DeBorah and Nigel’s journey began in the halls of Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi. As classmates in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, they shared a few classes and even lived around the corner from one another, riding the same school bus each day. Back then, they barely spoke—a quiet familiarity rather than a deep connection. It wasn’t until they both attended Jackson State University in 2015 that their friendship truly blossomed. They found themselves in the same World Literature class during freshman year. Nigel, who always sat at the front, had a habit of dozing off during lectures. DeBorah, seated in the back, would often pretend to go sharpen her pencil just to gently nudge him awake. Eventually, Nigel started sitting directly in front of her—partly to stay alert, but mostly because a connection was forming. Outside the classroom, their bond grew. Nigel would join DeBorah in the library, keeping her company while she studied. Even after Nigel transferred to Tougaloo College in their sophomore year, the friendship remained steady. They shared countless outings, supported each other’s goals, and celebrated each other's accomplishments over the years. After graduating Jackson State in 2019, DeBorah moved to Vicksburg, MS for her job opportunity. Nigel made frequent trips to visit, helping her discover the city and ensuring she never felt alone in a new place. When the world slowed down during the pandemic in 2020, they found comfort in each other’s presence—spending long hours watching shows like Dr. Pimple Popper and Snowfall. Somewhere in those quiet moments, their bond deepened. What began as a strong friendship gently evolved into love. On March 17, 2020, they officially began their journey as a couple. Through nearly five years of shared laughter, growth, adventures, changes, challenges, and joy, their love only grew stronger. Then, on December 25, 2024, Nigel asked DeBorah to spend forever with him—and she said yes. Now, as they prepare to say “I Do” in May 2026 of next year, they look forward to stepping into a new chapter hand in hand. Their story, rooted in friendship and grown with love, reflects the truth of Matthew 19:6: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”