I knew I was in love with Megan since the first moment I laid my eyes on her . . . instagram page. It was a few months before I was going to Illinois for my seven-month internship called PRIME. I had spent the last few years praying and preparing for this adventure and was so excited to spend the next seven months here in Illinois. So, I decided to go with my uncle to a conference called Exponential held at Community, the church I was going to do my internship at. There I met a few people, had a good time, and headed home. I still had two months to go until the internship started so I was curious to what life would be like in Illinois. So, I did some social media stalking to research what’s around the town and who all I might meet. While doing this I found this amazing, beautiful, hula hooping girl who attended Community named Megan. From that point on I knew she would eventually be my wife.

The first week I was interning at Community I attended a young adult small group. This is where I finally met this mysterious Instagram girl named Megan. I knew so much about her already, but I had to act like I’ve never seen her before. I remember when I walked in the room there were so many new people who I got to meet, but at that moment all I wanted to do was talk to Megan. I remember having a conversation with one of the leaders who pointed to his wife and goes, “That’s my wife. I met her at this small group. Maybe you will meet your wife here someday too?” Little did he know I already knew it would be Megan. I remember talking to Megan a little at small group, I was so nervous it probably wasn’t the best first impression.

A few days later I saw her again at our Student Ministry called StuCo. I remember wanting to talk to her so badly but I couldn’t find a good moment. I felt like I was following her around everywhere just wanting to talk with her more and get to know her. We went out as a group after StuCo and got food. I remember I got there later than everyone because I was finishing up at StuCo and could only find a seat on the other end of the table from Megan. I was so sad, and all I could think about was trying to move closer to Megan.

Eventually all our friends knew I was interested in Megan, and she was hearing the rumors that I liked her… I’m sure it was obvious. Finally, we got coffee about a month after I first met her. I remember being so nervous because I wanted so badly to date Megan, but I was here for an internship through my college. They specifically said not to start any new relationships while on the internship. So, me being my rule following self was in a dilemma. I told Megan while we were at coffee that I am really interested in her but do not want to date because of the internship. Apparently Megan took that as if I was saying “I’m not interested in ever dating.”

After getting coffee we ended up hanging out more together and eventually went on a date to Chicago a few weeks after we got coffee. We went ice skating, mainly for me to have an excuse to hold her hand. From there we made things official and never looked back.

It has been such a blessing to have Megan in my life. She brings the best out of me and is always there for me. She is the hardest worker I know and is the most selfless person around. Megan is the loyalist, most supportive fiancé and will be the best wife I could ever ask for. I am excited for our future together, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her!

You may or may not know the story of how God placed Community Christian Church in my life and brought me out of one of the darkest times because of it. If not, it’s one of my favorite stories to tell, so I’d love to share it with you! About six months after I started attending Community a new face showed up to our young adults small group. His name was Carson. He was introduced as Jason Ishmael’s newest student ministry intern all the way from Fort Wayne, Indiana. After group was over I introduced myself, as I always do to new attenders, but that was about it since there were many other people speaking to him as well.

Two days later we met again at StuCo (Community’s student ministry). I volunteer as a leader, and Carson was of course there as the student ministry intern. We said hi and talked for a bit before the leader meeting, and the rest of the night went how it normally does for me. After StuCo was over, Carson and I talked a bit again. He was very kind and attentive to me, which I noticed and appreciated, but he seemed like a kind person in general, so that’s all I assumed it was.

The following Sunday, a few days later, Carson sat with some members of our small group, including myself, during service. After service was over we all were talking as a group. I saw a friend of mine not too far from us, so I went to say hello. She pointed at Carson asking who he was. I told her he was Jason’s new intern, and her reply was, “Oh, he likes you!” I was so caught off guard seeing as not only did I just meet him about a week prior, but she never even met him and was seeing him for the first time from across the room. I laughed it off saying she doesn’t even know him. She told me she could just tell from the way he looks at me. I didn’t think much of it and went on with my day.

That week two more people told me the same thing; that they assumed Carson was interested in me. I was still skeptical, but I began wondering how three different people could all separately assume that in such a short time. Time went on, and Carson and I became friends. We saw each other very often since we were involved in so many of the same areas of our church. Eventually we both knew of our mutual interest in each other, but we had never spoke of it with each other. Finally, we decided to actually talk to each other about it instead of hearing it through the grapevine, and we went to get coffee. We talked about what we each wanted in a relationship, if we even wanted one at all, and we got to know each other more. It seemed to be going pretty well until the end when Carson said, “this isn’t a date.” I thought, “Yup, that’s it. He isn’t interested.” But, here we are one year later engaged to be married. Turns out he actually was interested, and we laugh about it to this day

Another funny thing is that it turns out Carson knew who I was before I even knew he existed. He had seen a picture of me and was told who I was before arriving to Community Christian Church for his internship, and he knew I was the one ever since. Carson has shown me what true and unconditional love is. He puts up with my stubbornness and perfectionism. He takes care of me. He is proud of me. He loves Jesus, and he leads me in my faith. He reminds me every single day how much he loves me, and every single day I feel beyond blessed and lucky to have someone treat me so incredibly better than I could ever deserve. He loves me like Jesus loves me; always giving me his all no matter how stupid I am.

I cannot wait to marry my best friend, and I can’t believe I am so lucky to be able to do so. Everyone deserves a Carson. Here is to the rest of our lives; let the adventure begin!