we're getting married!

As you know Ninoska and I were in Arabic Groups (mine in Charlotte and hers in Raleigh). Ninoska and a couple of brothers and sisters visited the Charlotte Arabic group due to the Arabic C.O visit. That weekend was filled with service, food, meetings and gatherings. Actually when you introduced yourself, you hugged me out of nowhere and you just stood there and it was really awkward. -N.S During one Watchtower Study our groups had together in Charlotte, Brother Mills pointed me out as a brother with good traits while he was speaking about dating and marriage. That shoutout definitely made me blush, but maybe it made Ninoska more interested in me. Ummmm, no -N.S Regardless, on a visit to Raleigh in September of 2016, we decided to spend more time together after a fun evening of karaoke and parties. We really clicked and realized that we had a really good thing going. After that we kept in touch a lot more then before.

I came to visit for a weekend and was absolutely dreading talking to Ninoska's parents. I knew it was important to ask in Spanish so after consulting with some native speakers, I had my question written and practiced. Of course, I messed up while asking and Ninoska corrected me from a different room, so there went the element of surprise. The next day we went out to eat and I was too nervous to eat a thing. I asked our waiter if he'd be kind enough to write out "Will You Marry Me" with chocolate sauce and he was happy to help me. When I asked to excuse myself to the restroom to ask the guy, Ninoska noticed that i was walking the wrong way so she knew something sneaky was going on. I wonder if that's why she said she wanted frozen yogurt, instead of just saying yes to getting dessert at the Olive Garden. Regardless I put the foot down and kindly encouraged to get dessert where we were. The on-table kiosk, was playing some Disney animated shorts, and the one entitled "Locked in Love" really set the mood for the proposal. The waiter did a solid job writing in chocolate sauce, and thankfully Ninoska nodded yes when I proposed with the chocolate cake in hand. I really shouldn't have been nervous, who can say no to chocolate cake. As of February 3, 2018, we were an engaged couple.