I had a quiet certainty when I decided to try a matchmaking service. I trusted the process, and I trusted that the right introduction would feel calm, clear, and grounded. That feeling followed me across an ocean. I was in Switzerland when my matchmaker reached out to say she had found someone they believed I should meet. By the time I landed back in the United States—jet-lagged, exhausted, and still half-living in another time zone—I opened a message describing my first prospect. It read: "Hi Yelena, I have your first match! He is in Sacramento, early 40's, 6"1'. Career in education, well educated, successful. Faith and spirituality are important to him. Politically he is more moderate, he is committed to justice and equality and equity. He stays pretty active, likes going to the gym, OrangeTheory. Likes to cook, read, live music, museums, art. Loves his life, not a complainer. He is super friendly and positive and easy to talk to" He was, immediately, an easy yes. Around the same time, Jeff received a message describing me—my values, my love for family, my emphasis on adventure and a strong work ethic, and my belief that marriage is something sacred and lasting. We would later learn that we both felt the same quiet excitement: curiosity mixed with a rare sense of ease. A few days later, we met for dinner at Il Fornaio, finally seeing each other for the first time. There were no grand expectations—just good conversation, shared laughter, and the unmistakable feeling that time was moving differently. Afterward, we each filled out prompts as we reflected on the date. Independently, we said the same thing: We’d like to see where this goes. When asked "What qualities do you especially like about Jeff?" In my concise, consultant way, I wrote the following: "Very thoughtful, smart, listened, and came of very genuine. Had great conversation and aligned on many values. Brought flowers and shared many compliments. Left feeling he is a very quality man and I'd like to keep talking to him" The matchmaker excitedly called the next day to share Jeffs reflection. In his literary genius way, he wrote: "There are so many things I especially liked about Yelena. She is clearly a very passionate person committed to living a purpose- driven and meaningful life. I also love how much she values family and looks forward to starting one of her own. It is also clear that Yelena is a very kind and caring person, which is a very important quality in a partner for me. Finally, I really appreciate how thoughtful and intelligent Yelena is, and I really enjoyed talking to her about books, museums, art, medicine, and the meaning of life. (Plus, she is thoughtful and generous enough to gift me chocolate from her recent trip to Switzerland! How thoughtful is that! :) I really enjoyed meeting Yelena, and I really think she could be a wonderful match for me - and vice versa, too!" October 1, 2024 marked the first date of what would become a lifetime of many more—rooted in faith, guided by intention, and built on the simple truth that sometimes, the right beginning arrives exactly when—and how—you’re meant to find it.