Miranda: Here’s our story, and I’ll try to keep my part brief, which is hard sometimes because I just love talking about Lane so much.
I was working my second summer at Sky Ranch Ute Trail in western Colorado as a backpacking guide. I remember specifically thanking the Lord that I didn’t have any romantic interests at camp so I could fully focus on my job…and then Lane showed up. Leadership had been talking about him for a few weeks, that he’d be coming to help around the ranch and film a wilderness video for marketing but I honestly hadn’t thought anything of it. When he got to camp, he was quiet, and serious, and the first time he hung out with the guides, I thought, “Well, doesn’t look like we’ll be friends…”
Lane: I had been talking with camp leadership for several months about coming out and each time it just wasn’t going to work out with projects and schedules. By mid-June everything had changed and I felt the Lord very clearly saying I was to go to Ute for the rest of the summer. My first interaction with Miranda would have been when I first hung out with the guides. My impression was that they were all young and lazy because somehow I found myself loading my truck down with gear and strapping a ladder on top all by myself while they all watched.
Miranda: The next week, he came on one of our wilderness trips and I thought that I should make an effort to welcome him to camp. We had a conversation, which he doesn’t remember, about his history with Sky Ranch and his adventures in Africa and Asia over the last year, and I remember walking away thinking, “This guy is cool.” I was hooked.
Over the next few weeks at camp, I put myself strategically in his way. I always knew where he was so that I could nonchalantly be there, too. I only told Jennie Ravanesi about my huge crush, and she continually encouraged me to pray about it and continue to get to know him as a friend. We weren’t allowed to date at camp, anyway, a rule that created a safe place to get to know Lane.
Lane: The first several weeks at camp I didn’t really “notice” Miranda. I knew who she was but that was about it. One week however, it all changed. Looking back, I truly believe it was the Lord’s timing. But I can remember a specific week where we had several conversations about ministry and camping and life and I was blown away. The way Sweet Miranda talked about the Lord was unlike anything I had heard before, yet at the same time, it was exactly what my heart had been searching for. It’s as if my heart immediately resonated with everything she said. I was hooked.
Miranda: We found ourselves sitting on the porch a lot when we were both in camp, talking about family and Palestine and books and the Lord but I had no idea how he felt about me or if he was interested. When he came on trail with me for two nights, I thought maybe he was being intentional with his questions, but I thought it was too good to be true—there was no way this amazing man could ever fall for me.
Lane: That time on trail I was very intentional with my questions. I wanted to get to know her. I loved talking to her and hearing her. I was fascinated, intrigued and blown away. I loved how she was open, yet still reserved and cautious about guarding her heart. By this time (or really since I became hooked) I was intentional with lots of things, observing the way she interacted with campers and other staff people, amazed at how she engaged people and served them so well. Yet I was very cautious to not make it too obvious since camp was still going and didn’t want to distract others or us till it was over.
Miranda: I was head-over-heels for LD. On the last night that the whole staff was at camp (we were both staying a few extra days), he asked if we could hang out the next day. Of course I said yes! But I still didn’t know if he liked me. When I went to bed that night, I told the Lord that if Lane wanted to pursue me, I was going to let him, so if that wasn’t what the Lord wanted, He’d better say something now!
Lane: By the time I asked if we could hang out the day after camp was over I had done several things I thought should hint that I was interested. It’s still amazing to me she wasn’t sure if I liked her at this point.
Miranda: The next day, he finally sat me down and told me that he liked me and asked if he could date me. I was so excited, but didn’t want to seem too eager…so I said, “Yes, please.” Haha, I just couldn’t believe it was happening. I’m telling you, I was in love with this man, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him, falling more in love with him, choosing to love him, and being loved in return.
Lane: “Yes, please.” The best two words I’ve ever heard… can’t wait to hear “I do”.
Miranda Joy has continually blown me away with the way she passionately pursues the Lord. She has been an encouragement to me from day one. She brings such Joy to my life. She has consistently received me with such grace and love and kindness that I’m continually reminded of the Lord’s grace and love and have come to know it in newer and deeper ways because of her. She is absolutely beautiful inside and out. The love of my life. My best friend.