Mission, college, and how it all began after the mission!!

Derek was called to serve in the Bangkok Thailand mission

on January 16, 2008. He served a faithful 2 year mission...

...while Amanda went to college at UVU in Orem and lived in Provo.

They both experienced 2 years of many growing and learning experiences on opposite ends of the world. They wrote letters back and forth on occasion.

Derek arrived home on December 17, 2009. Five days later, both families got together and served Christmas dinner at the homeless shelter. This was the first time Derek and Amanda had seen each other after Derek's mission. It was a blast. Once again, Derek and Amanda hit it off and were instant friends.

Coincidentally, both families were going to Southern California for Christmas vacation.

Amanda was able to spend a lot of time with the Walkers.

After California, Derek and Amanda got together every weekend and have been together every weekend since.