It is interesting how your church is strict about dating at 18 but you had to wait so long even after that to start dating. It is good you respected the wishes of the parents. That is so nice. I started dating my husband at 16, got engaged a year later right before I turned 18, and I got married at 20. I have many relatives that married at 17 years old so I was "old" to get married in comparison. I really enjoyed your story though. That was adorable. Thank you for sharing it with us. Going to listen to part two now...
I believe God was truly a huge part of your lives from the very beginning; otherwise Joel probably wouldn’t have been so patient to wait to court Marlene. I can clearly hear and feel the spirit of your love, respect, kindness and Christian fellowship for Marlene’s family too. Joel, I know you must have spent many hours praying and speaking with God bc you were definitely self assured about sharing your life and potential courtship with Marlene. You certainly were blessed to have been received so well into Marlene’s family and to ultimately respect all of her lifelong wishes. This is why I know God had a hand in your lives early on; with your families, yourselves and God’s grace. ❤
Can I ever relate to being afraid of a relationship distracting you from your teaching! Same for me. I am also now married to the man who inserted himself into my life when I was loving being a young teacher.
One of your stories got to my news feed tonight and I’ve now watched three or four of your videos! Also, I have truly enjoyed them! Can’t wait to have time for more, as your story is amazingly sweet! Your baby boy is precious…absolutely a darling!
