E & C

Clay and Elijah met in an unexpected way, at a square dance hosted by their church’s mid-life adult ministry. Elijah arrived late, while Clay was dancing with her sister, Kole. Before the next dance, Elijah’s future sister-in-law (unbeknownst to him at the time) suggested they swap places so that all parties could spend the night with better suited dance partners. Ever since that evening, the Lord has continued to guide Clay and Elijah’s steps together. That event was followed by a serendipitous meeting the following Sunday at church, starting when Elijah asked, "Can I sit with you?" and ending with, "I'd love to stay in touch, can I have your number?" Three dates later, it was official. From coffee at Hydra (the best Rochester coffee shop by far) to serving as volunteers together at Grace Road, along with many car ride conversations heading on thrifting adventures or to destination bookstores, their lives became beautifully intertwined. As Clay and Elijah got to know each other, they found that Christ had given them many of the same passions, loves, and desires. After ten months quickly passed by, the path ahead was clear—they had found the person they wanted to build a life for Jesus with. On April 5th of this year, at the end of a day filled with shared delights, Elijah asked Clay to be his wife, and she said yes! To serve God is a great honor, and now to do so with one another as a small, imperfect reflection of Christ and His bride is the sweetest joy.