come celebrate

Thirteen years ago I met Matt when he was the administrative and youth group pastor at the Vineyard Church in San Ramon, California.  My oldest daughter was in the group and I appreciated his enthusiasm and sense of humor. (Matt: I particularly enjoyed winding Leah up, she was a sharp and engaging person even then… didn’t really know Tad or Aud that much, yet.)  He decided to work abroad in Haiti (Matt: I lived in Africa/Northern Somalia for 18 months prior to Haiti) and I signed on to be a supporter.  We would get together and discuss his work about once or twice a year.  During that decade (Matt: the 10’s) I went through a divorce, but our interactions continued along the same lines.  Over time, however, I developed a big crush on Matt. (Matt: I had no idea and no one told me... what's with that?!)  At some point, I suggested getting together ‘just for fun’ and he agreed (Matt: …I found out 7 years later that she had been scheming of such an endeavor for some time.).  On one of these outings (Matt: 7 years later), as we were walking along (Matt: the beach at Bolinas), I reached over and boldly took hold of his hand. (Matt: Best move EVER!!)  Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him relax into a big smile, and we’ve been smiling ever since!  😁😎

Although I had known Joan (and her whole family) since 2007... when I think of WHEN we first met it was actually several years later! I was back for a very brief Christmas visit from working in Haiti... it was Dec 22nd, 2011... and instead of just going out for coffee to update her on the work we where doing, as we had usually done (her family was one of my donor/supporters), we decided to make a day of it and drive into The City.  What proceeded was 14+ hrs of wonderful adventure and insight.  We decided at the beginning of the drive to share our life stories back and forth throughout the day. As we shared, pausing while exploring Treasure Island, the Presidio, Fort Point, Haight St., and dinner (http://townhallsf.com/) and dancing (http://www.sfcatclub.com/) till 2 am in The East Cut & SOMA districts, I was taken on a journey of first being even more impressed by how rad this lady was... to realizing I was feeling genuine attraction... to, cautiously, recognizing that I might be falling for this cool chic!  By the time we headed home from 80's night, this had indeed become the perfect day... couldn't get any better! ... THEN, as I tried to find the onramp to get home, all of a sudden "someone" was holding my hand!... and when I got on the freeway I discovered I was going in the wrong direction!!  I was totally spun/smitten... and thus began US.  We did the LDR thing... but due to the distance, and general life issues for the both of us, we decided, with reluctance and sadness, to just be friends. It wouldn't be until June, 13th of 2018, a year or more since we had last hung out, that while walking on the beach at Bolinas (and once more I was surprised and unprepared for my hand to be taken... again!) that we were finally in the places in our lives to continue moving US forward.  I had always hoped that she "was the one"... I am SO glad and thankful for our shared patience and good fortune to be where we are now! 🥂🎉🤩

The short version is (cuz the long version is... well, looooong.  but ask us anytime!)... One year to the day of Joan taking Matt's hand (again) on the beach at Bolinas we found ourselves having brunch in the little restaurant of that same town.  And, one year to the hour, we were again walking on that very same beach... this time not surprised by the holding hands stuff.  Then Matt stopped, reminded Joanie of the significance of the day and time... and said "One year ago this hour you took my hand and started this whole wonderful thing going again.  Today, can I have your hand... Forever?  Will you marry me?".  💘😊