Randy: The first time I remember noticing Alana was after church on a snowy January morning my Sophomore year in 2003. As I was walking back to my dorm, I suddenly had the strangest feeling about her, and realized God was starting to speak to my heart. I still remember the spot where I stopped and looked over towards her dorm and thought to myself, "I wonder if she's the One."

Alana: I went with a group of friends over to Randy's dorm room for the first time to watch a movie. I really didn't know Randy at this point, except that he went to my church in Boone and was in the college group as well. Afterwards, while talking about what we were all doing over the summer, Randy said he was applying to Camp Tekoa. He mysteriously had an extra application in reaching distance and offered it to me as a job option. The next thing I know, I'm off to camp as a lifeguard and camp counselor.

Randy: What Alana didn't know is that I was previously hoping she would come to camp, although I honestly didn't expect her to. After praying I decided that God wanted me to wait and observe Alana over the summer so we could grow in friendship and I could see who she was in every circumstance at camp.

Alana: Camp was a growing experience for me and was tons of fun. The very last week, Randy and I were co-counselors and learned a lot about each other. I had no idea the summer was one big "test" for me or that Randy was even falling for me.

Randy: By this time I really liked her. For two months I prayed even harder and finally decided I needed to ask Alana to pray about God's plan for us.

Alana: Sitting over smoothies in the coffee shop, Randy told me of his interest and how he enjoyed spending the summer with me at camp. I didn't know what I was getting myself in to... Looking across the table, all I saw was this huge black blueberry seed stuck in between Randy's two front teeth!! Trying to be as serious as I could, knowing how nervous he was, I began focusing heavily on the area of his face above his mouth. I told Randy I would pray about it as well.

Randy: A week later we met for lunch. She said no. I was crushed, but I was okay with it at the same time.

Here's What Happened: Alana said Yes, and Alana said no, again.

Alana: I was struggling to accept the Lord's plan for my life. Randy wasn't what I envisioned. But... after the second "no" (sorry, Randy) I realized how much I missed not seeing him. I was sitting in my room studying, staring at the door. All I could think of was how much I wished he was standing right outside my room, coming to visit me. Immediately after that thought, the wind outside blew my door open, just enough so I was able to see in hallway....empty. I realized then, how I really wanted God to change my heart so that I would see Randy for who he really was. As God began opening new doors in my heart, He continued showing me how wonderful of a husband Randy would be to someone. I desired to be humbled so that I could love Randy as God wanted me to, and that "someone" be me. I always want to see him standing at my door.

Randy: Eight months later, I wrecked Alana's car. This was my first accident, and her first car. It was a tremendous trial for both of us.

Alana: Although much growth had taken place, God still needed to teach me more. God used the car accident in amazing ways. My concern and love for Randy flourished, as I had to take care of him and help him through this trial. We prayed together, and grew so much as the situation became "ours" to deal with - finding a new car, figuring out loans, etc.

Randy: The wreck was horrible, but I thank the Lord that it happened because it helped focus our eyes on Jesus. I saw in Alana a grace, a gentleness, and a love that blew me away. That was the first time she told me that she loved me.

Since then God has really been blessing our relationship as we learn more and more about each other, and lean more and more on God.

The Engagement. That's another story :)