It started with a once in a lifetime opportunity in July of 2023 to take a Christian pilgrimage to Israel for a tour of the Holy Land. Ben was traveling from Michigan and Madelyn was traveling from New York City.

While on the 10-day trip, Ben and Madelyn had crossed paths but had not met. On the very last day, there was a group lunch in Jerusalem for all 90 plus members of the group. Ben was one of the last to walk into the restaurant, and lo and behold, there were 2 seats open. As God would have it, they just so happened to be directly across from Madelyn and her sister, Juli. Ben eagerly said to himself, “Yes. Thank you, God!”

Their initial conversation was cordial, but that was where it ended. Ben and Madelyn went their separate ways and headed home (MI & NYC) the next morning.

One month later in August, Madelyn asked a mutual friend from the Israel trip to contact Ben regarding a conference that Ben attended after arriving back in the U.S.

From there, they connected on Facebook. Ben was sure this was a sign from God. He thought, “Surely, she must be interested in me!” Little did he know, Madelyn just wanted more information on the leadership conference that they spoke about over lunch. Womp womp…

On Facebook, their messaging was brief, informational and encouraging, but that’s all. Then, a few days later, Madelyn sent Ben a “Happy Birthday” message. Once again, Ben thought, “Yes! She does like me!” To no avail though, Madelyn was just being her normal, kind self. Womp womp…

Over the next few months their contact was intermittent, but slowly increased. By the time December rolled around, their communication (although still through text) was very regular.

With January approaching, they decided to hop on the phone for the first time on New Years Day. They had been discussing goals and plans for 2024 and agreed that a phone call was best. After their first call, they maintained the same friendship that they had built prior to, but now Ben was seriously considering making a trip to NYC. (Madelyn had also invited him a few times as well)

In mid-February 2024 Ben had 2 business partners taking a weekend trip to NYC. This was the perfect opportunity to go. Remember, Ben and Madelyn had a blossoming friendship, but still hardly knew each other. This allowed Ben to kill two birds with one stone. He could use the excuse of traveling to NYC for business reasons, but more importantly use the opportunity to hang out with Madelyn.

Their “first date” was at Amazing Church NYC in the Bronx and then to Times Square where they braved the cold and enjoyed some classic NY Pizza.

Following that first trip to NYC, they made monthly trips to see each other (NYC and MI), and in April, they officially started dating. Things moved rapidly from there. During their trips they experienced many firsts together, such as dinner cruises in Manhattan, World Trade Center tours, ferries to Staten Island, lunches in Central Park, just to name a few. (Side note, Ben had never been to NYC before visiting Madelyn and she had never been to Michigan before visiting Ben.)

On Labor Day weekend, Madelyn took a trip to Michigan. This was the weekend that Ben would make his move. He planned for a walk in the park at Cranbrook House & Gardens, followed by a picnic for two on the lawn. Ben corralled two unsuspecting visitors to take photos of he and Madelyn, and then he dropped to one knee.

Ben asked, "Madelyn, will you marry me?"

She said, "Yes!"

It was now official. Ben and Madelyn were engaged to be married!

And, here we are now, patiently waiting for December 7th. We are in awe of God, His foreknowledge and His perfect timing. He truly does care about every detail of our lives. We are thankful that our family and friends will be with us to celebrate. We are eager and ready to say, “I Do.” And we are expectant of what the Lord will do through us as we enter a covenant together. May our story provide hope to all and point back to the goodness of God.