Raheem and I both attended Huntingdon College and knew each other briefly there. While Raheem played basketball and football, I was cheerleading and playing softball. Our paths rarely crossed, but we did have some mutual friends. After the days of college we both had very full, different lives. From 2018-2023 there was not contact until November 10 when Raheem not so casually slid into my DM's with "Do you teach at Beauregard?"

I knew immediately he wanted to talk more than just about jobs, then about mission trips, and then came the infamous, "Can I get your number?" I initially didn't think it would go anywhere, but I figured he was nice enough, so I said yes. Our time talking was pretty rocky, as Raheem was just starting to follow Jesus as closely as I was. I was hesitant to believe that his faith was real, but he proved to me daily that he loved the Lord and that his faith wasn't determined by me.

Our first date was on Black Friday of 2023 and it was pretty lack luster. But for whatever reason, after leaving him with a pathetic side hug I called him as soon as I left. Even though it wasn't love at first sight, I knew I wanted to go out again. Raheem was patient with me as I came around to the idea of him. He would constantly reassure me that God put us together so he wasn't worried about it. He would tell you that he knew we would get married on our 3rd date, even though he waited weeks to tell me he loved me after I said it first!

We began dating on December 22, 2023, after I annoyed him enough that he finally asked me to be his girlfriend. Our dating time was short but filled with introductions. Raheem and I both have amazing people in our lives that love us well. None of those people were mutual yet, so there were lots of first meetings that created lifetime friendships! We have been so encouraged by how our friends and families have sought the Lord with us and celebrated us in this joyful time of learning each other, our families, and cultures.

After about two months of dating we started talking about marriage, and knew this was what the Lord had for us. We were both following Jesus and loved each other. Why wait? Raheem got countless pictures of rings, proposals, and what not to dos in the months of April and May. But FINALLY, on May 31 he proposed to me in the perfect way.

I knew he had been planning something, and was sure it would be June 1st because he had been telling me for like a month he had a surprise for that day. So when he sent me the detailed itinerary for the Friday before, I was excited for all that he had planned. We spent the morning with my foster daughter, had a few surprise that she would be there for the rest of the day, then took both of my dogs on a walk. When we got back home, Raheem had a sign hanging that said "Raina, will you marry me?" that I saw through the window. We went inside and he proposed! I was completely shocked! We then had dinner plans so we got ready and headed to drop off my foster daughter with a friend. As we pulled onto her street it was lined with cars I recognized instantly. Raheem and my friends had planned a surprise engagement party for us. All of our favorite people there and it was the absolute sweetest time!

That day was just a glimpse of what we dream of our wedding being- a yard full of people that love and support us on this journey to glorify God in our marriage. We hope you will be a part of our day!