Our story began three years ago while we were both serving overseas. In 2023 we both attended the same conference. Patrick first noticed Grace working with a group next to his. His first thought was, “Wow, she’s attractive.” His second thought was, “She must be a mom,” simply because of the way she carried herself. When Patrick realized she wasn’t sitting with a husband, he began to wonder.

A couple nights later, Grace and Patrick ended up in a “party taxi” with a group of friends on the way to dinner at a Turkish restaurant. By chance, they sat together at a small table and spent the evening talking about life overseas and their work on the field. Grace had already noticed Patrick, but Patrick wasn’t convinced they were compatible.

A few months later they crossed paths again at a debrief conference. They ended up in the same small group sharing about their experiences overseas. Patrick was impressed by Grace’s courage and faithfulness through challenging circumstances on the field. Grace was even more convinced that Patrick was an incredible man because of his intentionality to ask good questions and lead in prayer. At the end of the conference, Patrick’s friend Newt encouraged him to consider asking Grace out—especially since they would soon be living in the same town. Patrick still wasn’t sure they were compatible...yet.

A few months later both Grace and Patrick moved to Wake Forest to begin graduate school, living just around the corner from each other. For a couple of years they crossed paths occasionally, but it wasn’t until this past summer that they began seeing each other more regularly when Grace invited Patrick to go rock climbing with a group of friends.. They found themselves having great conversations about their heart for the nations and their love for discipleship.

Then, in October, Patrick finally asked Grace out… during the intermission of a concert. Their first date was on Halloween, where they danced to “Thriller.”

About a week later Patrick asked Grace if she would make things official. The very next week Patrick’s parents were in town and he was excited for them to meet her. Soon after, Grace invited Patrick to visit her parents—and Patrick said yes without hesitation. He spent five wonderful days with Grace’s family and was pleasantly surprised by the joyful, all-day family celebrations. In January they also had the opportunity to visit Patrick’s family and friends in Oregon, spending time hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains.

During January they spent a lot of time praying, fasting, and seeking the Lord’s wisdom about the future of their relationship. They both felt a deep sense of peace about moving forward. Patrick began searching for a ring and was grateful for Grace’s dad, Jim, who offered wisdom and guidance.

The ring’s arrival was slightly delayed—but it turned out to be God’s perfect timing. It was delivered on February 4th at 11:00 AM. That afternoon Patrick bought some flowers and took Grace for a walk in the snow. At 3:15 PM he asked her to marry him.

Grace was completely surprised—she didn’t expect it to happen so soon! Later that evening Grace’s parents, Jim and Paige, joined them for dinner, followed by a surprise engagement party with friends and family.

The celebration was filled with encouragement and affirmation from the people who know them best. They are so grateful for the ways God has brought our lives together and for the community surrounding them.

As they begin this next chapter, their hope is simple: to honor the Lord in their marriage, love Him wholeheartedly, and magnify His name among the nations.