Several years ago I decided to quit my teaching job and find a new career.  I also decided that I would move out of the land of never ending winters to a place I have always wanted to live, Austin.  I quit my job, rented out my condo and left Chicago with only what would find it my 2009 Honda Civic.  When I first arrived in Ausin I got a sales job while I decided on my new career.  After about 6 months I landed my dream job. I had no idea that my dream job would also lead me to my dream man.

This short story makes my transition to living in Austin an easy one.  It was anything but.  I had no job and no idea what I was going to do once I got to Austin.  But my parents were incredable.  They were 100% in support of me from day one.  They had complete faith in me and let me know that if it didn't work out I could always come home.  They would then follow that up with, but you won't need to come home.  This has been who my parents are my entire life.  They raised me to go after what I wanted but always let me know they would be there if I needed it.  Work hard, take calculated risks, and be smart but don't be scared to take risks and live life.  I think I have followed their advice pretty well.

The day I left for Austin my mom said to me, 'You are strong, you are smart, and you are going to be great."  My father wrapped me in a hug and prayed over me and my trip; A long time tradition started by my grandfather before any road trip.  They sent me off to start my life with all thier love and support.  I could not have taken that leap had it not been for their confidence and strength.  Thank you will never come close to the gratitude I have for them.

I am just going to jump into our story. My life changed the moment I met Audrey in April of 2015. The time leading up to me meeting Audrey I was enjoying being me. I had experienced so much personal growth and sort of connected the dots in my life that would prepare me to meet Audrey.

Prior to moving back to Austin, I had been living in Akron, Ohio and really enjoyed my time there. I was able to be myself, work hard, meet some wonderful friends and enjoy life on my own. It was hard moving back to Austin from Akron, but the Lord was winding down my time in Akron and winding things up in Austin...I just didn't know it.

Austin is definitely home and it was so good to be back. I even enjoyed Mopac traffic. Route 8 in Akron maybe similar to Mopac, but Route 8 did not lead to Lady Bird Lake or to 71. Living in Austin as the new me was an incredible experience. My moment of clarity came when I was heading back home from my parent's place. I saw the entire Austin skyline on a Sunday afternoon while driving on the flyover between 290 and Mopac north. Things really fell into place pretty quickly in those first few months of being back in Austin. The only thing missing was Audrey.

My parents and I prayed in November of 2014 that the Lord will bring the one I am supposed to fall in love with. Fast forward five months, April 2015, while in one of our laboratories at work, Audrey's manager was introduced me to Audrey. In my mind, I just met my furture wife. I made a pact with myself that I would not date anyone from work. Well that completely changed when I met Audrey.