I met Chris at church. Between worship team and young adults meetings, I got to know Chris, and I was able to see his ability to lead and his love for God. These things, along with his contagious laugh and bright smile, had me hooked. But I knew Chris was out of my league. After all, he was 7 years older than me and my leader. To a 19-year-old, this was super intimidating. Yet my crush didn't go away, so I started to find ways to get closer to him. We ended up going on what are now known as "unofficial dates." For example, I found out that he went to Ecclesia on Tuesday nights to work, so I started going around the same time to study. But despite all our hanging out I doubted that he could be interested in me. He even asked me to dinner one Tuesday night as we were leaving the coffee shop, but I said no because I was on my way to work and didn't suggest a rain check because I didn't think it could be a date. For the next year or so I continued to think about Chris, and wonder if our interactions were more than just friendly. One night after worship practice (which was also on Tuesday nights), I got some confidence and while he was talking about what he was making for dinner that weekend, I sort of invited myself over to have dinner with him. This led to a 6 hour date that included a great dinner, two Christopher Nolan movies, and ice cream. At the end of the night, still thinking he didn't like me and prepared for rejection, I decided to ask if he was interested in me. That really caught him off guard, but he said yes, and asked if we could hang out later that week. The next day, he texted me and we met up at a park to take a walk. During that walk, he asked me to be his girlfriend. That time, he had really caught me off guard, but I said yes. Seven months later we still hang out almost every Tuesday night and have gone to over 20 different parks. I can't wait for the man I've admired for so long to become my husband and for the continuation of our little traditions

I noticed Adison at church. It was next to impossible to talk to her. I got my chance when she joined the worship team. Between that and bible study I got to really learn about her and see her heart. I was hooked. The weird stage started: 1. She invited me to an opera after church. Had I ever been to an opera? No. Do I know what goes on at an opera? Well I thought I did. I showed up and sat nervously next to her. I was terrified. 2. I had planned a fun night for the young adult ministry. One by one people started dropping out and couldn't make it. Next I knew it's Adison, myself, and a third. The third never showed. Then it’s just Adison and I playing board games and watching fireworks. The best non planned date ever. I even got to walk her to her car. 3. I started studying at this coffee shop. I soon discovered that Adison would go to the same place. Every Tuesday I would walk in after work and she would be there. If it was busy I would sit with her. Now here is a key part of the story. I showed up one Tuesday and started working on stuff. After about 10 minutes I see she is starting to pack up her stuff. Obviously I am done working on stuff also. Since we are both leaving I ask her to dinner..... she said no. I was Crushed. 4. Once lockdowns started I was using my smoker a whole lot. Adison saw and said something about how good the food looked. The next week at church we talk about the food I cooked last weekend, and I tell her I am making pulled pork this weekend and if she would like any she can come over. She said she would. I was shocked. My house had never been cleaner. She comes over and we have a good dinner and watch a movie... get ice cream... and watch another movie. As she is leaving she asks my intentions and If I am interested. I said I was and ask if we can meet again. I walk her to her car. I text her the next day to meet up. We meet at a park and I explain myself and she the same. I ask her to be my girlfriend and she agrees.