Fritz and I met at a backyard barbecue in mid-May of last year. A mutual friend of ours had decided we should meet each other, so he arranged a crossing of paths (after informing both of us and making sure we were on board). I think we both just figured we didn’t have anything to lose.

Throughout the evening, various factors kept us from being able to converse—aside from simple introductions at the beginning. The bonfire was unbelievably smoky, and its drifting plumes continued to hamper any attempts at smalltalk. I had to leave early because of a previous commitment, but while driving away I was filled with remorse about not getting to talk to Fritz much. I felt that I had missed a big opportunity. Thankfully, God saw fit to redeem the mishaps. Fritz texted me a few days later, expressing his desire to continue our intermittent conversations.

It didn’t take too many dates for us to recognize a kindred spirit in each other. From outdoor picnics, Forest Park meanderings, kayak expeditions, starting our own book club, writing letters and baking an Angel Food Cake together, we filled the summer with happy memories. In the words of C.S. Lewis, “You may have noticed that the books you really love are bound together by a secret thread. You know very well what is the common quality that makes you love them, though you cannot put it into words.” Fritz and I discovered the “secret thread” in each other.

Summer ripened into Fall, and then Winter set in, and we were still enjoying the seasons side by side. We got up to the mountain for skiing and snowshoeing a few times—especially fun because we’ve individually enjoyed snow sports over the years. Holidays provided opportunities to spend more time with family and friends, as well as work together preparing feasts and festivities. Even if I was in love with Fritz early on in our relationship, my admiration for him only grew as we continued through the lulls and swells of the seasons.

By the time the cherry blossoms were unfurling, Fritz and I were ready to begin our journey towards marriage. On March 22, Fritz picked me up in the morning for a picnic at Portland’s Rhododendron garden. He kept pulling out an instant camera to document the beauty…suspicious ;) During the afternoon, we attended a wedding at my church. Then he drove us to a surprise dinner spot: Coquine, a lovely American/French restaurant on Mount Tabor. After dinner was over, the sun was beginning to sink low, and Fritz seemed insistent on an evening walk up to the Mt Tabor reservoir. Of course I was easily convinced. We hiked up to a beautiful spot overlooking the city, backdropped by pink cherry trees, and he snapped a photo with the instant camera. He handed it to me, and it printed: “Will you marry me?” It was an easy yes!

We returned to my house, giddy over the events of the day and how surreal it felt to be engaged. A crowd of dear friends and family was waiting for us with dessert, charcuterie, and champagne to celebrate. A happy day indeed!

Looking back on our relationship, I’m amazed at God’s kindness and intentionality in bringing us together. It happened in such an ordinary, but also extraordinary, way, and it gives me great cause to praise Him for all that He’s done. Fritz has been the biggest gift to me, and I’m so delighted to enter into marriage with him. So. Moral of the story is that God can redeem even a “rough start”…and that what He does is ALWAYS worth waiting for.

Please don't feel obliged to give, but if you so choose, thank you for your kind gift! You and your support are so appreciated as we leap into our next season of life. -Fritz and Olivia