It's finally happening!

I first met Mercy in December 2001 in Monrovia, Liberia during a community beauty pageant organized by the Good Guys Inc. in Congo Town. I was invited to become part of this organization, so every day after work, I would attend the queens' modeling practice sessions and other activities. Mercy was the modeling coach for the event. I did not catch her then as my eyes were set on one of the contestants. However, during the last practice, when we decided to finalize last minute logistics for the show, we noticed we still had not secured some important items to make the show successful. Mercy, as relentless and resourceful as she is, started making recommendations and pulling in some favors from people she knew to help secure the remaining items we needed. That was when I noticed her and became overwhelmed by her willingness to help and her ability to make things happen. We chatted briefly during that time and even introduced ourselves but she was too busy being a celebrity to notice me. Throughout the remaining days in December and the earlier part of January 2002, I always saw Mercy. I would see her in Joe Bar Market on the Old Road, I would see her entering in and/or coming out of the S. T. United Methodist Church or I would just see her somewhere in town. I thought to myself these many sightings were not mere coincidences, they were signs. So sometimes in January, look who I saw walking in my office at the United States Trading Company.... Mercy Williams. She had gone to see our then payroll accountant, Mr. Gabriel Johnson. I immediately called her out by her name and I could tell she was surprised that I knew her name whereby she did not know mine. I could guess she was thinking where do I know this dude from? Anyways, long story short, I entertained her by feeding her with too much soda that she gave up and then we exchanged numbers and decided on our first date. Our first date was January 22nd, 2002 and we continued to see each other since then.

It's been 18 years since we began dating and ever since, our romance for each other continued to blossom and grow stronger amidst many temptations, tests, tribulations, struggles and uncertainties. In fact, we believe, it was the love we feel for each other that got us through it all by the Grace of the Almighty God. It is indeed true, that with God, all things are possible! Our lives are possible because of God; our wedding is made possible today because of God and we will continue to bless Him and sing His praises. Our story is one that highlights the saying "where determination exits, failure can never supersede" with God being the center of it all. It also pinpoints that hard work, dedication and commitment to your own goals and visions can pay off in ways beyond imagination. People who know us and have witnessed our story, will agree that ours is a true success story because together we fought our way through many adversities and together we achieved everything we have today. As we tie the knot and become one by marriage, we look forward to continue this union till death do us part. We admonish our friends and family to do their part to help us remain together. We understand that life can throw curve balls but with our trust in God and our love for each other, we believe we will always overcome.

It was my birthday and I was at work and not thinking about nothing but going home immediately after work to just rest. So around 2 pm that day, my boo (JT) called me to tell me that he wanted to take me out to dinner for my birthday and I should try to get off early. So I said okay. When I got to the restaurant, Red Lobster, on Two Notch Road in Columbia SC, I saw my sisters, his sister and our daughter who was three months old then at the restaurant. Unknown to me and them, JT had already booked a booth and when I got there, I was ushered in the booth where I met the entire party. We began ordering and chatting as normal. Somewhere in the middle of the meal, the Red Lobster's crew came to sing me the Happy Birthday song and immediately after the song I just saw JT getting down on one knee and showing me a 'diamond' engagement ring popping the question in front of all those people. I said YES!