Connor and I met each other years ago at Cornerstone Community Church. I had been going to CCC since Jan. 2018 after moving up to the Twin Cities area after college. I remember walking into CCC and feeling an immediate peace. I felt God say, “Stop your hunt, you’re home.” Connor started coming to CCC a couple years later in fall 2020 after starting the addiction recovery program at Redemption House (a ministry that our church partners closely with). The Lord completely changed his heart and Connor fell in love with God and His word through Redemption House and CCC. Over the next few years, after he completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program, Connor accepted the job as Phase 2 house manager. During these years, Connor and I plugged into various areas. For me that meant joining the worship team, the women’s ministry team, the prayer team, and volunteering for every event possible. For Connor that meant joining the sound and projection team, the welcome team, volunteering with the youth group and mentoring the youth boys, and also helping with nearly every event that the church puts on. We often found ourselves at church together, serving alongside one another. Over the years I had noticed Connor a few times, mentioning to my mom “He’s so nice and so sweet!” But I was not interested in him more than that. Connor on the other hand liked me for years, but didn’t want to “be creepy” (his words!) so he didn’t try to pursue anything. He also knew that because he was in a leadership position at Redemption House he wanted to set a good example for the other guys and not date anyone. It all changed in December of 2024. I was giving hugs to my aunt after a Christmas celebration when she pulled me aside and said she had a word from the Lord for me around future dating and marriage. “Wait expectantly,” is what the Lord wanted me to know. I was floored. What could this mean?! Well, I didn’t have to wait too long because a mere five days later I was at a church game night on New Years Eve and I looked out the church window and I saw Connor walk up the sidewalk. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. That’s new! During this same time the Lord was working on Connor’s heart. He felt like the Lord told him it was time to step down from being the Phase 2 house manager; that his leadership position there was done and the Lord had his next steps ready. Connor was excited about this new chapter, and after taking the time to think and pray about it, he came to the conclusion that it was indeed time to move out of Phase 2. After Connor made that decision, he knew that it would free him up to dating. He started to message me about various events like his birthday and game nights. Little did he know I was reading into every message he sent and trying to figure out if he liked me! Fast forward and I was at an impasse. I wanted to at least go on a date with Connor but I felt like there was still a waiting period on my life (i.e. “Wait expectantly”). One Saturday, I asked the Lord for a sign that this waiting period was over. The next day Connor officially graduated from Phase 2 and Pastor Justin honored him in front of the whole church, gushing about his character. There was my sign! I texted a mutual friend and said that if she wanted to drop a hint to Connor she could. She did, and the next week at church he asked for my number. The rest, as they say, is history! We went on our first date Feb. 8th, became official Feb. 15th, said “I love you” for the first time March 2nd, he asked my dad for my hand March 15th, and I said the easiest “Yes!” of my life March 29th. God is so faithful and kind. We would not be here without His gracious hand guiding every step. We are excited to see how the Lord grows and uses us as we now walk through life hand in hand. If you are reading this, you too played a part in shaping us to who we are today. So, thank you for your love and support throughout the years. God is good! All glory to Him!