I met Tannis at Zion Temple COGIC, my home church. As an educator, I was pulled in to have a conversation with Ethan, her son then, our son now, about a few school issues. That opened up dialogue between she and I, and every so often when I could catch them after church, I'd go and see how Ethan was doing in school. At some point she joined the choir and became more involved in our church. In fact, I believe she had only been a member for almost a year before my initial conversation with Ethan. So you can say we knew each other for quite sometime. In retrospect, I realize that earlier on, the moment wasn't right for anything past basic after church "talk-and-go" type interactions. But God had a plan. I went through a very tough time in life, and it seems as loving as God is, he provided me with this jewel, Tannis. It's amazing how she reached out to me when I was at my lowest. The Lord said He’ll give us beauty for ashes. Well, His word has NEVER failed me yet! It was shocking and unusual, considering the circumstances; but I found peace and comfort in my interacting with her. I didn’t realize at that time that just in a year we would be on the road to matrimony! I wasn't able to speak with her often early on due to unfortunate circumstances, but every opportunity I got to talk with her, I took it. Well one thing lead to another and here we are today. Our first date was on Valentines Day 2018 and the Lord has since then been, and still is, working on and shaping us specifically for each other. We knew and verbally acknowledged privately to each other, only about 2 months in, that the Lord had joined us together and has purposed both of us to be the spouse that we both prayed for and desired. I, for one, am grateful onto God to see His word, yet again, come into fruition. Life has been soooo much better since this beautiful specimen of an angel came into my life. Again, The Lord has been kind.

I met John-Clifton in the most humble moments of my prayer life. At the time when I felt that God would never give me the desires of my heart, nor fulfill my need. I'd began to accept that maybe a husband wasn't destined for me. I was waiting, but apparently I was never in the "right place at the right time." I was always at church, and clearly there was no one there for me..... Right?? I first laid eyes on him while he was playing the keys. I noticed him (I mean really Noticed him), and just as quickly I thought, "Surely he's taken." That thought helped make the moment fleeting. I mentally moved on. He was still the same noticeable guy, dark and handsome, just unavailable. I didn't realize at that time he was being prepared for me. One evening I messaged him and let him know that he was on my mind and I was praying for him (which was true). From that moment on, I don't know how things happened, they just did. We began to converse and connect, hang out, talk, and laugh. I began to truly understand him for who he is. I fell in love with all of him. I waited, and God fulfilled my need. He gave me the desires of my heart. I have a loving, kind, thoughtful, honest, and determined man of God. I'm so glad I can finally say, the wait is over! Now, let the journey begin!