Some of the best stories are complex stories, stories that bear witness to the goodness of God in the land of the living and stories about dry bones being enfleshed and returning to life. Michael came to do a Story Workshop with The Allender Center (where I work) in August of 2017 and from the first time I saw him, I felt very drawn to him. And it wasn't just because he's incredibly handsome with luscious locks. I asked my friend and colleague Jen Oyama Murphy, "Who is that man?" He just happened to be in her story group, so to my delight she responded, "His name is Michael Chen." I had a brief interaction with Michael at the conclusion of The Story Workshop that involved a conversation about potential collaboration between The Allender Center and the CCO (where Michael works). I thought, this is a deep and hope-filled man, and our brief encounter left me very struck and curious to know more...

I (Michael) received a very nice, very long email from Rachael in response to some robust feedback I had given the Allender Center about my experience at the Story Workshop. The extensiveness of it brought back many wonderful memories of Seattle and the feeling of abundance. And it also left me wondering about this lady with very kind words. Now here was a woman who was very perceptive, articulate, and recognized my personhood! "Thank you", I said. She responded, "Thank you for thanking me" and I responded, "Thank you for thanking me for thanking you!"

After six months of collaborating together on a few projects between The Allender Center and the CCO, Michael brought some of his staff to our Chicago Story Workshop. We'd had lots of witty banter and good conversations and my curiosity and desire was only growing. Following dinner one night, we found ourselves at A's Karaoke Bar (a magical place indeed) with my good friend Jeanette White (the best unofficial wing woman in the world)! After five robust hours of singing our hearts out, I wrestled with Jesus. I was already so deeply compelled by Michael, his heart, thoughtfulness, cleverness and warmth. Why did I have to witness him in all his karaoke glory? It was too much! It was beautiful, but also agonizing. Following the Chicago Story Workshop and the epic night at A's Karaoke Bar, Michael had some journeying to do and for many months there was silence.

Even in the months of silence, Rachael was not far from my thoughts. Her stories, her laughter, and her wisdom. There is even something very comforting about the timbre of her voice for me. I realized that I missed her. Through a series of events which included a dream about a vivid encounter with Dan Allender on an airplane, I gathered up the courage to ask Rachael if she wanted to go on a walk with me. I wasn't sure how she was feeling and I was nervous and wanted to talk about all that we had experienced --all the things that were felt and underneath the surface. We talked over tea for several hours and expressed our hearts freely. It was a beautiful conversation that planted the seeds of deep friendship, mutual trust, and loving-kindness. We parted ways that weekend as good friends.

Following that heartfelt and honest conversation in November, we both went our separate ways for the holiday season (though I did send Michael a cozy pair of socks for Christmas). But after that day, I had a deeper sense that all those things I felt in my gut about this good man...his kindness, wisdom, integrity, and humor just to name a few...were real and trustworthy. We reconnected in January during another Allender Center training weekend in Seattle. Michael invited me to bubble tea and we talked for several hours and covered things like him being an enneagram 9 and me being an enneagram 2, and how I'm an INFJ and he's an INFP and how we both consider ourselves more glampers than campers. I felt his heart opening and I told him not to be a stranger. He took me at my word and we began texting almost daily from that point on with a slew of Facetime calls in the mix. The more we talked the more I grew fond of Michael S. Chen. He made me laugh, feel at rest, desire to dream, and want to be more like Jesus all at the same time. After two months of this delightful, almost daily communication, Michael traveled to Vietnam for his sister Amy's wedding. And lo and behold, from half way around the world I got a call and we officially started dating! Thus began a season of many cross country and international adventures. We traveled to Dartmouth, Oklahoma City, Chicago, Princeton, and Mexico City. We spent time together in our respective cities, Philadelphia and Seattle, connecting with friends and loved ones, including two precious boys. We grew in love and friendship and ultimately decided that long distance dating is for the birds!

Philadelphia, PA will be home for us (though Rachael will continue her work with The Allender Center), so I thought it fitting that I would propose to Rachael there. I have been in Philadelphia for nearly 10 years now and even so, anticipate new adventures and experiences together in that great city. I also knew that I wanted to get the boys, Jamison and Silas, involved in the occasion and they were OVERJOYED. I had heard of the Magic Gardens but had never been there. It was a mysterious labyrinth of tiles, glass, and concrete. After some time of winding our way around we found a quiet spot with a few chair structures. Before me was a woman who has brought me a lot of healing and a lot of laughter. I got down on one knee and got a few lines in when Jamison said rather impatiently, "Dad, open the box!" All to say, that I proposed to her and she said "YES, OF COURSE!" Love grows deeply in the desolate places. Over several decades an artist had been making mosaics in South Philadelphia and it is a testament to faithful perseverance in bringing beauty to brokenness. We are looking forward to so many more new adventures together, and doing the good work of calling forth beauty and glory amidst ruin.

In a mysterious way we are called to co-author our stories. We are moving forward into a new season together, not forgetting what was, but drawing on the past for the shape of things to come. We are looking for the moments and experiences to say 'what evil has meant for harm, God is working for our good.' Our love points to a greater love. We love our story and we have many more waiting to be told.