“Come, as our family, to our Wedding Celebration!”

Patty and I met over 20 years ago, NEVER thinking we would one day marry each other. But, here we are today, and our Wedding date is set! We have always enjoyed being friends. It started when I was involved as a pastor in the church, but during those years we were only good friends. After several years, our paths separated and I left the church to pursue other ministry. I started travelling a lot as a missionary, eventually moving to South Africa and Australia. During that time Patty and I did not see a whole lot of each other, but we stayed in touch. As friends we really got to know each other: we laughed together, cried together, disagreed with each other, were mad at each other - but through it all, our friendship and love grew; we deeply cared for each other. When Robyne, Kristen and I returned to the USA from Australia, through an invitation from other life-long Pastor friends, Guy and Nancy Glass, Patty and I picked up our friendship again. This time however, she was in the church where I am currently working. Up to this point I had been single for almost 9 years; Patty for over 20 years. I really wanted someone with whom I could share my life with, someone to love, serve and care for; someone more than a friend. Isn't it amazing how, the very thing you ask God for, is right in front of you? So, in my search and prayers for a wife, I did not realize she was right here in front of me. Then in one moment I saw Patty's love for me, and I realized I loved her too! A few weeks ago I decided to talk to Patty to see if we can explore some possibilities. Well, that turned out to be far bigger than we could have ever imagined, because 5 days later I proposed to her on the roof of the Tampa International Airport (Patty's favorite spot to hang out and watch the planes). Why wait, right? We're both SO happy and excited to see what God has in store for us. We hope you will be able to join us as we celebrate our love and marriage on July 13th.

Sometimes when you first meet someone, something inside you just clicks and you know that there's something special about them;for Peter and me, that is what happened. As I reminisce over the 20 plus years, I'm amazed at how Peter and I are at this extraordinary place in our lives. At the beginning of our friendship, he thought I was a loud, funny, pitchy, crazy New Yorker and I thought he was just a crazy South African;but we immediately bonded. We were both enjoying life and participating in ministry work with our wonderful group of friends. I, however, knew those times could not last forever and dreaded the day he would tell me God was moving him and his family. In 2006, he delivered the devastating news. Despite the distance, we maintained our friendship through texts, calls, letters, and occasionally an accidental Face time moment; which kept our hearts connected. Fortunately, in 2015, God brought Peter back to the states for a worship conference;and our friendship was just as incredible as it was before. However, at breakfast one morning, an interesting change happened between us. I just knew in my heart, there was a definite shift. Over the next three years, and countless hours at the top of the airport garage I poured out my heart asking God for clarity; little did I know that I would soon get my answer when Peter accepted his new position at our church. Almost a year later, through steadfast prayer, God helped us recognize the deep, unconditional love we had for one another. This friendship would never be the same again. On March 31st, we agreed to explore our relationship on a deeper level. Later that week, Peter requested that I meet him at the top of the airport garage. Much to my surprise, Peter proposed; in the very place where I'd asked God for answers! With great joy, in the presence of God, our children and grandchildren, I responded in the only way my heart would allow-I said, "YES!" Now, on July 13, 2019, I get to marry my best friend!