We're Getting Married!

Our journey began in August 2023, during my second year of graduate school. The first time we met was at our campus fellowship at Purdue. I arrived a little late, searching for a seat, when I noticed an empty one, except a backpack was in the way. I kindly asked its owner to move it, unaware that this small exchange was the very first moment I would share with the man who would one day become my husband. During worship that night, I heard a beautiful voice from somewhere behind me. Though I wanted to stay focused on the moment, I couldn’t help but take notice. After the service, I introduced myself to Tobi, as it was his first time at the fellowship. Something in me nudged me to tell him how amazing his voice was (don't be shy, ladies!!). I didn’t think much of it then—just a kind compliment. But looking back, that small gesture was the beginning of something extraordinary. Months passed, and our paths did not cross again until November at a Friendsgiving. We had casual conversations that evening, but what I didn’t realize was that Tobi was already being intentional in how he spoke to me. It was at that gathering that we discovered we had been attending the same church all along without knowing it. From then on, our friendship began to grow naturally and effortlessly. As we spent more time together, I saw his deep love for God and his genuine care for people. It was in those moments that I realized how special he truly was. And then, in a small but meaningful discovery, we found out that we shared the same name; Oluwatobi, meaning "God is great." It was as if God was reminding us that He had been great in bringing us together, orchestrating every moment with perfect timing. On June 9, 2024, our relationship became official. And in that moment, I knew I wasn’t just saying yes for the time being. I was saying yes to forever. As we prepare to step into this new chapter, we do so with grateful hearts, knowing that every moment of our journey was divinely orchestrated by God.

Writing this now, it all feels so clear, like a beautiful picture coming together. Truly, He has made everything beautiful in its time. My story actually begins much earlier. In 2019, during my final year of college in Nigeria, I sensed God whispering that I’d be going to the U.S. for my master’s degree. Two years later in 2021 while praying, I felt that nudge again, this time a quiet assurance that "your wife is not in Nigeria." At the time, I laughed in my heart and thought, “Well, God, that means You’ll have to perform two miracles: one, to sponsor my grad school in the U.S., and two, to connect me with this amazing woman you’ve prepared.” but then I journaled all these things and kept them in my heart. And then it happened. Exactly a year later in 2022, I was awarded a fully sponsored Master’s program at Purdue University. That was miracle number one. I smiled and said, “Okay God, now I’m waiting on the second one.” As I entered my final year at Purdue, it seemed like maybe that second promise wouldn’t happen after all. But just like before, in His perfect time, it did. And now, our stories have linked. Every word I received that night in 2021 has been made real in a woman whose heart is worth far more than rubies. She is beautiful, gentle, sweet, easygoing, truly a blessing from God. I know this is supposed to be a story, but allow me to gush for a moment: this woman is amazing! From our very first meeting, everything has been orchestrated by God so beautifully, just like the deep friendship and love we now share. So, with hearts full of gratitude, we receive this union with joy and great expectation for all that God is set to do.