Our story starts with a bribe.

In fall of 2022 Jacob and I (Virginia) found ourselves attending Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Jacob was a football player majoring in kinesiology and I was a transfer health science major. Our paths barely crossed, I was a junior with little enthusiasm for sports, and Jacob LOVES football.

Jacob being the delightful social butterfly that he is would not talk to girls. I choose to believe God kept Jacob scared of the female species purposely so that I could snatch him up. So you may be wondering how on earth was he ever able to attain such a stunning and wonderful woman??

He was bribed. Jacob’s mom (who I love and adore) offered him $10 to talk to a girl. His friend Jace said he'd throw in $20, and his mom decided to match that amount.

My friend Maryam was aware of Jacob and brought him up to me. I, of course, had done my research using the football roster details (there's quite a lot there to work with) and looking up his mom on Facebook. After doing some digging and hearing about the bet, I thought there would be no harm in talking to him. In fact, I would be doing him a favor.

Maryam and I along with some help from a few football players had schemed to get Jacob to interact with me. The scene was set, I was studying late at night in the school coffee shop while Jacob was eating there at the same time.

This is where it goes downhill.

Jacob had asked me if I was in anatomy- I was not, nor was I ever in that class with him. He was flushed and looked like he was about to throw up. He then asked me if I could help him find the study resources - for a class I had NEVER been in at Whitworth. Knowing it was a setup I went along with it, I chatted for a little longer, gave him my number when he asked, and then I walked off thinking that was single-handedly the worst interaction I had ever had with a man and there was no way this was going to work.

But God had other plans, Jacob had texted me later and we went on a walk to chat that next Sunday. During that walk, I realized how similar we were in a lot of ways and how it was so easy to talk to him. So I kept talking to him and then he said I love you after two weeks and told everyone I was his girlfriend when we had not clarified that yet. Any sane person would have left but God made me slightly neurotic for a reason and I believe that was for Jacob's sake.

Jacob is the most consistent and kind man I have ever met. He is always revealing how patient and loving God is through his actions. He chooses God and me every day and always makes sure I feel cherished and listened to. He's been my best friend and biggest supporter. It is an honor to be a part of his life.

In a marriage, you're promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things... all of it, all of the time, every day. You're saying Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness.

- Shall We Dance

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

- Matthew 19:6

Registry

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