Our story begins November 8, 2017 outside Vignetos Italian Grill in Plantation, FL. You could call it a blind date of sorts. It was a connection made on ‘Tinder’ — all the rage in 2017.

Matthew, prompt as always, was standing outside the restaurant waiting as Andrew intentionally drove past the exit, hoping Matthew would be seated by the time he arrived.

Minutes later, just imagine the awkward walk across the parking lot, the nervous smiles and firm handshake. Once seated, none of that mattered. It was effortless from there.

Andrew immediately called his sister that night. Matthew prayed on his drive home that this was only the beginning — and those prayers were answered.

The next few years were like a study abroad program for these two. The bearded white boy and the Cuban from Miami had a lot to learn from each other.

There were the little things, like how to properly clean base boards or which movie classics you HAD to watch. Then there were the cultural things, like the beauty of casseroles, what soy bean crops look like, or how to have 4 conversations at once in different languages.

(Fun fact: Matthew now makes a mean ‘Ropa Vieja’ too.)

The most important exchange however, was an emotional one. Together, they learned to build a life they love, making big memories out of little moments — each one secretly thinking they got the better deal.