We’re getting married

After 5 years of knowing each other through a close friend, pipe and mafe would ALWAYS run into each other at their university gym. No matter the day or hour, they would always cross paths. Until pipe decided to break the awkwardness and ask mafe to workout together. Despite mafe's internal vow of not working out with anyone, she knew how kind and non-judgmental pipe was and she was willing to go to the gym with him. They decided to go to the gym together and next thing they know, they were hanging out more and more inside and outside the gym. That summer of 2022, mafe had a health scare and was unable to go to the gym. She had surgery and was recovering at home for 2 weeks. In those two weeks, pipe would visit her, bring her food and anything else she needed. At this point, mafe had a crush on pipe but chose to keep it to herself and pipe as well. Until one moment where mafe was surprised by the company of her closest friends while she was at home recovering. Pipe being the closest of them all, was sitting next to her making sure that if she needed water or help getting around, he would be the one to help her. While their closest friends were over at her house, they all decided to watch a movie together. While watching the movie, as mafe and pipe were sitting closely, their hands nearly brushed against each other. In this moment, pipe so confidently, chooses to hold mafe's hand and mafe does not hesitate to keep it there. Pipe and Mafe chose to keep their friendship dynamic as usual. They agreed to talk about that special moment they shared after Mafe recovers from her surgery. A week later, they talk about the moment they held hands and decide that they want to be intentional on getting to know each other and (in God's perfect timing), start a relationship. Soon after they reach out to pastors Tony and Gina Pagan (who will be the ones to officiate their wedding) to seek advice and accountability on how to pursue a healthy, God-honoring relationship. Their biggest take-away is that when you are focused in the season God is calling you in, it is easier to receive the blessings that He has for you. Had pipe and mafe not decided to work on their physical health and in their school, they would not have built such a close relationship. Had mafe and pipe chose to confess their feelings earlier, they would not have the maturity to process what they were feeling and would have ultimately committed more mistakes than needed. Choosing to put God at the center of every part of their lives, makes it easier for them to join forces and soon become one.