Prior to 2021, I hardly knew Christiana existed. Usually we would text each other once a year about the annual young adult retreat. As the general secretary, she would inform me of a talk, or breakout session I was handling and I will respond. That was all of our conversation year after year. Come 2021, things changed fast. Prior to Higher Ground, it was like she was on my radar, no matter how much I try to look away or fight it. A mutual friend randomly came to me and said “I think I found you a wife”; but as usually I took it as a joke and didn’t take her serious until I started seeing Christiana in a different light at Higher Ground 2021, my best young adult retreat so far, for obvious reasons lol. I prayed about my leading daily. The more I prayed, the more God spoke to me through my quiet time with scriptures and Christian songs. It took about 6 to 7 months for me to be convinced it was God’s leading and by December 2021 I went to the marriage committee to make my intentions known. Following due process, I officially proposed in January 2022 and Ife mi said “YES”. Now I’m looking forward to hearing her say “I DO” come September 10, 2022.

I was on my own, minding my business as usual, but also high-key intently praying for God’s will in marriage. :D. During the week of our Annual Young Adult conference, Higher Ground 2021, I was preparing to take my second board exams for medical school the week after the conference.  I remember being so stressed that week of the conference studying for 12hrs/day for this exam. The Thursday the conference started, I decided to close all screens and shut all books, pack my bag and head down to Washington D.C. for Higher Ground. Normally, my overly studious mind would have convinced me to stay behind and spend the weekend to study since I was going to take the exam a couple days after the conference ended. I remember being completely sure that going to this conference was the best decision, and I took that bold leap of faith. Little did I know the amazing human being and the adventure ahead that God had prepared for me on the other side. Lol   When I got to the conference, I realized that somehow this young man started to show his face often in my periphery. I remember being surprised at how friendly he was, because all I knew about Emmanuel was the “serious-faced guy that carried piano up and down at church events.” Lol. But throughout the weekend he turned out to be quite nice and fun to interact with. Fast forward to the last day, I began to have a strong impression on my heart about him being God’s will for me in marriage. Since I did not know him well at the time, I decided to keep this leading to myself and pray on it until I was completely sure.   This assurance took about 6 months of prayers, and confirmation after confirmation, through Bible verses, sermons, and an overwhelming peace about him. I decided to bring this leading to my spiritual leaders for their support in prayers. They continued to pray with me for another 4 months, before God finally arrested this young man’s heart to come and propose! After almost 10 months of waiting and praying, the man I was led to in marriage, finally show up to propose a lifetime with him! Of course, I said YES!! Certainly, one of the best decisions I have made in my life, after salvation and I cannot wait to start our next chapter in life together!