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Before all of this, my first semester of college had been marked by partying and a sinful lifestyle. I dove headfirst into the typical college scene—late nights, drinking, chasing pleasure, and surrounding myself with influences that pulled me further from God. What began as “freedom” quickly became bondage. I tried to silence conviction by blending in and telling myself it was normal, but deep down I knew I was empty and stuck in patterns I couldn’t break on my own.

After the end of my first semester of college, I began working forty-five hours a week at Menards. I thought staying busy would keep me from temptation, but even with the long hours and full schedule, I was still in bondage. During winter break, my parents planned a family vacation to Miami for a revival. I was more excited about the city’s nightlife than anything spiritual, expecting fun and distraction—but God had other plans.

At the revival, I watched as people were delivered—some screaming, some falling to the ground, others praying fervently. When the invitation was given, I raised my hand, and a man came and prayed over me. As I fixed my eyes on Jesus, a deep peace washed over me, and I collapsed under the power of the Holy Spirit. From that moment
on, my life was transformed. The addictions that once controlled me lost their grip, and I have walked with Jesus ever since.

I once heard someone say to run to God and that someday, when you least expect it, you will turn and realize someone’s running next to you, and then you start running to God together. That is how I’d describe meeting Caleb. Caleb and I met at a four-month discipleship school through Adventures in Missions based in GA. During our time in the school, I was able to heal from past trauma and pain. I grew in the Lord so evidently. When I first met Caleb at the very beginning of the semester, I would describe myself as very lost and broken. God changed and redeemed everything for me! Caleb stood out to me unlike anyone I’ve ever encountered. I had never met someone before who reminded me so much of Jesus! I felt such peace and safety in his presence. I realized I began to trust him, and that was something I had always struggled with, but Caleb made it so easy. He never flirted with me. He just loved me as a brother in Christ and quickly became one of my best friends. He had such high honor and respect! I realized how heard and seen I felt by him, something I struggled to feel from most people. He was so intentional and thoughtful. Everyone in class could tell he had a soft spot for me, and I always wondered if he liked me. By the end of our semester, I realized I was
falling in love. I told God how grateful I was for our redeeming friendship and that, if it was His will, I wanted to get to love him forever. I already knew I wanted to marry him, before we even told each other we liked each other. Caleb knew he wanted to marry me nearly right away. Before he met me, God gave him two visions about his future wife. I love when Caleb tells me what he was thinking when he first saw me. He says I looked exactly like the woman in his visions, and he was in awe. Caleb had also prayed extremely specific prayers for his future wife, and he says I have answered all of them! Praise God! God gave us both so much confirmation that we could both go on and on talking about our story, but I’m going to try not to make this too long! One day, when we’re old, I hope to write a book about our lives and our love.

Anyways, Caleb knew very quickly, but it took me a bit longer to realize, as I had just come out of a hard season and all my focus was on Jesus. I was not at all expecting to meet my future husband! God told Caleb to wait to tell me his feelings and to be patient because God knew I needed more time to grow. The day God told Caleb I was ready, Caleb took me to a park at sunset and gave me a flower he drew with words that described me… at the bottom he wrote, “but you are beyond words.” He told me his heart, and I told him mine. Caleb pursued me so purely every single day, and we fell deeply in love together with Jesus at the center. We went on many adventures and have grown so much together. “Iron sharpens iron,” and I believe we both just bring out the best in each other. We share the same hopes and dreams, which is a blessing! One day in our discipleship school, our teacher had us write out where we want to be in five years and then share with the class. Caleb shared his, and then I shared mine out loud. My friend Ellie whispered to me, “Why do you guys have the exact same dreams?” It was true—our detailed plans were nearly exactly alike, down to the smallest details. We are now engaged, and Caleb has made my every dream come true and encouraged me to dream more and to dream big. We have both given God our yes! Our lives are a sacrifice for Him. Our dream is to travel the world to preach and build the Kingdom, to bring light to the darkest places. Our hearts are to follow every command He has written. Our hearts are to obey Him. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:8. We are bold and eager to follow Him!