Was it just nine years ago today, when the memories of us began? There we were, at Yellowstone National Park, waiting what seemed like forever for Riverside Geyser. Then, we saw him–or rather, his family. And my mom dared to ask that fateful question of complete strangers: “Are you homeschoolers?”As the geyser burst forth in all its beauty, a friendship was formed–the significance of which I could only imagine at the time.

I don’t think I exchanged a single word with him there at the park, but I remember him talking to my little sister as I pushed her stroller. I wrote my cousin a few days later,

“He is 13, he is good with [my baby sister] and seems like a nice boy… It seemed wrong for us to leave them, it seemed like we were supposed to get to know each other better. …We may never see them again, but then you never know how God will work in our lives…..”

Looking at the pictures we’ve taken together through the years, the memories overwhelm me. I can only stand in grateful amazement at the way God has brought us together. He has become not only my dearest friend, but the man I love more than anyone else. Truly, great is God’s faithfulness.