Interviewer: So how did you guys meet? Daniel: I was in Jacksonville for the weekend and a brother named Jimmy (officiant) organized a small gathering of friends to hang out. There I was introduced to Charnese. Charnese: It was a dark and stormy night- just kidding. It was April of last year. I was invited to hang out and show hospitality to some friends in town. I came late and actually tried to leave to grab food and come back. Daniel was pretty adamant about us staying but so was I about getting food. We promised to come back. I'm glad we did. Interviewer: I heard you guys almost missed each other. What happened? Daniel: I was suppose to go weekends before but the brother who came with me had a public talk to give. We came 2 weeks later. Charnese: Like I mentioned I came late. When my friend and I arrived, no one was there. We called Jimmy (officiant) and he was like "yeah, we left. But we're heading somewhere else now." We all met at the second location lol. Interviewer: Was it love at first sight? Daniel: When I saw her- it wasn't necessarily love at first sight but I did observe her. She had a lot of energy and I have a lot of energy. I was just curious. I went back home and I inquired about her with Jimmy. Charnese: No. I thought he was loud lol. But when we were talking there were things I liked about Daniel. Listening to how he came in the Truth, I respected his journey and thought highly of his zeal. I left thinking "cool brother" Interviewer: When you guys met, were you looking for love? Daniel: Well- yes. I knew wanted to be with somebody, I knew I wanted to get married. But it wasn't planned. Charnese: Not at the moment. Like Daniel, I too, wanted to be married but I had experienced some major trials the beginning of the year. By the time we met, Jehovah was helping me endure and I felt like He just gave me peace and contentment. So when Daniel reached out to me, I was nervous, like "here comes this guy, tryna rock the boat." But now I see Jehovah lent Daniel to me as a gift. Interviewer: What initially drew you to Charnese/Daniel? Daniel: I like that she's very straightforward. During one of our first conversations she asked "What are your intentions?" She's honest. That is something I have been looking for. Charnese: His zeal. Not only does Daniel have a lot of energy but he uses it in the right way. He has that "Here I am, send me" spirit that I adore. (Isaiah 6:8) Interviewer: What continues to draw you to Charnese/Daniel? Daniel: She's herself, she doesn't hide who she is. She's always reaching out in the congregation. She has a big heart, a cheerful giver. She gives a lot of attention to detail especially when working on a spiritual project. Charnese: Dan Dan is a very kind hearted person. He's constantly looking for the good in others or in a negative situation. He loves people and he's very gentle with me. Interviewer: How does Jehovah fit in your relationship? Daniel: When we're going through something, we may have different viewpoints. But we see when we go Jehovah's way, He always makes our way successful. Charnese: Matthew 6:33 is our theme scripture. Interviewer: Daniel, what are you looking forward to most in marriage? Daniel: We both grow old together, as one flesh, and we both bring out the best in each other. We help one another, when one falls down, to help the other back up (Ecc. 4:10) Interviewer: Charnese, how do you guys bring out the best in each other? Charnese: Daniel allows me to melt into my femininity. I learn to be more gentle because he's gentle with me. I learn to relax and take the backseat because He takes the lead and always leaves room for my thoughts and opinions. He makes it easy to submit and support him because he lets Jehovah guide him. It's a beautiful transition and Dan gives me much grace. Interviewer: Well it's been a pleasure getting to know you both a little better. Looking forward to your wedding Pauls! May Jehovah bless your marriage.