I had just moved to Angier, NC to begin physical therapy school and was looking for a church in the area. After scouting the Gospel Coalition and 9Marks Church websites for suggestions, only one made both lists--Grace Community Church. I arrived early and sat on the left side, towards the front of the sanctuary. A few minutes later, a tall handsome man, donning a red plaid shirt and a warm smile sat down beside me (apparently, I was in his spot). David introduced himself and through our brief small talk I learned he is from NY, attended Wheaton College, and he is a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne with ambitions of pursuing medicine. It wasn't until the music started and I heard his deep voice project heartfelt worship to our Awesome God, that I noticed David is someone special. Later that day, a few of my friends inquired about the new church I attended. I mentioned that a very nice guy, who was "not ugly" (my sarcastic way of saying he's cute) was very welcoming and introduced me to his small group. The following Sunday, David asked me to coffee at Cultivate and through those few hours of conversation, I got to know him deeper. He seemed too good to be true. It was evident how much he values his family and friends, but most importantly, I could see that he genuinely loves Jesus and desires to honor and serve Him in all that he does. Shortly after we met, David had to leave for a month of Army training in Louisiana. He texted me whenever he had the opportunity, asking how he could pray for me. We exchanged a few of our favorite Bible verses and encouraging quotes. I prayed often for this new friend who was jumping out of airplanes and rucking through the woods. On his way back to NC, David asked me out on a date. God painted our story with attention to every beautiful detail. Although we can barely scratch the surface in understanding God’s mysterious ways, David and I can see glimpses of how He was preparing us for each other before we knew the other's name. -S

I planned on asking Steph to marry me shortly after our one year anniversary of meeting each other. After much planning and praying on how to have a proposal worthy of the amazing woman that Steph is, I started the initial planning. I wanted to recreate our first date and propose at one of our favorite parks in Fuquay-Varina, where we spent a lot of time early in our relationship, reading and enjoying the outdoors. I first notified one of Steph's best friends, Megan, to help me make this a memorable moment. Megan agreed to hide in the park to capture the moment and surprise Steph. On January 30th, 2022, after church, I took Steph to the Mason Jar Tavern--the restaurant we went to on our first date. I was nervous the whole time, constantly feeling for the ring in my pocket and making sure Steph didn't let on to what was about to happen. After brunch, we walked down to the park and stood by the springs. I then read a journal entry to her that I wrote while I was still in college, nearly five years before I met her. The journal entry was a prayer to God about my future wife and I left a blank space for her name. I read this to Steph, but with her name filled in. Then came the big question... She said YES! The joy I felt is hard to describe, a mix of relief and overwhelming excitement. Immediately after proposing, Steph and I had our first kiss. This was followed by meeting up with Megan and pictures in the park. Finally, the most amazing day was complete when I took Steph back to my house to surprise her with her family and friends waiting there to congratulate us and celebrate with her. We both agree it was one of the most wonderful days of our lives. -D