Michelle

Richard and I have a mutual friend who knew we went to the same church. Quietly, he encouraged both of us to be on the lookout for the other. Little did he know we'd eventually get married! One Sunday before worship, Richard walked over to the group with whom I was standing and introduced himself, "Are you Michelle? I'm Richard, Dave Mass's friend." We had a quaint conversation, but neither of us really thought twice. It wasn't until lunch later that day that sparks began to fly. I had noticed Michelle before we officially met and had a feeling that this was the girl Dave was talking about. I hadn't really known who she was but she stood out as a beautiful girl that I had seen hanging out with the other SMU students at church. Lunch after he service was supposed to be a co-ed event, but when I got to the restaraunt (Celebration, who will actually be catering our wedding!) I realized all the other girls had bailed. It was just me to fend for myself at a table of 8 guys. All the boys in that group were great, but there was something really different about Richard. We kept making eye contact and laughing at the same things. He was interesting and insightful, thoughtful and sweet. I was intrigued. She was late to watch her friend perform in a dance recital and needed the check. I kept on thinking that I wanted to take care of her and get the waitress for her. It wasn't my role at the time (it is now!). A week later a friend (one of the boys from lunch) had a get together at his apartment for the young adults in our church. This is where Richard and I had our first real, one-on-one conversation. I don't remember exactly how it started, but I do remember being really impressed. He was quick-witted and intelligent, funny, genuine, and he loved Jesus! Conversation was so easy.  This to me is when I really knew she was special. Conversation was effortless and she was challenging, playful and fun. I kept on trying to talk with other people at the party but kept on gravitating toward her. We left together as she was meeting up with some friends from school that had just graduated. At some point in the conversation that eveing (why, I don't remember), I asked him if he'd heard of Pink Elephant Theory (see here). He responded, "C.S. Lewis, right? Yeah, yeah, of course I've heard of it!" Wel, it wasn't C.S. Lewis, at least not originally (originally it was a cognitive psych theory), and I called him on his wrong answer. We went back forth for a few minutes when he finally said, end the conversation, "I'm pretty sure it's C.S. Lewis, but I'll look it up and let you know." Now, when he said "I'll let you know," I kind of assumed it was one of those commitments you never really intend to keep. Ya know, like when you randomly see a really old acquaintance and at the end of the conversation you say "Hey, we should grab coffee" and they respond "Yeah, that'd be great" but you both know you'll probably never actually end-up grabbing coffee? Yeah, like that. But I was wrong. Monday morning I had an email waiting for me when I got to my office... "Hey Michelle. So, I looked it up and I actually didn't find anything about pink elephants in my C.S. Lewis catalog. I hate to say this, but you're right. Also, don't know if you're interested, but I host a Bible Study on Wednesday evenings for young adults. Would love for you to come." (Paraphrase). I was SO impressed. This was a man true to his word. He was leading peers in studying the Word of God. AND he could conceed... Which is important when you're marrying someone stubborn as me..... kidding. When a girl is right, she is right. I must say that it impressed me that was willing to challenge my thought. Also, I sent her a T.S. Elliot poem (Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock) and she came back with a spot on interpretation -- with humility and grace. We emailed back and forth for a month or so and she started coming to the Bible Study. There was interest, but things were casual. Until... YoungLife Camp. As a leader at W.T.White High School I was signed up to lead a precious group of girls for a week at Lost Canyon (in Arizona). It just so happened we needed one more guy leader. I casually mentioned it to Richard and one of the guys on the team (the same one who encouraged Richard and I to meet at Providence) mentioned it to him also. I was surprised (and SERIOUSLY excited) when he said yes. I could not say no. Michelle and Dave called me within 5 minutes of each other asking if I would volunteer. Despite differing opinions, I really did go because I thought it would be a neat opportunity to serve and share the story of Christ. I loved serving with him that week. His character was so stunning, and I knew I'd found a gem. We officially started dating the day we got back from camp (June 12, 2010). The next 15 months were ones of sweetness and growth. Oh how the Lord used them to sanctify, build up, encourage, and transform!  People fall in love at summer camp and sometimes that love ends in wedding bells -- not often, but sometimes! We LOVE our story, and we love the God who is so faithful to write such beautiful plots. We are very excited for our wedding, but more... for our marriage.  The rest is still unwritten. And our tale, to be continued...