JS - 08/2023, After years of burnout and dodging feelings, I caught a flight to Puerto Rico. It was exactly what I needed. I was able to finally take a breath and refocus on my spiritual goals of serving where the need is great outside of the States. I made it my goal to move to Puerto Rico, at least for just a year. And so, the apartment search began. AJ - It was December 2023. Reflecting on the 6 summer weeks Jehovah blessed me with to serve in Puerto Rico, I aimed to return October 2023 to serve long-term. JS - 12/2023, After many unwanted life lessons, burnout returning, and struggling to find an apartment in Puerto Rico, for the first time in a while, I felt alone. So, I called Ken and Jamaise, we had a movie marathon, and she made me a pot of oxtails that cured my soul in seconds. I felt better and then I see Jamaise's face looking like Jimmy Neutron having a "Brain Blast". AJ - Like I said, it was December. October had come and gone. My negative thoughts pooled in, and Jehovah addressed them quickly through my friend Azeeza. She called, sensed something was wrong, and came over to give me the spiritual wake up call and encouragement I needed. She reminded me that there is plenty to do for Jehovah, that he hadn't run out of blessings for me. I could set smaller goals, serve elsewhere, maybe even meet a brother. As she said this, my friend Jamaise texted: "Are you open to meeting someone?" JS - Jamaise says "Why haven't I thought of this before! Would you be down to meet my best friend?" I dont know what it was, maybe the oxtails, but I said "Sure, why not? Is she normal?" AJ - Because of Zee's words, because of accomplishing one of my major goals of serving in Puerto Rico, because of the timing of Maise's message, I responded: "Sure, what's wrong with him?" JS - As a professional over thinker, I'm skilled in asking too many questions and getting in my own way. I still asked my questions, until Jamaise said "I dont know, you'll have to ask her". I trusted her, Ken, & the oxtails and they took over. AJ - I of course asked a ton of questions. To which, after a certain point, Jamaise said, you have to ask him. She made the plans, and though relinquishing control isn’t my strong suit, given my mental state at the time, I obliged. JS - It's important to know, I do things naturally, being setup isn't for me. Plans got messy, excitement became anxiety & I wanted to call it off. Thank Jehovah that Jarrod was here, he shared a few verses & showed me how to take out the middleman (respectfully). AJ - The thing about being set up is, again, no control. While I’m grateful for our beginning, it definitely wasn't the smoothest. Awkward group chats, miscommunications, delayed dates. Soon, I was ready to cut out the “middleman”. To my surprise, and pleasure, he was ready too. I got a text on a Sunday evening: "Hey, this is Josiah." JS - We weren't wasting time, went asked our questions, both secretly waiting for a reason to end this. I then ask, "What are your spiritual goals?" She tells me she her PR story and while my jaw is on the floor, I think maybe she's worth some more time. AJ - Soon I found the things wrong with both of us, were right in the best ways. From the very first conversation things clicked. It was uncanny the way our humor & goals (yes, even Puerto Rico) aligned perfectly. He is my heart, my voice of reason, my calm in any & every storm, my spiritual giant, and quite literally the best thing I never knew I needed. I'm eternally grateful that Jehovah led us to one another. I can't wait to marry him, have the privilege of calling him mine, and become Mrs. Arielle Kelly Soto. JS - I'm told, I'm not easy to understand, it's crazy that she wants to. I've often felt alone in how I see the world but Jehovah has blessed me with Arielle and even if I wanted to, I'm never alone lol. I love you and I'll prove every day that I do. Thank you for being able to love me too. I'm excited for my 2-fold chord to turn into 3.