From Jack grading Joanna's freshman biology exams to her intimidating him during his senior year, God has wondrously brought them together. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." And they have seen this reflected in their story. God has been so faithful and good to them beyond all measure!

The Lord ordained that they would meet at Liberty University through various means. First, I (Jack) was already friends with Joanna's older sister through the honors hall. Second, I was the TA for Joanna's freshman biology class and graded all her exams (yes, that was a green flag for me since her exam scores were perfect; though, I wasn't interested in her at that moment since I didn't know her well). Third, Joanna moved onto the honors hall at the beginning of her freshman year and was in a friend group of honors biomedical sciences majors. When I would pass by her friend group, I would always check in to see how they were doing. One day, freshman Joanna saw me coming up and said, "Jack, we sat outside on purpose to avoid you before our church group tonight; we don't have time for your 30-minute conversations," and she just walked on with her hand raised toward my face. That last encounter exemplifies what I thought of her during my junior year, her freshman year: intimidated. Joanna Lam was the 4.0 biomedical sciences student who was on leadership in the Pre-Medical Honors Society (which was unheard of for a freshman).

Enter the next school year. The honors hall does weekly Monday night Bible readings, and I would attend and see all that the LORD was doing on the hall. One Monday (September 18th, 2023), Joanna Lam happened to sit next to me. Was it because she was interested in me? Not at all. She wanted to sit next to her friend Anna, who happened to start dating my close friend and former roommate, Ben (Joanna was keeping an eye on him). But, in God's wonderfully kind providence, we talked afterwards. Joanna to this day has no idea what we talked about, but we discussed theology, the Bible, the Lord's faithfulness, and Christian theology exemplified in the Harry Potter books. Now, at the time, I was convinced that no feelings had developed--that it was only a beautiful conversation between two Christians--but my heart was singing a different tune.

Based on a joke I had with Joanna's sister, I planned a Mario Kart game night for us and some friends (clearly, I was into Joanna, but I had convinced myself that this was just part of a joke previously made). At that game night, her sister tactically arranged it so Joanna and I had some time to talk alone, and we joyously talked about the Lord's kindness in family and our hometowns and how He has taught us through His Word. By now, I had caught on to my feelings: I was head over heels. After the next Bible reading, I asked Joanna if she would go on a date with me.

The first date went well. I took her to Blaze Pizza, paid for her meal (to her surprise?), amazed her at how fast I ate, and then took her to a Fro-Yo place. All the while, we talked for more than six hours. Here's what I think is the highlight from that conversation:

Joanna: "What is your preferred way to die?"

Me: "...Martyrdom."

Joanna: Without missing a beat, "That's right."

Joanna claims that there was more context to that question, but regardless, God really gave me the right one for me. She is so perfect for me.

Jack resumes his story:

However, before I conclude my tome, I would be amiss to not honor all those the Lord used to help us during this time.

During both Christmas breaks (and during this Summer), the Lord blessed us with the Hostetter family's hospitality. They provided a loving home where we can meet in the middle, see one another, and hang out with them! Praise God for such a warm and loving family.

Not only did they house me when I was homeless in Columbus, but Nate and Natalie consistently opened up their home for Joanna to stay at during her visits. Nate and Natalie are also dear friends who share not only their home but also their wisdom, experience, and prayers. They were invaluable during this entire time.

Tyler and Ruthie Law, likewise, are amazing friends and a model couple to see how the Good News of Jesus Christ guides a marriage. Joanna and I have been honored to get meals with them, and they also opened their home for Joanna. They also proved themselves to be masters of surprises and were crucial for the proposal to work.

Caleb and Nadia Webb are dear friends from Liberty who housed me every time I came to visit Joanna. Thank you, Wampus and Not-Rod.

And lastly and most importantly, praise God for our families. It is a special honor for someone to be raised with godly parents who fear God, obey His Word, and proclaim Christ. It is exponentially greater when both of us can say that that is true. God has used our parents' wisdom, compassion, love, generosity, and prayers infinitely more than we could ever imagine and thank them for.