Our Journey - Part I (How I met M)

In 2001, at the age of 21, M took a job at my church as a part-time youth director.  Fresh out of college and new to the faith, he dove into uncharted waters following the call God had placed on his life.  

I was 17 at the time and about to start my senior year of high school and was dating someone else.  Being the nerd that I am, most of my time was spent on countless hours of AP work for school followed by hours of soccer practice each day.  I was busy to say the least, and as a result, pulled away from church that year.

Little did I know at the time, that THIS would be where our journey began.

And for some reason, after eating Sunday lunch with some of the youth and pastor on M's first day, I was asked to drive M home.  Just me and him.  Alone.  I have no idea how this happened. 

And if you know me, I am absolutely terrible at small talk - and was even worse then.  So, let's just say, I was awkward - he was awkward - the whole situation was just awkward.  

M was ready to get away from this shy, nerdy girl.  I was ready to just get out of this awkward situation.

Little did I know at the time, that apparently awkward people attract.

Our paths crossed each week at church with the cordial and southernly, "Hi, how are you?" and a couple of youth weekends.  Never once did it cross our minds that we would have any sort of relationship in the future.  I mean, he was my youth director, for goodness sake.

Little did I know at the time, this would be the man I would marry.

In the Summer of 2002, after I had graduated high school, we both went on a mission trip to Mexico with a group of about 20 people.  During that trip I became convinced that M had a 'crush' on my popular, outgoing, fun-loving best friend.  

Little did I know at the time, I was completely wrong.

The Fall of 2002 brought the beginning of my time at the University of Memphis.  My best friend and I were roommates who ate canned chili and macaroni & cheese for every meal, became involved an on-campus ministry called RUF, met new people, and enjoyed this new adventure in Rawls Hall.

I was loving college life but was starting to have my doubts about my long-distance high school fling.  My classes were going well and I was busy day-dreaming of a career in the medical field.

Little did I know, that my world was about to be turned upside down.

On September 11, 2002, I scooted my metal chair up to our built-in desk to check my email.  After scrolling through, I saw an email from M.  I thought it was a little strange, because we had no history of emailing each other, but quickly opened it.  What I found inside was a poem.  

Now, remember, it was September 11.  And although I was 18 and no longer in the youth group, I was naive about there ever being anything between M and I.  So, naturally, I assumed it must be a mass email poem about the September 11 events that occurred the previous year.  Because that's normal, right?

I showed it to my roommate, who quickly replied, "that is NOT about September 11."

Uh oh.

Little did I know at the time, that M was indirectly confessing his feelings for me.  And I was clueless.

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR PART II OF OUR JOURNEY!

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