I first saw Ryann on a Zoom call where some of us were going over the church retreat planning. I joined late cause "Oh its just a planning call and I need groceries". I was walking in my front door, groceries in hand when I pulled up Zoom on my phone. Instantly I saw Ryann and my heartbeat quickened. I thought to myself "oh shoot - who's THIS??" I crammed all my groceries into the fridge and scrambled to get seated on the couch.

I knew going into that weekend, I wanted to get to know Ryann. She was going to be leading one of the small groups so that was already a big green flag to me! She was also at my church - another green flag! Now the drive was going to be a good hour so I figured carpooling would be a good way to meet in a group setting. I texted my friend Sam and asked him to start a group text so I could get things going ;)

Friday afternoon arrived overcast and rainy, and I heard a knock at the door (with lots of giggling). That's when I saw really saw her for the first time. I can still picture that exact moment (she had straightened her hair, black glasses, a white tank top, jean shorts, and a hint of perfume... ultra cute!!) She walks into my house with the biggest smile, laughing because she and the girls had just walked into my next door neighbor's house by accident. I would soon come to find out this is on brand for Ryann - big smiles and a joyful spirit! A year later I would read Proverbs 31:25 during my proposal, and this moment came to mind... "she laughs at the time to come". You can't keep Ryann down. She will just laugh at mistakes and trespass right into your home.