It was the Summer of 2021 and I had just started working a new job at a pharmacy. Debbie was a patient care coordinator and point person for any issues that arose. Whenever anyone had a question or problem, they would seek out Debbie. I became one of those people. For six months there was no small talk. Just business. She was always very kind and quick with processing the request, but there was so much to do and no time to get to know one another.

Approaching Valentine's Day, I decided to give her a "Little Debbie" snack, taking advantage of a pun and knowing that if nothing came of it at least we could laugh and move on. She later thanked me with a smile, revealing she used to eat them as a kid all the time. This sparked more casual conversations and laughter between us. We started having lunch together, gradually getting to know each other beyond work, leading to regular outside-of-work meetings and the beginning of our relationship.

I discovered so much about Debbie while having lunch and going out that I otherwise wouldn’t have gathered from just normal business interactions. I thank God every day for putting her in my life. She’s changed me in many ways for the better and I couldn’t think of anyone else I would want to spend the rest of my life with.

I remember saying “no” to pizza a couple times. I was thinking “why did he message me asking to go to lunch? I don’t even know him!” In fact, one time I messaged him back checking if he realized whom he was asking. Near Valentine’s Day, I approached my desk and found a nicely ribboned box. I thought all my coworkers were exchanging gifts for the holiday and how could I miss the memo? I opened the white box to reveal a Little Debbie brownie and gift tag with a neatly lettered note from Chris. And so, it began. I had to speak to him now - more than just business. We finally did take our lunch break one day at the pizza spot. I didn’t understand what was going on. However, his persistence paid off. As time went by, I craved actual food and his company at lunch. Weeks later I finally said that we could meet another time besides 30 minutes for lunch. We had our first dinner together, laughed, and shared so many things. Weeks more went by, and I invited him to church and he said ok. Why did he say “ok”? I was a nervous wreck all week. The summer was flying by and the prayers of my friends and family were answered. God opened a door, and I was going to step out in faith, thrilled and assured that this man’s faith was born and on solid ground. I lost track, but it was sometime around Fall 2022 we made it official. My trip to India, the holidays, and the winter season went by in a blur. Easter was an amazing celebration of new beginnings. We continued to grow together and there was talk about the future and a timeline. In the summer I invited him to come to India for vacation that Fall. We were just taking a family excursion to a palace tour and fancy dinner. My brain shut down as he got on one knee. I remember crying and through tears somehow saying “Yes!” and then barely touching the 5-course dinner. Fast forward and September 2024 is quickly approaching. God continues to watch over us and bless, even through a scary illness. I never imagined my wedding day might come; in fact I stopped praying for it a long time ago. There was never going to be a guy who could or would be patient enough for stubborn me. But God was working on Chris long before he met me. He directed our steps to meet and form a bond. With great expectations, I look forward to starting this new chapter with Chris and seeing God’s amazing love over us both.