Growing up on a farm in Olympia, WA was an absolute blast. My days were filled with racing around the field and jumping my horse, starting my own business selling chicken eggs, and special ops missions with my siblings. I was close with my family, loved school, and had an awesome group of girlfriends. But then at fourteen something was dropped into my heart: a deep yearning to be married and have a partner to pursue God’s fullness for our lives together. I would cry some nights knowing that marriage was so far off. A cutesy, yet genuine, desire turned into longing that could not yet be satisfied. It was then that my mom encouraged me to surrender my feelings to God and begin praying for my future spouse. So I did. I decided at fourteen that I would give back to God the desire He gave me and utilize the time I had before marriage to pray for my future husband and allow God to prepare me.
And God was faithful, as He always is. He brought my amazing hubby into my life at the beginning of 2016. From the outside looking in one could say that my love story was “Hallmark”. Indeed it was filled with travel & adventure, excitement for the future, and the joy of getting to know this handsome young man who was pursuing me! But I also had my fair share of uncertainties, fears, and uncomfortable feelings to process through. Here I want to invite you into my journey as I reflect on things God taught me leading up to marriage as well as what I am learning now as a newlywed (married March 2017). Together may we pursue the ABUNDANCE that God offers us every step of the way!
XOXO
Sammy Kastello
