Our story began in college during a class at a minor league baseball game, both dating other people, but I bought her a drink and we talked all night. It was innocent, unforgettable. Years later, while I was in South Africa with an anti poaching unit and heartbroken, she texted me out of the blue. I lit up. When I got home, I asked her out. Ten years later, we’re married, working in schools, traveling the world on a budget, volunteering, and still laughing like we did that very first night.

One of our favorite memories was during peak COVID. Stuck in our tiny apartment, missing camping, we pitched a tent in the living room. I put a virtual campfire on the TV, we watched a movie on my phone, and shared a bottle of wine. We had just given each other haircuts. Kathleen did a much better job. It was quiet, silly, and warm. At the time, it felt small. But looking back, that night was everything, peaceful, simple, and full of love.

If we won $20,000, the first thing we’d do is thank my parents. They helped us move to Charleston. We moved closer as they get older. They have given time, money, and love. We’d pay them back for everything they’ve done. Then, we’d start saving for the future we dream about, having a baby. It’s been hard financially on two school salaries, but we want to give our possible future child the best start and save a little. It’s about love, family, and building something beautiful together.