How did your love story begin?

It began about a year before we met. I was attending a Bible study and met Baron's mom. Within a few minutes after meeting her, she said, "You need to meet my son. You would be so good together." At first, it was amusing and even a bit intriguing, but by the last few months, it became very annoying. She would not let up. In July of 1999, I met Baron at a birthday party celebrating all the July birthdays in the Bible study group. I met him on July 16, 1999. The best birthday present of my life.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

The crazy thing is, we both signed up for a trip to Israel before we met. I signed up with my roommate. Baron signed up with his mother. By the time the trip rolled around in March 2000, we had been dating for 4 months. He decided to ask me to marry him overlooking the city of Jerusalem. Of course, I said yes. We immediately prayed to thank God for our future marriage.

What would you do with $20,000?

It is hard to pinpoint exactly. I do know that part of it must be spent to help a ministry or people in need. The other portion could be spent on an anniversary trip. It has been about 10 years since we last went on a special trip. COVID and children in college disrupted any plans for a trip. I wouldn't change a thing. It was all glorious as our love grew and as our family grew.