Lydia Plath Wyse on TLC's Welcome to Plathville, Whirlwind Romance, & Mountain Adventures

Growing Up on the Plath Farm

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lydia Plath Wyse, the middle of nine siblings, describes a childhood focused on self-sufficiency and healthy living.
• 🚚 Instead of traditional grocery shopping, the family received pallet deliveries of groceries and dry goods via semi-trucks every two weeks.
• 🌾 They grew much of their own food, including harvesting large quantities of blackberries and corn, and made bread from scratch using freshly ground wheat.
• 🏡 The family lived in a house built for two, expanded over time, with only one shower for eleven people, often utilizing a swimming pool for washing during the summer.
• 📺 Entertainment was limited to select movies, and Lydia notes a lack of exposure to popular culture, leading to difficulty remembering actors or current trends.

Meeting Zach & a Whirlwind Romance

• 🏔️ Zach Wyse, who grew up in small-town Kansas and later moved to Colorado, was drawn to the majesty of the mountains and found a spiritual connection there.
• ⛪ Lydia and Zach met at a young adult event in Colorado after Lydia's friend insisted she attend, and Zach, a life group leader, was immediately struck by her presence.
• 🤝 Despite Lydia's initial attempts to avoid him and her prior conversations with another man, Zach's intentionality and open communication broke down her walls.
• ⛰️ Their connection deepened during a challenging hike of four 14,000-foot mountains in one day, where they shared testimonies, laughter, and deep conversations.
• 🌧️ A spontaneous dance in the rain on the mountain side marked a turning point, leading Lydia to say "yes to whatever the Lord has for us."

Building a Relationship on Faith & Openness

• 🗣️ Zach's family is characterized by open communication and discussing deep, hard topics, a stark contrast to Lydia's family, who struggled to talk about a past tragedy.
• 🤝 Zach's intentionality and ability to create a safe space for communication have helped Lydia grow in expressing her thoughts and feelings.
• 🏞️ Their relationship is built on shared values, a love for adventure, and a deep spiritual connection, evidenced by their worship and prayer together in the mountains.
• 🤝 Zach asked Lydia to be his girlfriend nine days after they met, emphasizing clarity and respect in their budding relationship.
• 🙏 They believe God's providence and their obedience to His guidance have been key in their relationship, highlighting the importance of intentionality and openness.