Life can be very busy and often filled with moments that are beautiful but leave little time for searching for a relationship. With both of us engaged in balancing family and work, the idea of Match.com made sense to each of us. After discovering each other's profiles, we texted and talked on the phone before meeting for the very first time for lunch at Ragazzi's in Orlando. There was heartfelt conversation and a sense of possibility. =) We both cherished our relationships with Jesus, cared about others and helping them, and found each other very attractive. =) After a few dinners and walks together, we officially started dating! It was the beginning of so many moments on so many days of realizing just how much love we have for each other...

It was finally time...Paul had planned everything out...a trip to Busch Gardens would be interrupted before it ever started by an opportunity to purchase a collectible item. They would have to hustle over to Winter Park before heading to Tampa and a surprise would unfold. Then, unfortunately, Karen got the flu earlier in the week and was no longer able to take a day off to go to Busch Gardens! Paul, filled with determination to (hopefully) hear the words "I do!" was quick to figure out a new plan. The morning of the cancelled trip, Paul called Karen and asked if she would like to at least go out to lunch. She was happy to at least get to spend that time together. When offered the lunch of her choice she picked Ragazzi's -- which just happened to be where they had their 1st date! After a great lunch and some reminiscing, Paul informed Karen that someone had bought a collector's edition of a game called "Sonic Mania" from him and could meet right after lunch in Winter Park. Karen didn't mind the trip and they headed over. A friend of Paul's played the part of the buyer, texting him and eventually requesting to meet at the Peacock Fountain in the Rose Garden (which just happened to be the location of their 2nd date and where they had taken their first picture). There was virtually no parking and Karen kindly offered that she could just drop Paul off and pick him up after the exchange. NOOOO!!!! Paul prayed fervently for a miracle and the clouds parted and the sun shone down upon a parking spot that had just opened up in the perfect spot! After finding a great park bench overlooking the Rose Garden and "waiting" for the buyer, Paul had Karen open up the Sonic Mania box to see what the game included (non-gamers - Sonic is a hedgehog that collects "rings" for health - it is the only game Karen played as a child). The Sonic statue held a ring box, Paul got on one knee, and the beginning of a new and fantastic part of their lives began! Karen said yes!!!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 We don't truly know what the future holds but we know who holds it! We are both unbelievably excited at this opportunity to start sharing life together. We want to always love God, love people, and live in love with each other. We want to enjoy the beauty of every day together. We want to grow in our love for God. We look forward to having opportunities to be a light and show love to those we meet. We also know there will be ups and downs, but we want to work through every challenge that we face with our hands held tightly together, remembering who holds us in His arms! We want to strive to understand each other and support each other as we navigate this crazy thing called life. We're in this together!