Our story began unexpectedly. A friend visiting from out of town was trying to schedule a tour at Patterson Bethel on short notice. A brother was kind enough not only to get us last-minute tickets but also to offer us a tour of his department after our visit to the visitor center. I had no clue who the brother was. At a distance, I happened to see a profile picture of him with a woman on my friend’s phone, whom I thought was his wife. As we were in the lobby waiting for our tour to begin, I noticed a tall, handsome brother coming through the door. He immediately caught my eye. “Wow,” I thought. “They make them like this at Bethel?” 😄 To my surprise, it was Jason—the one who would be giving us the tour. As he introduced himself, I admittedly glanced at his left hand to check his ring finger—no ring. “Oh… he’s not married? So that wasn’t his wife with him in the picture?” I wondered. During that tour, I remember being struck by how down-to-earth, engaging, and knowledgeable he was. The friend I was with invited the two of us to hang out with a group of friends that same weekend, but I already had plans and wouldn’t be able to make it. I was a bit bummed because I was intrigued, and was definitely Interested in hanging out with him again. After the tour, Jason walked us out to the car. My friend then randomly mentioned that she would exchange our numbers. I giggled to hide my shock. As soon as we got in the car, I made it a point to ensure that she would NOT give him my number—the last thing I wanted was for him to think that this was a “set up.” My original plans for that weekend, however, fell through. I started thinking about that invitation again, secretly hoping Jason might be there. To my surprise (and excitement), the day before the event I received a text from Jason asking if my friend and I were still planning to hang out. My first thought was, “Wait—how did he get my number? Did my friend still give it to him?” I quickly set that aside and made arrangements to join. That weekend, Jason and I had the chance to talk a little more. I was drawn in by the depth of our spiritual conversations, his openness, humor, and thoughtful nature. That day marked the start of a journey we never saw coming, but one we’re endlessly thankful for. From there, we kept in touch, and I got to know him on a deeper level. We bonded over our shared love for Jehovah, meaningful conversations, travel, laughter and love of music. We had so many similarities, and somehow, talking to him for hours just felt effortless. For someone who’s usually not a big talker—especially on the phone (seriously, ask anyone who knows me, lol)—this was different. I couldn’t believe how at ease I felt with him; it was like I’d known him forever. Very early on, I knew I had found my person. What began as a simple tour turned into something truly beautiful. And now, we can’t wait to begin the next chapter of our journey together. By the way, the woman I saw with him in the profile pic, was his mom!

Our story was unexpected, for sure. Two days before we met, I received a random WhatsApp message from a sister visiting from abroad. She mentioned that she had gotten my number from a mutual friend and was hoping I could help arrange a tour of Patterson Bethel for her and a plus one. Since these kinds of things happen all the time, I thought nothing of it and was happy to help. (The mutual friend, several months prior, had literally taken care of me while I was on my sickbed.) I obliged. When I met the visiting guest at the Patterson Visitor Center, she was alone. A moment later, I happened to glance at a woman walking in our direction, and I remember thinking, 'Who. Is. That?' To my surprise—and delight—it was Anessa, coming over to join us for the tour. Regrettably, the tour was short… but refreshingly sweet. I was impressed with Anessa's discretion, her questions, her poise. Before we could fully engage in conversation, the phone rang—they were running late—and suddenly I was whisking them away to their cars. The friend invited me to join them over the weekend for their activities, but I had plans Saturday evening and an outgoing talk on Sunday for which I had already accepted hospitality. On the way out, her friend mentioned that she would share our phone numbers with each other. Anessa and I chuckled awkwardly before I said my goodbyes and walked away. (In my mind, I thought, “Sweeet.”) So, imagine my surprise the following day when I received a message from the friend, apologizing for not asking whether she could share our phone numbers with each other before making the comment. I assured her that I wasn’t offended and that she could indeed share my number with Anessa (*wink*), but the friend never responded. Hmph… did she actually share my number? Will Anessa text me? I’ll wait and see.................... Less than twenty-four hours later, I found myself searching for ways to rearrange my schedule and join them over the weekend. But how would I confirm whether she would be there? By a "chance" mistake, I was able to get her phone number. I wasted no time (*cough* another 24 hours) and texted her to ask about Sunday's plans. She confirmed that she would be there, and I informed the local congregation that “something came up, and I would no longer be able to stay for hospitality…” (What would you do? 😊) That day, Anessa and I had the chance to talk at length, and I was drawn in by her spiritual outlook, sense of humor, mild and easygoing nature, and candor. There was a familiarity there—as if I were reconnecting with a long-lost friend. I walked away that night thinking, “....This could be Home.” That day marked the start of a journey we never saw coming, but one we’re endlessly thankful for. From there, we kept in touch, and I got to know her on a deeper level. We bonded over our shared love for Jehovah, music, meaningful conversations, laughter, and travel. Despite our various travels and conflicting schedules, we’ve spoken for no less than an hour every single day. It felt effortless– We fell like g r a v i t y. What began as a favor for a friend turned into something I never could have imagined. And now, with Jehovah’s help, we can’t wait to begin the next chapter of our journey together. P.S. How did I get her number? She had it publicly displayed in the Bethel Directory. 😊