It all started with a hoagie and a hello.

In September 2019, Ryan was in Orlando visiting his old roommate, Jimmy Bunch. They ended up at Spring Meadows SDA church. There, Ryan saw Kayla from afar. “Wow. Who is that!?...” After church, they went to a young adult picnic. Kayla happened to be serving in the food line that day. Ryan noticed her right off. “Wow. She has a beautiful smile.” As Ryan went through line, the two exchanged nods and smiles and went on their way.

Ryan took note. He asked his friends, Jimmy and Christian, who she was -- keeping ‘Kayla Fogg’ in the back of his mind.

Fast forward to May 2020…

Ryan was at his friend Daniel’s house playing games with the guys. They started discussing life and relationships. Ryan and his good friend, Christian Bunch, were the only single ones at the table. The relationship conversation turned to Ryan and Christian. Ryan had mentioned Kayla to Christian before. Christian remembered and said, “Ryan, don’t you have someone in mind!?” With a little coaxing from Christian, Ryan said, “Do you guys know Kayla Fogg?”

Our good friend, Moses Maier, ecstatically said, “YES! I will give her a call tomorrow!” And he did. In fact, he did so at 6:30am. Kayla, for obvious reasons, did not answer. She called back later that morning and was greeted by an ecstatic Moses. “Do you know Ryan Tidwell?” he asked. “I know the name, but have never met him.” Kayla said. (Kayla searches Ryan on Facebook) “Would you mind if I shared his number with you? Kayla was hesitant at first, but with the coaxing from Moses, she obliged.

Two days later she receives a text…”Hello, Kayla. Ryan Tidwell here. Our friend Moses shared your number with me. I know we have mutual friends and overlapped at Southern, but unfortunately have never met. Just wanted to reach out, say hello and wish you a happy Sabbath. How are you doing?”

The two hit it off with conversation about life, religion, covid, healthcare, and football. They talked for a few weeks and decided it was time to meet up in person.

Ryan flew down to Orlando in June of 2020 where the two officially met at Jordan Vallieres’ house surrounded by friends playing games. Kayla showed Ryan around for a fun weekend exploring as the two connected.

Fast forward several months…

Thankfully, Kayla’s Aunt and Uncle live very close to Ryan in Tennessee. Kayla was able to work remotely and travel up to TN for extended periods of time so the two could see each other. The two never went more than two weeks apart for an entire year. After several months of back and forth between Chattanooga and Orlando, the two finally were able to live in the same area. Not long after Ryan moved to Orlando, they got engaged.

The times spent together of countless laughs, stories shared, tears shed, and smiles are something we will cherish forever. It is truly amazing how God can place the perfect person in your life. Even though the two overlapped at Southern Adventist University but never met, we can trust and know without a doubt, that God's timing is perfect. We are so thrilled to be joining as one in union with God.

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