It’s crazy to think that Our Story begins with Emily and I not even knowing each other, but here we are. In 2022, I was living in Johnson City, and Emily was living in Knoxville. Towards the summer, I decided that a change of scenery was needed. One of my friends told me about this awesome non-profit that she worked for, Thrive. I decided to apply as a site director for their middle school program. At the time, I didn’t know much about Thrive, so I decided to find as many videos about Thrive to learn more about what I was applying for. Through these videos, I saw Emily. I took notice of her, but remained focused on knowing more about the ministry and the job I was applying for. Fast forward a couple of months to our first interaction… We officially met on a First Thursday at Fellowship Church in Knoxville. I had moved to Knoxville a few days before, and felt super awkward and introverted. I didn’t know anyone there. She was standing at the welcome desk as you entered the room, learning names and writing them down. Unfortunately, she didn’t write my name, which was the end of our first interaction; however, a lot more happened in our second interaction. Our second interaction was the next month (September 2022). I was extremely overwhelmed with work, and I didn’t know what I was doing. I was opening myself up to anyone who could provide wisdom in working at Thrive. During the second young adult gathering of the year, I had my first conversations with Emily. I introduced myself to her and told her that I recognized her from Thrive training videos (in the least awkward way one can do that). I asked her for advice on the job, and she gave me advice that I still remember to this day. We briefly discussed Thrive, but then the conversation quickly shifted to our personal lives. She told me about college and where she’s from (Greeneville), and I talked about the same. Other than the personal information she told me, I don’t remember anything we talked about; however, I do remember her beautiful blue eyes looking at me, her smile, and her laugh. I left Young Adults that night, knowing that I had to find a way to see her again. Fortunately for me, she had students in my program at Thrive that she still hung out with… The next time I saw Emily was at a soccer game involving two middle schools that made up Thrive’s middle school program two weeks later. Our entire program went in support of the two schools. Emily was there supporting her former student. I talked to her very little at the game, but she followed me on Instagram an hour later. The next day, she posted something on her Instagram. I commented on the story, and we picked up where we left off. We talked the entire weekend, and I asked her to get drinks the following week. There was some awkwardness and some gaslighting about if Auntie Annes sold sweet almond pretzels, but it was one of the best nights of my life. We talked for hours, and I didn’t want it to end. We went on more hangouts, then dates, and then a month later, we were officially dating. Personally, I count myself extremely blessed to have someone like Emily as a friend and a future wife. Her love is something that I hold extremely near to me. It’s crazy to think that we started off as strangers, but now we are best friends and engaged. We have had so many adventures, dates, experiences, laughs, meals, etc, and we continue to look forward to many more. To be honest, Emily and I would not be here if it weren’t for friends, families, and viewers like you. You have loved us, championed us, walked alongside us, and prayed for us. As we look forward to March 9th, 2024, as the start of our family, we will always remember that “you” are our family, too. Thank you for your love and support of us, and continue to do the things that you do so well! We hope to see you March 9th, 2024. With Love, MichaelAnthony Anakwe ‘for in him we live and move and have our being’ Acts 17: 28a