Buchanan Adoption
Andrew & Darah are Adopting!
Our Story
High School
Darah and Andrew got to know each other playing trumpet in high school band. One was 2nd Chair and the other was 3rd Chair; there is no need to discuss who was the better player. They did not share a hobby, sense of humor, or taste in music, but, for the rest of high school, they would sit together every day. Andrew still doesn't like One Direction and Darah still makes bad puns, but all the time they spent at concerts, parades, and football games built something that is still solid.
Prom, 2013
After high school, Darah studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma and Andrew studied Mechanical Engineering in Houston. They finally shared an interest! Of course, Andrew left engineering to study engine calibration and Darah would switch to tech a few years later. The relationship grew slowly over the long distance, but it survived through phone calls and occasional visits. It must be real love when the eight hour drive between Oklahoma and Texas seems to fly by.
College
OU Football Game, 2017
Engagement
For Christmas 2016, Andrew invited Darah to his family's vacation in Florida and bought a ring that was not in his budget. The planned evening was perfect. The sunset was beautiful, the air was warm, but Andrew was so scared he procrastinated until it was cold and had been dark for an hour. Finally he asked Darah to go for a walk on the beach. She was confused. After all, it was dark and a bit chilly, but she reluctantly agreed. They wandered along the beach for a few minutes before Andrew pulled out the ring box and said, "Darah, I really love you..." then paused. Darah, who could not see the ring in the dark, pulled back sharply. "Are you breaking up with me??" The shock wiped Andrew's prepared speech from his mind and he simply said, "No! I'm Proposing!"
Marriage
Christmas Vacation, 2016
Wedding, 2018
Despite the off-script proposal, Darah said "yes" and they were married December 21, 2018. They have continued to grow together in their marriage and have gotten to enjoy both Oklahoma and Utah together. Their jobs and goals have changed even more, but they wouldn't it any other way.
It is so funny to write our story and see how much God has worked to bring our lives together. Darah joined band when she did not want to, we were placed side by side every year, we went to college in adjoining states, and so much more that didn't make it into this short summary of our life. We didn't plan these things, God worked in our lives to make them happen. As we approach the adoption process, I can look back at all God has done to make our lives the way they are, and move forwards without fear because I know He will work these new things for good as well. If it is His will, He will bring us together with the child He has in mind, and we cannot wait to meet them.
With Love,
Andrew