I'm marrying way out of my league.

Let me introduce you to my fiancé.

Scott and I met in 8^th grade. A missionary kid, he had already been to more countries than I had hoped to go in my entire lifetime by the time he was thirteen. He played soccer like a European, could speak Spanish, and he even skateboarded a little. Even in our preteen years, he was way too cool for me.

Now all these years later, I find myself in moments of “do I really get to marry Scott Channell?” Just more proof that our Father blesses us way beyond what we deserve.

Today, Scott has grown into a man seeking after the heart God. His deepest joy comes from his quiet moments with his Father in the Word. I admire his passion for the Bible possibly more than any other quality he possesses.

God created in Scotty a heart formed perfectly to match mine. It takes someone special to be able to handle a passion and fiery spirit like my own. Yet he’s the one with the eagerness and faith to invest his life into God’s call to missions, not just me. His perseverance and love for others is what pushes him towards medical missions, something that makes my stomach go queasy just thinking about. Yet unlike many with the strength that he has, Scott chooses to walk in humility. Raised by amazing parents with Southern roots, Scott knows what it means to be a gentleman. He’s protective, loving, gentle, and is so good with kids. Better than I am in fact.

But possibly one of my favorite parts about Scotty is that he’s determined to never let go of his boyhood. In fact, it was that boyish charm that I think I fell in love with from the beginning. I love watching his eyes squint when he lets out a bellow of his contagious laughter. I love the fact that more than anything, he just wants to play. I love that he’ll dress up with me in crazy costumes, just for fun.  I love that he wants to live at the beach for the rest of his life. I love that he’d rather spend his day in the woods climbing mountains and his nights in a tent than in a five star hotel.

It truly is a beautiful combination. Between the firm foundation of faith and the little qualities that make him who he is, I wouldn't trade him for anything.

And I mean, come on ladies. It’s hard to take your eyes off him.

So you go ahead and be jealous and I’ll go ahead and be blessed.

I’m marrying way out of my league.