Happy Anniversary

Temple Square Round 1: 2012

Two years ago, December 2012, Ben took me out to Temple Square for our second date. We were sixteen and not very experienced in dating. For example, I spilled pineapple and cheese down my front at dinner.  Later, we were in line for the Cristus statue and he blurted the line, "I think you're hot!" Blushing as he realized the what he had said, he quickly followed up with, "I mean, spiritually hot!!" (If he knew I was blogging about this he would facepalm and tell me to get over it. But I'm never getting over it, muahahaha!!) Incredibly, I managed to top that awkward moment when I tried to hold his hand on the ride home, and he promptly dropped it and scooted over. In review, I realize it was not the most classy event in the world.

Temple Square Round 2: 2013

Somehow that stupid, wonderfully horrible date has become part of our story, and kind of sets the tone for our relationship- klutzy and awkward. Kidding! But really, Ben is a suck up around adults. He's got the dumbest sense of humor, founded mostly on bad puns. He has a knack for teasing me mercilessly

. But it's for these reasons that Ben is my best friend; I love everything about the guy. He's brave, he's sincere, and gentle and human and caring. He's humble and quick to forgive. He lights up when kids are in the room. He is patient, hopeful, and hard-working. I have learned so much from him. He has truly taught me what selfless love is.

Here we are, December 2014, and two years ago I never imagined what would happen in the coming months. Ben's on a different continent, courageously serving our Lord and the good people of Brazil. I'm at Snow College, pretending like I know what it's like to be an adult. We've left behind kisses by the reflection pool on Temple Square, "spiritually hot" jokes, and constant texting. In fact, I haven't heard his voice in six months. Heck, he doesn't even speak English anymore! Ridiculous! It has been one heck of a roller-coaster. The craziest part: I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Regardless of what the future brings, Ben influenced who I am. In fact,  he's helped me be better than I could be on my own. I think our relationship was one of the best decisions I fell into. So here's to three years of friendship, one year of dating, six months of a mission, and a whole lifetime of adventures ahead of us.