My earliest memory of Catya began in third grade. She was not in my class, but she went to the same elementary school and was in the same grade. I remember her approaching me while I was waiting in the “car-rider line” one day and declaring that she recognized me from Gold’s Gym. Apparently, her mom and my dad were members of Gold’s Gym, and she recognized me from the kids’ playing area.
I remember being puzzled more than anything. Even as a third grader, I had a strong memory, and yet I had no recollection of this event. I never felt creeped out, but rather beaten, out-done, and out-matched. How was there someone who was more perceptive than me?
College was a transformative experience for me. It was during my freshman year of college that I became a believer, and that, combined with the rigors of mechanical engineering and the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, became pivotal in helping me come into my own. Somehow, the years of college and work afterward have been full of both unmet expectations and greater ambitions. It seemed like every career plan I made never came to fruition, yet I can look back and see how God has used each experience to bring me to a greater level of maturity and prepare me for whatever came next.
In the fall of 2024, I remember visiting Japan and thinking while I was there, “This is where I need to go next in life—I must do everything I can to get a job here.” I was fully convinced and very certain of this plan. I know I’ve felt certain about things in the past, but this time felt different. About a week after the trip, I reconnected with Catya, and suddenly all of my “certain” plans were nowhere to be found. Fortunately, God’s plans are usually better than mine!
When Catya and I went on our first “not-date,” it was immediately obvious that she was—and is—different. Every question I asked seemed to be met with such a thoughtful and creative answer. I remember this being a season of curiosity and discovery. I would write lists in my phone of topics I wanted to talk about with her because it always felt like we were running out of time.
Never before had I met someone who was a visionary like Catya, and through our conversations, I discovered in myself that I am wired in a similar way. From the early stages of dating, talking with Catya resonated with me in a way that only God could have orchestrated. Just like in third grade, Catya notices things that I don’t notice and brings things to my mind that I would have never thought of.
When I imagined what dating and marriage would be like when I was younger, I always thought I would need to find someone who shared similar hobbies with me to avoid boredom—running, climbing, pickleball, or something else. I never would have guessed that the hobby my bride-to-be and I love most of all is simply talking to each other. And I don’t think we’ll ever get bored!
According to Timmy:
My earliest memory of Timmy Davis goes back to the 5th grade at Oakwood Intermediate, when we were 10 years old (which is why he’ll always be “Timmy” to me!). I remember seeing him in the hallway leaving orchestra practice, lugging a double bass that looked bigger than he was, and me, being curious as ever, walking right up to ask what on earth that giant instrument was.
What followed were years of brief, semi-awkward interactions with each other throughout elementary, middle, and high school, and yet somewhere along the way, Timmy became a recurring character in my life— each encounter leaving me a little more curious about who he was beneath the surface, and who he would become.
After a six-year whirlwind adventure attending art school, spending seasons living in Guatemala, Austin, and England, and growing in more ways than I could have imagined, I eventually found myself back in our hometown at the end of 2024 (already dreaming about my next adventure!).
Around that time, my maid of honor, Mya, convinced me to spontaneously run the BCS Half Marathon in December. The night before the race, a carb-loading dinner was held amongst friends, and, in God's perfect timing, Timmy walked through the front door. A few hours after crossing the finish line the next day, I received a "hello, again" text from him, and our conversation hasn't stopped since.
What stood out to me most early in dating was how anchored and steadfast Timmy's presence quickly became in my life. I was drawn to his inquisitive spirit about almost anything, and ultimately the way his confidence wasn't rooted in circumstances, but in the Lord’s unchanging character. I found myself answering questions no one had ever asked me before, while also being encouraged and challenged in ways I hadn't yet experienced. Even as we encountered unexpected deep waters during our relationship, those seasons only brought into focus what my heart was beginning to know: Timmy is the person I want beside me through every season of life.
It feels impossible not to grow alongside a person like him. He has a way of calling out the best in me while making me feel completely loved and adored in the process. His encouragement has given me courage, his steadiness has brought me peace, and his love has made me feel cherished in ways I never knew I needed. I am gushing with excitement to become Timmy’s wife and begin our greatest adventure together, hand in hand. Praise be to God :)