It was the fall of 2013. Javel Foreman (also known as Vel) and Abby Isaacs were fresh out of high school, heading into their freshmen year at Cairn University. Abby was studying to be a social worker, Javel an accountant. He was on the basketball team, while she focused on her studies. Neither of them had gone into college looking for a relationship, but of course God always has a way of changing life's plans. Abby, being the social butterfly, quickly made friends and Javel's roommate happened to be one of them. One day after class, Abby and Javel's roommate decided to get lunch at all of the college kids’ local favorite, you guessed it, Chick-fila-A (for the student discount of course). While they were solidifying their plans, Javel happened to be nearby and he couldn’t believe his eyes; he saw the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen and he just had to meet her. Without hesitation, Javel decided to join them for lunch so he could get to know this mystery girl. Driving back from lunch, Abby asked Javel to hold her lemonade while she changed songs on the car radio. With a grin, Javel happily obliged her request, but with the caveat that if he agreed, she would have to walk with him to class the next day. Abby laughed and said, “okay”. They exchanged numbers and yes, Abby did keep her promise to walk with Javel to class the next morning—this became their routine everyday after that. The rest, as they say, is history.

It was the last weekend in July and Abby was on a family vacation to Ocean City Maryland. Little did she know, there a huge surprise in store for her. With the help of her family and his, the day they were supposed to leave, he drove down from North Carolina to set up her dream proposal. He spent all day decorating a gazebo and setting up. At the end of the day, she and her family went to the park to “take pictures” when her eyes fell on a sign that said “Abigail will you marry me?” Javel stepped out of the gazebo in a suit, the song “Marry You” by Bruno Mars (her mom's idea) playing in the background. He took her by the hand and led her into the gazebo. Behind him were pictures of them, all of their years together. The floor was decorated with rose petals in the shape of a heart. He knelt down on one knee, proclaimed his love and she said YES!

Since that lunch date to Chick-fil-A, they’ve been together. Eight years, through ups and downs, long distance (the majority of their relationship), him being tested by her parents, others doubting their relationship, career changes, moves, and the loss of family members. Through it all, they’ve remained faithful to one another and they are ready for a brand new start...together. Throughout their relationship, God has proven He is faithful and has blessed them tremendously. Abby and Javel are so excited to see where the Lord takes them on this next journey of life together.