Our story, for me, began on November 19, 2024. I had been baptized just a few months earlier and was discovering this new life in Christ. At the time, I had no intention of meeting anyone beyond building friendships with other disciples when I met KeAnna at a Single Soul Thanksgiving party. She immediately stood out among everyone there. She was a bright light in a room full of joyful people. I remember not only being physically attracted to her, but also feeling deeply drawn to her spirit. It almost felt strange because I barely knew anything about her, yet there was something about her presence that reminded me of my mother, who passed away when I was 14 — full of life, the center of attention, and loved by everyone around her. If love at first sight exists, this was definitely it. I left that party knowing I wanted to get to know her. I started asking people about her, hoping to get the scoop, and quickly realized she was someone special just from the way others spoke about her. At the same time, I knew I was still very new in my walk with God. Naturally, I wanted to pursue her immediately, but I also knew I wanted to do things differently than I had in the past. My old ways had only led me into unhealthy and worldly relationships. So instead of rushing in, I chose to focus on my relationship with God and surrender my desires to Him in prayer. I knew I desired her, but I wanted God to make it clear that this was His will for me too. As time went on, I observed from a distance and continued praying until a friend finally convinced me to stop waiting and ask her out. What’s funny is that while I was asking her on a date, she was simultaneously asking me too. Not long after, we went on our first date filled with great conversation and countless laughs. From there, our friendship continued to grow, though deep down I already felt she was the one. Before long, she became my best friend. I got to witness firsthand the qualities that draw so many people to her and make her so deeply loved. At that point, there was no doubt in my mind that she was the woman I wanted to marry. God was slowly answering my prayers and allowing me to grow close to the person I had been praying for. Looking back now, it’s so evident that His hand was over every detail of our story. After six months of getting to know each other, Ke’Anna said yes to being my girlfriend. Then on April 19th, she said yes to becoming the future Mrs. Mayes. When I reflect on our story, I think of hope, faithfulness, patience, and prayer. Through every detail of our journey, God continually revealed Himself to me, and our relationship became a testimony of what can happen when you trust His timing.

Michael and I met during a season when I was rebuilding my life and holding tightly to God. I had just moved back to the Southland region of our church and, despite not wanting to go out that night, decided to attend a Thanksgiving gathering on November 19, 2024. I had no idea God was quietly introducing me to my future husband. For Michael, it was love at first sight. For me, he was simply someone new I hadn’t met yet, and life went on. Months later, I really noticed him while he was holding his son, Amari. What touched me first wasn’t romance, but his heart. Watching him as a father and seeing the gentleness he carried began to stand out to me. What I didn’t realize was that God had already been weaving something quietly in the background, even through small moments and growing friendship. Our friendship grew naturally. He was patient, kind, and intentional, never forcing his way into my heart but consistently showing up with sincerity and faith. Our first date on July 6 felt different. I remember feeling unusually safe, able to fully be myself, even while walking through a difficult season. I didn’t want to admit it at the time, but something about him stood out. Truthfully, I think I was afraid to hope. But Michael was steady. He wasn’t intimidated by my guarded heart. Instead, he pursued God, prayed, and continued showing me through his character who he was. After another date, I prayed very specifically for God to make it clear if this was something I should open my heart to. That was the moment I knew I liked him. After 12 years of faithfully walking with God and never truly being interested in anyone, that realization surprised me. Even when I moved to Nashville for the mission field, our relationship continued to grow. Through long distance, prayer, visits, and deep conversations, I saw his patience, his leadership, and the way he cared not just for me, but for my healing, my calling, and my family. He loved me with both strength and gentleness, and somewhere along the way, I knew he was the one. One of my favorite memories is when he asked me to be his girlfriend surrounded by people I love most. By then, after months of friendship and building something real, saying yes felt like saying yes to the man I knew I would one day marry. Looking back, I see God’s hand everywhere in our story. Even in the smallest details. The day after I first met Michael, I was unexpectedly gifted a wedding dress. At the time, I almost gave it away because I couldn’t see this future yet. But God could. That very dress will be the one I walk down the aisle in. Michael is truly an answer to years of prayer. I love his heart, I love the way he loves God, and I love the beautiful life we are building together with Amari. Our story is one only God could write, and I pray we never take this gift for granted.