Engagement Stories: Callie & Tyler
This month's Engagement Story is a couple whose love for each other, and their love for the Lord, is truly beautiful. A shared passion for mission work brought them together, and the love that grew between them is what carries them forward. Everyone: meet Callie and Tyler!
How did you first meet?
Tyler and I met in the Dominican Republic in March 2015. We were both working on staff with a missionary organization called DR Missions. Tyler had just arrived on a five month trip. I had worked with them in the past, and so when they needed some help over spring break, I planned a last minute trip. Our trips overlapped by just two weeks! We had an amazing two weeks serving the Lord together. We quickly became great friends. Within 5 days, Tyler was certain that we were going to get married, but we didn't even go on a date until August.
Our first date was the night Tyler flew back to the United States. He changed his flights to fly into Atlanta , and I picked him up at the airport. We drove two hours to Auburn, Alabama and got dinner at Momma Goldberg's Deli. It wasn't fancy or well planned by any means, but after five months of talking on the phone every night, we were so excited to see each other in person!
When did you know they were the one?
If you haven't realized yet, our story is anything but typical. I knew Tyler was the one about 6 weeks after we met, which was still months before our first date. We spent those in-between months growing in our relationship. We intentionally poured into it by reading the Bible and doing devotions together. I had seen his heart and the way he loves the Lord. I knew he was a true servant by the way he loves the children in our feeding program and orphanage. I also knew he was a hard, dedicated worker and pretty handy at fixing things around the house! We discussed marriage around this time and it was clear that we felt the same way!
Tyler's story is a little different. Tyler first knew he wanted to marry me only 5 days after we met. We had sent the day working and serving together, and we had to run down the street to a little convenience store. While we were there, I was laughing at something and Tyler thought to himself, "Wow, she has such a beautiful and joyful laugh." At this moment, the Lord spoke to him and said, "This is how it's going to be for the rest of your life." From that moment on, Tyler knew that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.
How did he propose?
In December 2015, I was visiting Tyler's family for Christmas. It was the day before Christmas Eve, and we attended an evening church service. We had dinner reservations 45 minutes after church ended, so we decided to go take a picture in front of this huge Christmas tree in the middle of downtown. I had been eyeing the tree all week and asking to go take a picture! When we got there, it was -16 degrees and snowing. There was nobody in sight! We stopped in front of the tree and Tyler pulled out his phone. I assumed we were still just taking a picture, but Tyler asked me to watch a video on his phone instead. It was a video of my 5 year old godson in the Dominican Republic saying, "Hey Callie, Tyler loves you a lot and he wants to marry you." When the video finished, I looked up and Tyler was down on one knee in the snow. He had a whole speech prepared, but he only got out a couple of lines before he asked me to marry him. I answered, "Yes, of course!" I was so excited that I put the ring on myself!
What do you enjoy doing together?
Tyler and I truly enjoy doing everything together. We love serving and doing ministry together. When we're in the Dominican, we enjoy serving with the children at our feeding program, walking around neighborhoods and visiting with people, and exploring new parts of the county. In the United States, we spend a lot of time at church, hiking, hammocking, and walking our puppy!
What is your favorite thing about him?
How could I possibly choose? My favorite thing about Tyler is how much he loves Jesus. He is a wonderful man after God's heart and I know he will be a great spiritual leader for our family. He's always encouraging me to grow in my own faith.
If you have an Engagement Story you would like for me to tell, please let me know in the comments below!
With love,
Whitney