"From this day forward..."

We were college graduates who wanted to live generously. After committing to serve a year of mission with Seton Teaching Fellows, we both packed our bags (Meaghan had a few more bags than Adam) and moved to the Bronx. As we served the families in the Bronx, God expanded our hearts -- He taught us to give generously, without counting the cost. He taught us to serve those entrusted to us with commitment. He taught us to trust in His providence for our lives. At first, we found in each other a co-missionary. We bonded over a mutual love for Jesus and for the local library. One providential evening, we enjoyed a long, fun conversation with some friends. Then Meaghan offered Adam a maple sugar candy, we exchanged a few smiles, and a little flame ignited in both of our hearts. As co-missionaries and coworkers, starting a relationship together was a complicated feat. We thank God that, in His providential plan, He chose a certain coworker of Adam's to help push us along. Clifton Whitehead, Adam's mentor-teacher, was under the impression that we were already dating (which was false -- we were just flirty). He decided to tell us how excited he was that we were dating. This is roughly how that interaction went: Clifton (speaking to Adam and Meaghan): "Hey, you guys! I just wanted to say that I'm SO happy for you guys!" Adam and Meaghan (with perplexed faces): "..." Clifton: "You guys are together, right?" Adam (desperately trying to salvage the situation): "No, no Clifton! We just WORK TOGETHER to teach catechism. That's what you must be thinking of." Clifton: "... What? You guys are dating, right?" Adam and Meaghan (embarrassed): "..........." Meaghan: "Okay... gotta go! Bye!" [Meaghan exits] Clifton (mortified): "What did I just do?" He got us to open up, that's what he did! On Valentine's Day, Adam asked Meaghan on a date, and it was wonderful. In due time, we fell in love. We continued dating through the mission year, then moved back to NYC the following fall to begin our careers. Now we're getting married, and we couldn't be happier!