Sarah and I have known each other since we were 11 or 12 years old. She’s always been a great friend of mine. So much so, that I knew that whoever I did end up dating, would have to get Sarah's stamp of approval. As time went on, we would stay in contact but wouldn't hang out as much. I began to miss my friend. So I would set up random hangouts to get time to see her or meet her at her job, to escort her home. (I had to make sure she got home safely haha) As our hangouts increased I began to develop feelings. One highlight in particular that stands out is the time we were volunteering in Far Rockaway after Hurricane Sandy hit. At last minute, I asked her to come, just so I could hang with her again and she did! I have always appreciated her willingness to join me on random life adventures. I’ve always loved how easy our friendship has been, her big heart to love others and how much we just enjoy each other's company. _ _ _ Jonathan and I met when we were really young. We weren’t always best friends. God blessed our friendship and eventually it blossomed into more overtime. Growing up we spent a lot of time together because of our mutual friends. We would go to movies, restaurants, bbqs, the beach, and even hang out at each other’s houses, to watch tv until our parents were ready to pick us up. When I was younger, I always thought of Jonathan like an immature brother so I never considered him as a lifelong partner but as I grew older and more mature, God showed me a new side of him. I saw his ambition for personal growth, how much he values unity and family, how supportive he’s been for me and his other friends, his unwavering integrity, his conviction to keep God at the center of his decision making and life choices, and his heart to serve others even when it feels inconvenient. God’s plan for Jonathan to be in my life is more than an answered prayer. I’m so excited for this new stage in our lives and I couldn’t imagine it being with anyone else.