas break, I knew it was a fit.

It has been very apparent that God has been active in our friendship. There are so many paths that we had to individually take to meet each other. It is as if we have been prepared FOR each other. There are so many little "coincidences," which I no longer believe in so I will call them details instead -- There are so many little details that matter in a huge way for me and Josh. We have great empathy for each other's experiences because of what we ourselves have experienced.  During these past several months, God has quickened my learning about life and taught Josh and I how to put Him first in our relationship.

I cannot be happier with the person I will soon call my husband! Josh is kind, thoughtful, hilarious, adventurous, trustworthy, and puts the Lord first in all things. I am excited for our future together, sealed in the Holy Temple of the Lord!

I had just left Fort Bliss, where I was stationed in the Army, on terminal leave to begin school at the Motorcyle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. I had put all my uniforms in boxes and was looking for a fresh start in a new state, in a new career field. I was excited to meet new people and be my best self with my new found freedom. I jumped into church life with the local congregation, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where I met a very nice young lady at a Thanksgiving dinner activity. I had heard her speak in a church meeting a week or so prior and thought that she seemed worth getting to know. After a few conversations at church and a few other activities, the texting began. I wondered if she ever went to sleep (she was an elementary school teacher after all)! I learned that she had only recently become a member of the church and was surprised at the vigor in which she gripped the gospel and applied it in her everyday life. I loved how funny she was, how she wasn't obsessed with clothes, and how great she looked with little or no makeup. She quickly grew to love riding on the back on my motorcyle with me and I grew to really appreciate her family. She was amazing! She carried and persented herself so well. She always thought of the group first and how she could help others.

Without much warning, Christmas was upon us. My flight was booked and we really didn't know what to make of our parting, since we started hanging out regularly, we had not been apart for even a day. On the day of my flight, we were shopping for a Bible for her younger sister. I do not recall what we were talking about. I was overwhlemed and could not keep it to myself. "I love you," I said. She was surprised, but had been keeping it in as well and had returned it promptly. To shorten the story, after my being back in Wyoming with my family for three days, we couldn't be away and she was on a plane bound for me.

We had both grown so much in a short amount of time. It has been filled with fun and strange events. And we look forward to a lifetime of more. She has exceeded every expectation and quality I have desired in a mate. I truly could not have imagined a better partner.