Over the past 6 or 7 years (already?) I’ve spent one week each year volunteering with Anna + Nathan at Anvil Island (Daybreak Point Bible Camp). Anna was in my first cabin as a camper, when I went to camp not knowing anyone at all. She is so genuine; I love how she embraces who she is and dares to approach relationships with authenticity. And she’s found a best friend in Nathan who fully appreciates her and challenges her to grow.
Nathan and Anna met at youth group many years ago, back in high school. Nathan’s first memory of her was playing full contact duck-duck-goose in youth group. He remembers thinking, “This girl’s crazy!” Yet as the story goes, Nathan began to develop feelings for Anna, and Anna for Nathan. But Anna didn’t fully realize it at first. One day with friends (Nathan included) she said aloud “I’m not going to date in high school.” One week later Anna realized, Oh shoot. I think I like Nathan. Spoke to soon? It would seem that way (whoops).
Thankfully it was far from sabotaged. For the next 6 months they spent as much time as they could together, which meant going on a lot of walks. One day Anna asked, “Are we going out?” Yes, yes they were! They dated for 6 years. The best part of it? They became best friends. They knew for a long time they wanted to be married, but they took their time to make sure they were ready. And on a beautiful day filled with kayaking, potato chips, and a surprise picnic, Nathan asked Anna to marry him. And she said yes. It’s happening. T-37 days!
Oh, and remember how I said Nathan’s first impression of Anna was, “This girl is crazy!”? Well, she still sort of is. Anna had the adventurous idea of getting a little messy after the “clean clothes” engagement photos. I say this in true camp style, PAAAAIIINNNNTTT FIIIIGGHHTT!
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