We met when I moved to Arizona for the second time trying to create a successful career for myself. I started at StretchLab and she followed a few months after me.

I remember I literally did a double-take when I saw her walk by, got up immediately and as she was walking back from the break room, I introduced myself. I thought to myself afterward, huh, I’ve never bothered to go out of my way before to make a new employee feel welcomed. Maybe because I mostly keep to myself, but I found myself making small talk with her about the most unrelated topics. First I asked her if she’s ever shot a bow and arrow. Then I asked her about her laptop case, literally talking about whatever was on my mind. I finally decided I was going to casually ask her if she wanted to hang out. To my surprise she immediately said yes and brought her phone out so I could give her my number. My expectations were very low. I’m used to feeling like the one that carries a conversation or like I have to make a perfect impression. But on our first date, I noticed she was asking me about myself, rather than worrying about how she was perceived. The first thing I noticed was something I believe is almost impossible to find nowadays. There was a genuineness to her that was indescribably refreshing. What started out as a casual date turned out to spark something in me that I knew was special. Alyssa spent quite some time getting used to my blunt style when she was talking about a movie we just finished watching in the theater, and I interrupted her by leaning in to kiss her for the first time. She was so thrown off that she thought I was just leaning in to tell her something. I guess I would rather cut to the chase, but she still showed me grace in my awkward approach. The more time we spent together, the more I realized how understanding she is, and how well we communicate. Even in the rare instances of disagreements, especially during our personal trials in faith, she stood by me and heard me out, along with me doing the same for her. Our ability to communicate and bond about our different attitudes toward things has brought more balance in our lives than anything else. Learning to put God first above all things, and let His example lead every other part of our lives, made me realize in time that she was the one. She lets me know how proud she is of me, and it makes me want to dedicate every work in my life to serving her. Thank you for being a part of our journey as we make it official!