I remember the first time I saw Daniel, I was at Battle Axe retreat in Maryland and he was sitting in the media booth. I was head of the welfare team and all team leads were told to go to the media booth to get badges for their teams. I asked Daniel for our badges and he looked up at me briefly, handed me the badges then asked if my team could help him manage shirt sales. I didn’t know it at the time but Daniel had designed the shirts and those shirts were the only reason he was at the retreat.
During the retreat Daniel and I worked together to sell the shirts, he kept messing up the shirts I neatly organized lol. I almost kicked him off of the sales table. From the moment he and I began speaking we just clicked, it felt like we had known each other for ages, conversation flowed easily. I told myself that he and I would make good friends, but that I would not ask for his number because I did not want him to even remotely think I was interested in him. At the time I completely against getting involved in a relationship with anyone.
The last day of the retreat, so many people kept asking if we were taking orders for shirts beyond the retreat. Initially Daniel initially refused but he eventually agreed and so we exchanged numbers to make it happen. We spoke on the phone after the retreat and each time conversation would deviate away from the shirts into our personal lives. I remember telling my sister that I had finally found a good Christian brother to be my friend who was not interested in me… lol.
One day about a month and a half after the retreat, Daniel told me he wanted us to take 21 days to pray about the purpose of our friendship. I was upset because I felt like he was complicating our friendship, but I agreed to do it. During that period the Lord told me about our purpose and that Daniel was the man for me. I had my hesitation, but decided to trust God.The end of the 21 days arrived and Daniel told me he needed more time before discussing things. I almost blocked him, because I felt he was unserious, lol. Thank God for the Holy Spirit stopping me! I decided I would just keep being Daniel’s friend and get to know him more without expecting anything else. Daniel began calling me daily even though I never called him. I was not going to be chasing a man oh. Daniel eventually told me he was interested in beginning a relationship aimed at marriage. Apparently, God had highlighted me to him the moment he saw me at the retreat. We began our courtship journey and now we are getting ready to walk down the aisle. Daniel has been everything I asked God for and more. The more I experience Daniel and get to know him, the more I thank God for him. He is the best God could have ever given me and I am so excited to become his wife.
It remains a profound mystery how divine mercy is manifested. In 2024, I had the opportunity to attend a significant retreat, an event I was initially hesitant about due to various personal challenges. However, as I was assigned to serve there, my attendance became a practical necessity, a decision I have never regretted. Through divine grace, I was able to participate and contribute.
My responsibilities were initially split between two departments: selling merchandise to attendees and working with the media team, a combination that proved challenging to manage simultaneously. While in the media booth, contemplating this dilemma, I was asked to distribute lanyards to all departmental heads. Several individuals came forward, and then I noticed a charming young woman approaching, who, by divine providence, I believe will become my wife. She was the head of the welfare department. As with others, I handed her the lanyards for her team, but she stood out to me, as if illuminated by the Holy Spirit. It is remarkable that I can recall her distinctly, even now, while the other departmental heads remain a blur in my memory; I truly believe the Holy Spirit drew my attention to her.
Following this, I refocused on my tasks and realized I needed assistance with merchandise sales. We then requested her help. Remarkably, it seemed as though she set aside her own duties, rallied her team, and efficiently organized and sold nearly all the items I had brought from Houston. I was truly astonished. This experience brought to mind the biblical account of Rebekah, whom Eliezer, Abraham's servant, found for Isaac. The key distinction was that I had no prior intention of seeking a spouse at that time, particularly not at the retreat. Yet, as it pleased the Lord, He orchestrated this encounter without my conscious effort.
Subsequently, the sales were so successful that people wished to order more items for shipment. As she was involved in the process, we exchanged contact information to facilitate these arrangements. The Lord continued to highlight her presence in my life, prompting me to seek divine guidance with my spiritual father and mentors. The Lord then provided a word, which has been unfolding daily, and confirmed His message through the mouths of His prophets (spiritual authorities). I am so glad I found my missing rib in the place of service and I am so glad God gave me this beautiful damsel. The remainder of this journey is being fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit. All glory be to Jesus!