When I was in Young Women's and my Young Women advisers would teach the lessons on "Celestial Marriage and Your Eternal Companion", I could always expect to be given a piece of paper and asked to write down the qualities that I want in my future spouse. The usual, righteous priesthood holder, return missionary, eagle scout, good sense of humor, great with kids, etc. Years passed and different qualities would be added, some removed, as I encountered friends who had those qualities and I realized that I did or did not like certain qualities about them.
I went out to BYU-Idaho with the expectation to be married, if not engaged, by the time I returned home after my first two semesters. But while I was out there, I just couldn't find anybody. I had friends, some really good friends, but I wanted more. I wanted a best friend. I didn't click with any of them in the way I wanted to click with my eternal companion. I even came home fully expecting to go back out to Idaho four months later to continue onward in my search for that person who I would spend the rest of my life with. Little did I know, the Lord had something else in mind.
In November, my Dad informed me of a job he had applied and was interviewing for. I was so ecstatic for him! It was a wonderful opportunity that would allow both of my parents to reunite with the siblings they left 11 years prior. In order to help my mom while my Dad worked out in California, I decided to put my education on hold for at least 1 semester. That semester passed and I realized that I would not be able to return to school for the Spring Semester either. Looking back at the past 12 months, I have come to believe that most of the events that happened were to prepare me for something bigger, something even better than I could've ever imagined.
If you had asked me before I left for Idaho where I thought I would meet my future spouse, I would've told you Idaho. If you would've told me that I was wrong, I probably would've laughed in your face and said, "Where else am I going to meet them? There isn't anybody here in Pennsylvania for me!" My thoughts couldn't have been more incorrect.
I have found the person I am going to marry and spend the rest of eternity with, right here in the Kutztown YSA Branch of the Reading Stake of Zion. I have found my best friend, my confidant, my eternal companion. I'm not sure I could be more excited. Our story is a unique one, and I can't think of any better way to share it. I've realized that scrap booking and journal writing just aren't for me and this is the way I want to document our life together.