Joseph: I first noticed Christina at one of the Camp Saint Mary (CSM) counselor retreats. Yes, I took a liking to her beauty right away, but I was really compelled to pursue her once I saw her kindness and empathy towards others. Christina: I wanted to reconnect with my church this summer, so I decided to get involved with CSM. I was looking to make some new friends and some good memories. Joseph did not stand out to me yet Joseph: One day she was short $20 for food at counselor training. Like a gentleman, I offered to spot her the money. With some back and forth, I finally convinced her to let me pay. Fast forward two days, she reached out and was adamant on paying me back. I told her let’s talk about it over dinner. At that moment, I thought I was so slick, but she humbled me right away by saying no. Christina: I was completely blindsided when he asked to talk about it over dinner. He seemed like the type that was focused on his career and school. Joseph: I really saw something in her, and I was not taking no for an answer. For the next three months I proceeded to enact my master plan to “woo” her. I continued to ask her out another ten times. And she said no to all ten. But alas! She eventually gave in to my charm and persistence. On the 11th time she finally said yes (Thank you God). Christina: Joseph swindled his way into my heart. In the three months volunteering for CSM, I began to witness firsthand his playfulness with the kids, leadership with the staff, and devotion to the church and her ministries. I liked his patience and how the kids looked up to him as a role model. So… I figured I would give him a chance.

Joseph: We were celebrating Christina’s birthday. I had planned the day with numerous activities. I took her to the church to practice some chanting together. After some time, I told her to sit on the front pew and close her eyes. As I got all the supplies in order for our final activity. I was nervous… I told her to open. Christina: I opened my eyes to find a clear bucket on the ground with three water bottles and a towel next to it. In the background I began to hear his voice on a recording chanting our favorite hymns. He began telling me about how much he loved me and how we would work together to get through anything. I began to cry as he took my shoes off, placed my feet in the clear bucket and washed my feet with the water. Joseph: I was washing the feet of my wife, to serve and cherish her for the rest of my life. I was already down on one knee as I was washing. Wiping the tears from my face, I pulled out the ring and asked her to marry me. And this time, I only had to ask once.