One day, 18-year-old Reuben Roth saw a 15-year-old Tirzah Leclerc at Dairy Queen. He turned to his friend, Ryan Wheeler, and said "I'm gonna marry her. I'm gonna marry that girl one day." And so it began.

Reuben was instantly sure about her, but Tirzah was not so sure about him. After months of becoming close friends, Tirzah knew the relationship would turn into more, but she was only 16 at the time. Although it brought her great disappointment, she let Reuben know that they could only remain friends since she was not allowed to date just yet. Reuben was saddened by the circumstances but he did not let that discourage him. Instead, he remained persistent in his communication with Tirzah, even though she lost interest. In the late spring of 2020, on a warm day, Tirzah was with her friend Affia and they were looking for something to do. As teenage girls do, Tirzah decided to reach out to Reuben to see if he wanted to join them in driving around town. Reuben jumped at the opportunity and came as fast as he could! This marked the beginning of their summer, as they hung out nearly every day. Reuben worked hard to win over the hearts of Tirzah's family. There were great ups and downs that summer, but at the end of it all, on September 13, 2020 Reuben took Tirzah to the Water Tower Restaurant and asked her to be his girlfriend! Well... after the frightening experience of asking her dad first of course.

Within 5 months of dating, Reuben and Tirzah had the opportunity to get a house together, to renovate and rent! They were young and ready to take on a challenge. After 2 years of blood, sweat and tears, crappy tenants, backed up sewage, and unfortunate legal circumstances, Reuben and Tirzah finally had to say goodbye to the house. They learned a lot in those years, how to negotiate, how to let go, how to not make mountains out of mole hills and so much more.

After that, life remained up and down. They still had so much learning to do and they still have so much more. The two years that followed were filled with heartbreak, sacrifice, and journeying with God. Both Tirzah and Reuben went through seasons where they had to learn more about themselves in Christ, they had to let go of the things they were not meant to be and learn how to grow, mature and strengthen the gifts and characteristics God gave them.

If you ask either one of them, they wouldn't trade their fours years together for anything. After all, they were growing up together.

Registry

Thank you so much for all your thoughtfulness and help as we embark on this beautiful journey together!