OUR STORY

Growing up, Russell and Jennifer both attended the same church, high school and college. Although they knew of each other they did not know each other personally until they got to college.

After freshman year, Jennifer had looked into transferring schools to be closer to home. As things happened the way they were supposed to, she ended up staying at Western. Her sophomore year, her roommate ended up being a mutual friend of theirs. This is when Russell and Jennifer met and started to develop a friendship.
During September, 2009 Russell asked Jennifer out for their first date. December 6, 2009 they officially started their relationship and have been together ever since.

ENGAGEMENT...

            

December 6, 2012; It was their three year anniversary date. Jennifer had just presented a final project for her interior design studio class and went home to take a nap before dinner. Around 5:30pm, Russell walked downstairs to Jennifer's apartment to take her out for dinner. Right before walking out, Russell said that he needed to go back up to his apartment to get his jacket. Any other day Jennifer would have waited down in the vestibule for him to get it, but that day she decided to go up with him. 

When she walked in, she saw red balloons with pictures from their years of dating taped to the strings, and roses on the floor. She did not comprehend what was going on and thought it was just an anniversary surprise. She was told to read the messages he wrote on the back of each picture. One balloon after another, Jennifer read each one until she ended up in his room. There were balloons and roses everywhere. Reading the final note, it said to pop the balloon. A note came out of the balloon that had told her it was time to turn around. When she did, she saw Russell on one knee, with ring in hand. This was the first time she actually realized what was happening. From that moment on, there were tears from both of them and everything was a blur of happiness.

She still does not remember what he said outside of "will you marry me?" but she knows without hesitation, she said YES. 
   

Currently, Russell and Jennifer are going through more of a difficult stepping stone; a long-distance relationship. Prior to this past September, Russell and Jennifer were always together. They went to school together, lived close to each other at school, and both their families were from Holland, so being long-distance was a very difficult change. Both their families have been more than supportive and with each of them being busy with school, the time has flown by. 

Overall, God has definitely given both of them strength during these circumstances and he continues to keep their faith strong. Aside from this time apart, they both know it will be worth it come June 22.