On May 14th, 2022, Karianna and Derefaa met when a friend brought Derefaa to Karianna's youngest sister's graduation. It was an action filled with the purpose of introducing the two.

It was clear to many people that were there that day that there was something happening between them.

It was an accurate observation.

During the next month, they both spent a lot of time before God seeking His heart for their lives and whether that included each other or not.

On June 8th, 2022, a phone call between them began the journey of an intentional pursuit of each other.

Since that day, their journey has included a lengthy period of a long-distance relationship. They made more than a few road trips and train rides to and from Crookston, MN to Saint Paul, MN.

Even after Derefaa moved closer to Karianna to attend a Master's program, the shorter distance apart still feels too much at times. They are very excited to begin life together, before God, as one.

They have been blessed with almost three years of loving each other and serving others together. This is a blessing that they thank the Lord for everyday

In a sea of people, God has brought together two wildly joyful, humorous, yet serious people whose greatest passions are serving the Lord, their families and each other.