In the summer of 2007, I decided to move to Rexburg.  With no money and only friends in Idaho, I took a leap of faith to move to a place that reminds me of my mission.  With the encouragement of some friends I decided to go to a local singles ward instead of a student ward.  What a blessing that was. 

     Soon after first attending the ward, I met a girl that I never thought would end up being my wife.  At that point I had given up on the possibility of me being married before I turned 35.  Marriage for me was going to come much later in life, perhaps at a time when I was healthier and more financially mature.  How wrong I was. 

     It took me a month to track down Julene's number.  I had looked in peoples phones, waited to see her at activities, tried to ask her at church, but I just couldn't find her number or get her number from her.  I remember at one activity we were playing softball for FHE.  I think she gave the lesson and then we started playing softball.  I had planned on getting her number that night but she left early.  I was pretty dissappointed but I didn't give up. 

     I asked a girl in our ward if I could make a copy of her ward list and to my luck, Julenes number was in there.  I decided one friday to go to a spot that I frequented and build a fire.  I called a bunch of people in the ward and everybody was coming.  I had one last person to call, so I picked up my phone, picked up the ward list, and set them down.  I thought she would think I was retarded so I was going to give up.  Something urged me to call so I did.

     When she answered, I explained that I was having a fire and would like for her to come.  She laughed at me and explained she was moving.  I thought "oh well, I was right she thinks i'm retarded." She was just a girl I wanted to take out and I never expected to hear from her again. 

     Julene was actually excited that I called.  I had made an impression on her at church one day by making fun of my cousin, and she thought I was funny.  Little did she know that looks aren't everything.  She wanted me to call her but didn't know how to put out the "vibe."  Later on, she and I started texting. 

     Our first date was a country dance up at the school.  I had to shave my goatee off for the first time in over a year.  It was a big deal for me.  I just bit the bullet, shaved it off and have never regretted that night.  Julene and I hit it off and had a connection from the very beginning.  N0w we are married and living in Idaho Falls and adjusting to one another, but it is the happiest time of our lives. 

      There are almost 20 different experiences that brought us together.  Some were decisions and some were little instances that taught us a lesson in life.  I think back on these things and realize that had I made a different choice on just one thing, me and Julene would not be together.  I thank my Heavenly Father every day for Julene.  She's a blessing that I don't deserve and will never take for granted.