At last. The long awaited first date finally arrived. After months of observing one another, serving teammates together, and finding compatibility in their sense of humor, work ethic, joyful demeanor, and most importantly, love of the Lord, Parker invited Ryli to a local Thai restaurant for lunch on August 9, 2023.

Neither of them had talked together about dating before. In their hearts, both Parker and Ryli secretly sensed that this could potentially be one of the most significant relationships of their lives. They breathlessly hoped the other felt the same.

When they each arrived at the restaurant, any nervousness slipped away as they began to talk about Ryli’s family vacation and Parker’s barista adventures of the past week. Over bowls of crispy peanut chicken and pad thai, their eyes communicated that they were invested and cared genuinely, their laughter bubbled across the table, and their hearts, which had already slowly, propitiously, began to intertwine for many months, quickened their pace.

Parker gently led the conversation in a new direction. Ryli beamed as he described to her in much detail how patiently he had pursued her long before she was aware. Since October/November 2022, he watched and grew increasingly certain that her character was of high moral integrity. By the Christmas season, he had intentionally inserted himself in her circle of friends and spent time in groups to continue to learn more about her interests and dreams. In the new year, Parker was already taking notes on his calendar of upcoming occasions in Ryli’s life as she mentioned them so he could ask her more intentional questions when they greeted one another at church, at Campus Collective, or at their Central Asia meetings to prepare for the upcoming 2-month trip. A spring break trip to Kentucky brought a surge of feeling and excitement as they energetically did work projects alongside one another to tidy up the facilities. And their summer affirmed his decision and continued to reveal just how sweet it was to talk deeply about their faith and daily Bible reading with one another, harmonize their voices in worship of the Lord, and recognize Ryli’s hidden talents: instantaneously building deep friendships with new people, crossing cultures with grace, and caring for children. He explained that he had sought counsel from at least three older men from church to ask their advice on dating, marriage, parenthood, and living as a godly leader.

After outlining these and many more reasons why he cherished her, Ryli could hardly suppress her resounding “YES!” until Parker finally asked her “Will you be my girlfriend?”

Now it was Ryli’s turn to gush to her new boyfriend. Feeling beyond blessed to be in this relationship, she eagerly gave the backstory. Parker’s servant-hearted nature was apparent to her from the time he joined the leadership team, but it was highlighted when he organized the Galentine’s dinner in February that year. The brotherly love he showed by grocery shopping and preparing homemade gourmet recipes, valet services, and waiting on tables was eclipsed by the greater purpose of the event: to show all the women of Campus Collective that they are valued daughters of the King, beautiful and forgiven in his eyes, and sisters who they desire to serve in the name of the Lord. It made Ryli melt a little. She noticed his humility to show up early for music rehearsals, work diligently, and spend hours voluntarily scheduling, recording, and editing photo and video content for the ministry. She saw his overflowing joy and singular attention on any one person at any time he entered into a conversation. And she appreciated the special attention he showed to her while also honoring her as a man above reproach.

In short, the lunch was AMAZING!

As they packed to go Parker said, “Now that you are officially my girlfriend, would you like to go on our first date?” What a surprise!

He had three locations selected and tucked into individual sealed envelopes.

1.) Rose garden and DSM art center

2.) Vintage thrift and records store

3.) Molly’s cupcakes

It was already turning into a marathon date. But one last thing must be done. It was JD Davis’s 60th birthday that day, and per his request, Parker and Ryli joined JD and Lori for dinner at Hickory Park to celebrate the momentous day! The new couple was surprised when they arrived to find freshly printed photographs from their date that Lori had ordered that afternoon. They chatted about their summer in Central Asia over barbecue and went back to their home to open presents and share more personally. What a warm welcome Ryli felt!

Over the ensuing months, Parker and Ryli actively pursued one another, savoring the idiosyncrasies and quirks as well as encouraging the strengths in the other. They continued individually leading small group Bible studies for guys and girls at their homes on Tuesday nights, leaned into wise married couples for guidance, volunteered at church, and generally had a lot of fun together whether with family, hanging out with friends, or going on dates.

Now, Parker and Ryli love surprising one another. It’s a rare date-planning gift they possess. They plan elaborate day-long itineraries including everything from candle-lit string quartets to archery and from the Latino Heritage Festival to attending Broadway performances. They match each other for vitality and stamina, as well as in thoughtfulness to each other. Whether it’s a simple hangout at the kitchen table to help Ryli finish grading a few more papers, or a white boarding session to write goals for the upcoming months, even timely tasks become a treasure. Many a handwritten note has been read and reread by the well-loved recipient. A shared love of cooking spices things up in the kitchen when they experiment with unique recipes such as octopus and chorizo tacos, hand-plucked roasted pheasant, and Central Asian Laghman. The thread connecting these is the wonderful time they spend together in constant tender care of the other.

It’s safe to say that there was never a dull moment in their first 9.5 months of dating before returning to Central Asia, and they continued to find even more reason to kindly and patiently wait on each other serving and being served.

Photos