When our mentors originally intended for us to meet in 2015, neither of us were truly interested in meeting. Thankfully , as a result of a LITTLE - and by little I mean nonstop - persistence, I became interested in Kyle. I happened to accompany my roommate to youth camp meeting in Mosley chapel in 2016, and that's where I saw him. Immediately I was attracted to him. After that, I desperately wanted to meet him, the problem was i was too scared. Besides, he should approach me first! Right? Well, months passed by and the "I see you see me" game was getting old. Our friends and mentors finally got tired of watching us and forced us to meet. I had been attending prayer meeting more consistently, to enjoy the service but also in hopes of "bumping into him". After service one day Kimberly Mann dragged me to the sanctuary - while Bobby Mann dragged Kyle - and we FINALLY met. After a few times of staying after prayer meeting and talking for hours, we finally went on a date. I have been enjoying his presence every day ever since. I thank God every day for him because he truly has been the biggest blessing in my life.

It all began in September when I walked into a Kay jewelry store and tried to look like I knew what I was doing. The manager quickly saw past the facade and after about an hour or two I found the perfect ring! I then contacted Hailey's friends and asked them if they would be willing to help plan the proposal with me and they agreed. Fast forward a few months to November 28th. The proposal is in two days and I am NERVOUS! I have the ring, I have successfully dodged conversations where I could possibly ruin the surprise and covered up areas where I definitely hinted at the proposal. I have the blessing from her parents. Both her friends and my friends, as well as both my churches, are excited. I have Patrick coming to play the violin for us, Elijah coming to film it, Norman and Earl taking pictures. In other words, everything is set. We all meet up to rehearse that evening and it goes smoothly. But of course, it would not be a true proposal story if something did not go wrong. We had planned an outdoor proposal at one of Hailey's favorite places to go in Huntsville. It was a great location, with a huge pond and a nice view. Unfortunately, it started raining. Over the next two days during the breaks in my intensives at Oakwood University and after class I was on the hunt for places I could use for the proposal. I went everywhere and asked everyone! I also prayed literally without ceasing (that's a church joke). The night before the proposal after nothing but rejections, I went to the last place I could find and FINALLY got a yes! Fast forward to the proposal. The moment the doors opened and I saw Hailey's reaction, everything that went into making the proposal happen instantly became worth it! I'll never forget the smile she had. As she walked towards me I was overcome by emotions. I was able to keep it together for a few moments but as you probably have seen on the video, I cried like a baby. And honestly, it was the best feeling in the world!