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A little bit of backstory: For the past 7 years, Alessandro would play drums for his church, Grace Bible of Tampa. For the past 7 weeks, Christina had attended Grace Bible of Tampa’s 9am Bible study and (work allowing) the main service. Following a recent change in work, Christina was sent to Florida temporarily for training. A pastor and Army chaplain of her home church in Walnut Creek, California, recommended she visit Grace Bible of Tampa during her stay, and she committed to attending after her first visit on December 24, 2023. (The church was a sweet Christmas Eve gift to her!) Finally, on February 18, 2024, God brought Christina to Alessandro. It was a typical Sunday morning in Tampa, Florida for Alessandro. But for Christina, a Sunday morning in Tampa was anything but typical. On this particular Sunday, Christina had just gotten off a night shift at the hospital and knew that if she didn’t take some drastic steps, she might fall asleep during the Bible study. So she made her way to the front row. On the way to the front row, she saw Alessandro sitting in the second row, and decided that the second row looked more appealing. (For obvious reasons!) After the Bible study, they exchanged hellos and brief introductions. Christina left to sleep before her next work shift. Alessandro played the drums for the next service like normal. They both remember meeting that Sunday – and both of them remember wanting to talk more! Spoiler alert: they did talk more! They began talking via text, phone, facetime, snail mail... and they haven’t stopped! Now they are looking forward to a lifetime of talking - in person. It is sweet that they can also look back on the day they met – because Grace Bible of Tampa live streams their services! For those who would like to share that memory with them and rewatch a part of the day they met: The 9am Study: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YM5UHfib254 The Main Service: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zWl98CreSb4 The Evening Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=HmR5Z71ScME Shoot for the front row. Even if you miss, you might end up sitting next to your future fiancé. 🤍 God is so kind. He can orchestrate a love story 2,400 miles apart – and He has! God opened so many doors for them to stay in contact. Fun fact: their relationship involved 15 flights from San Francisco to Tampa… and 9 of them were standby flights! God is so kind. We thank God for His provision of grace, hope, and the love and support of friends and family in our growth and relationship. We are so excited to see God’s plan unfold in the days to come! Please continue to remember us in your prayers. Looking forward to seeing you and celebrating together all of His kindnesses in our lives. Soli Deo Gloria! Love, Alessandro & Christina