We originally met online through ChristianMingle. We knew there was an immediate connection and great chemistry. Turns out, I already knew her brother, Chris, and his wife, Julie, from Church… small world.

 

Jen is originally from Long Island and was there celebrating the Independence Day weekend with family in 2013. As we were chatting online, her brother (Chris), asked who she was chatting with and she told Chris it was me. He then pulled my picture up on Facebook and showed Jen. They laughed because it was quite unusual, and Chris gave her an immediate “thumbs up” – to get the immediate approval of family always helps when two people are coming together.

 

At the time, I lived in Alexandria, VA, and Jen was just preparing to move back to the area after finishing her Masters in school counseling at Geneva College. I had just moved to VA a year before from Valparaiso, IN after finishing my time in the Navy on submarines and my BSBA from Valparaiso University. I took a job with the US Treasury. We didn’t know when or how we would first meet face-to-face, but one day she finished an interview with TC Williams High School in Northern VA and called me at work and said, “It’s too bad you’re at work and can’t meet me for lunch in Old Town Alexandria… cause I look hot!” Ha! I replied, “Give me five minutes.”  I went to my director and asked for the afternoon off on short notice, and since it was a slow day, she said, sure. So, I hopped on the Metro and then took the King Street Trolley to meet her. We arranged to meet on a street corner and when I stepped off the trolley and saw her face-to-face for the first time; I knew immediately I was going to marry her! This was our “first,” but “unofficial” first date. The rest is history, as they say.

 

God truly brought us together as we both have had established relationships with Jesus Christ for many years and so do our families. We are loved by both sides of the family and we love both sides! We are truly blessed!  We were Married on July 11, 2014. We are now members at McLean Bible Church in McLean, VA and have just settled into a new apartment in Arlington, VA. We are excited to see all that God has in store for us!