Rewind time to five years ago in the mountains of Payson when a young man walked me to my cabin and told me he had a kindergarten crush on me. Little did I know that day I met my future husband. (Below are pictures from the summer we met.)

3 Years and Many More to Come

Dear Denny,

In the dusk of Arizona’s sunset, we said our goodbyes to my mom in our grey Jimmy. The desert greeted us with a kiss of perfect weather for us to endure with lack of air-conditioning on our cross country road trip to your hometown, Red Bud, Illinois. In a months time we sold books where knowledge was consumed, gave and sold things with only two large traveling backpacks (plus my one large suitcase) in tow for a year of teaching English in China for Kings English for Kids. I remember when we got out of the Phoenix metropolitan city limits, us soaking our home in. I remember breathing in the clean Arizona desert air; which is really significant because the Chinese air is so dirty. We watched our last amazing sunset that we wouldn’t see in a year. When it got dark it really hit us, that we sold most of our things, were saying goodbyes to friends and family we wouldn’t see for over a year and leaving our house we just bought (to be rented). We were going on an adventure, two small towers were making their dreams come true. Months later, our dream got even deeper and we experienced a Southeast Asia backpacking trip together. I can’t express in words how much I love experiencing life with you. I am so happy I get to do my adventures in this life with you Denny.

Three years ago, May 22, 2010 I walked down the aisle of our church in Gilbert, AZ and married my best friend, YOU. I promised God that “I will” love, honor and cherish you. I am so impressed with you. I have seen God grow you so much over the years. The biggest attributes I have seen in our marriage is the grace, gentleness and love you show me. I truly feel God’s love through these moments: when I am struggling with a sin or am broken. I love it when you speak truth into those difficult times; God has grown you to be a wonderful leader.

Thank you for loving me even though you know my struggles better than anyone else. Thank you for being my other half and marrying me. I love you Denny. Happy Anniversary!

Love, April