Though we shared the same hallways in junior high and high school as members of the class of ’86, neither one of us ever remember having a conversation with each other during that time.

Fast-forward many years later, and life brought us back together in the sweetest way. In the fall of 2024, Doug was back in the States for a three-month itineration trip, sharing stories from his 11 years as a Methodist missionary in Argentina. class of ’84 held a reunion and invited other classes. He reached out to me on Facebook to see if I was attending. I wasn’t — but that one message changed everything.

We ended up chatting a bit, and he mentioned he was living in Argentina. I told him I happened to have a trip planned there the following month with two friends — such a fun coincidence! He asked me out to dinner, and we met at The Red Door. We saw each other as much as we could over the next two weeks before I left for Argentina and he continued his travels to Wyoming and Alaska.

Then came 18 months of video calls and endless messages. We traveled back and forth (four beautiful trips each) to visit one another, with pit stops exploring Lima, Peru together. Then, on my last trip to Argentina in May 2026, Doug proposed at his favorite restaurant in Salta. The rest, as they say, is history.

We’re so grateful this long, winding road finally led us to each other. Right now Doug is finishing his work in Argentina, and we’re counting down the days until he moves home permanently at the end of September. Until then, we’re making the most of our calls and video chats, planning our future together. We can’t wait to say “I do” in October and start our married life together at last.