They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do || Psalm 1:3

Boy meets girl in bus 4. Boy recognizes girl from Kaplan. Boy asks girl for name. Girl says "Ijeoma". Boy introduces self as "Richard". Richard leaves the bus saying his goodbye. A week later on the 18th of January, Richard gets sick and is about to go to the pharmacy to get medications on a beautiful winter morning. Richard bumps into Ijeoma at his apartment complex and asks, "Why are you here?". Ijeoma says, "I live here, too." Richard questions why Ijeoma did not get off at the same bus stop as he did. Ijeoma explains her 40 minute route to Kaplan. Richard offers to show Ijeoma his 10 minute route. The rest is history.

It's amazing how my poor sense of direction landed me a husband! I came to Houston on January 3rd, 2018 to continue medical school. For me, this was a new city and the start of an exciting adventure. I knew no one, other than family, but I was truly content with life and laser focused on my goal to ace my exams. I met Richard in passing during my first week of a board exam review course we were both taking. We hadn't introduced ourselves to each yet. Quite honestly, I did not think much of him other than he was a kind young man. A day or so later, during my usual 45 minute bus ride home, Richard came onto the bus. Immediately, there was an air of excitement and surprise as our eyes met because I recognized his familiar face and I had never came across him during my commute home. He sat across from me, slightly to the right. Richard smiled. I smiled. We greeted each other and finally exchanged names. After a brief and friendly conversation, Richard left the bus and I continued my route home. January 18th came. It's my birthday. I did not have much planned for the day. It was a cold, frosty, gray day. There was no class that day. I decided to get extra cute and walk to Panera Bread to study. While walking through my apartment's parking lot and chatting on my phone--as God would have it--I bump into Richard. Again, that air of surprise and excitement came about. " Hey! What are you doing here?!" I asked. "I live here. What about you?" Richard said. I exclaimed, " Huh? I live here, too!" A little while into our conversation, Richard questioned why we didn't exit from the same bus stop during our last encounter. I explained my 45 minute route with pride and conviction. With gentleness, Richard offered to show me a shorter, 10 minute route. We exchanged numbers. From that day onwards, Richard never left my side. He became my friend, and eventually, my life partner. To God be the Glory!