To provide some background, our moms know each other through church, and they are in the same Bible study. Our moms tried to set us up, but it was not the right timing. A few months later my friends had convinced me to try online dating. I recognized Patrick's picture on the dating app from the one my mom showed me of him. I decided to swipe yes. Patrick ended up swiping yes too, and he reached out. We talked for a few weeks then decided to meet in person. I was honestly at the point of taking a break on the whole online dating thing because it can be exhausting but told myself to just go on this date and felt if I didn't go I would regret it. The moment we met, I immediately felt comfortable like I had known him my whole life. We had so much in common. The wild thing is we both grew up in the same youth group at Grace Evan and were in similar circles our entire lives yet didn't meet until years later. After our first date, we were inseparable, and the rest is history. Our story truly is a testament to God's timing being perfect. Our moms of course were ecstatic when they found out that we were dating. So many people had told me through the years that when you meet the one you will know because they will feel like home, and when I met Patrick he truly felt like home. I hope this story is encouraging to anyone reading this who is in a season of waiting. God's plans are so much better than any we can plan on our own, and it is best to wait on His perfect timing.

Our story is hard to put into words. God's timing truly is amazing! Susannah and I both grew up at Grace Evan but somehow never noticed each other. Fast-forward to college, we both end up going to Mississippi state and still managed to never meet. In the winter of 2023 I got a call from my mom asking if I would go out with this singer from our church. She showed me a picture and naturally I said absolutely, she truly is stunning! Little did I know she told her mom she wasn't interested so the date never happened. After that I decided to give online dating a try but wasn't having much luck. When Susannah and I matched online I told myself this will be the last online date I'm going on. I even contemplated canceling all together! This is where God's timing really shines. We both went on the date, and it was effortless. I remember calling my mom and telling her not to get her hopes up, but I went on a date with the girl you tried to set me up with last winter. I knew she was special but didn't want any added pressure. Like all new couples, we had our hurdles, but if I ever had a doubt about us, God found a way to make me see she was my forever person. It's still hard to believe I found the love of my life. If you are reading this and feel lost and alone, please give it to God. He will take care of the rest!