We like to blame/thank James' sister Christina for the encouragement to James that he should attend an event at Pasadena, as well as Kate's co-worker Heather who said a date would be worth the risk! Officially we met at a Christmas concert, and after a few weeks of messages, we went on our first date. Trying not to seem too keen we met for coffee, which went so smoothly it was followed by a walk along the beach at sunset and sushi for dinner. Date two almost didn't happen, as Kate was put off by the rain, but thankfully we're here to tell the tale!

Half-way through our first vacation, a road-trip visiting several National Parks, we found ourselves in Denver. On the pretense of meeting Sam (groomsman) for dinner, we arrived at a local park where (surprise!) a brass quintet of local Salvation Army musicians just happened to have a song ready for us (thanks Rick, and friends!). A picnic and flowers were laid out, James played Kate a video of messages of love from family and friends, and then popped the question. Kate can't remember what he said because she was crying too much.

Kate is a first-year cadet at the College for Officer Training in Rancho Palos Verdes, where James serves on staff. Following her ordination and commissioning in June 2022 they will receive their first shared appointment as Salvation Army officers, and will move somewhere in the West to begin their full-time ministry together!