“and the two became one”

Chris’ Side I had a philosophy class where I sat in the very back, it was located in the MLK building on the second floor. There was this girl who never paid attention to the professor. She always wore converses, wore an oversized back pack, and was constantly eating apple danishes during the class. Chamiah’s side I also had a philosophy class in the MLK building on the second floor. Every morning I would pick up Apple danishes from the snack cart that I would pass leaving my 8 am. I didn’t pay attention much from the class including Chris.

We got acclimated with each other through our weekly NxG meetings. NxG (Next Generation of Leaders) is a Navigators-based leadership program where students learn to be faith-based student leaders. Chris’ Side I was recommended to join NxG by Osaze, a men’s Bible study leader that I was acquainted with, after completing a service project with the Navigators over Spring break. The first 1-2 classes of the NxG program was just me, Osaze, and the girl from my Philosophy class. We introduced ourselves and I mentioned to her that we shared class together. As the class went on we became acquainted and eventually friends by the time we graduated class. Chamiah’s Side I was recommended to NxG by the women’s Bible study leader Martazsh. I would frequently attend the Bible studies held in the lounge of my freshmen dorm and became friends with many of the ladies who would also attend. One of my goals for 2019 was to “Seize Opportunity”, so when I was recommended to take this leadership class I immediately jumped on board! The first 1-2 classes, it was just me, Osaze (one of the Bible study leaders of NavLife that I would attend), and a boy I didn’t know. When talking he said that we had class together (I had no clue and didn’t recognize him), but I took his word and took notice whenever I went to our shared class, always making a point to say hi. As the class went on we became acquainted and eventually friends by the time we graduated class.

As we continued through the NxG classes, Osaze repeatedly mentioned the different roles that were open for us all to take by the end of the NxG graduation. President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Worship Leader, etc. These leadership positions would be roles in the Navigators student ministry. Chris’ Side Going into the NxG program I knew I wanted a position like treasurer, I’m good with numbers and majored in Accounting. As I talked to different people in the Navs, I slowly was convinced to take on the Presidential role. I initially was reluctant because I was new to the Navigators, but as time went on I became convinced that I could do the role and do it well. By our NxG graduation, I was sure that I could be the president for the following academic year. Chamiah’s Side I heard Osaze always mention the roles that needed to be filled but they honestly went in one ear and out the other. If I had to choose, the Fun and Fellowship leader sounded the most fun, but I was most likely not going to take a role. Come NxG graduation, everyone is choosing their roles, everyone went around the circle and chose their new roles (and a few who were returners chose different roles.). I was so excited for everyone! Chris will be the new president? Wow! Mary is doing Fun and Fellowship? That’s great! And then before I knew it I was last in the circle, and everyone was looking at me. “What position do you want to be Chamiah? We have Vice President and Assistant Secretary left”. For some reason I thought I was just there observing and not suppose to be thinking and choosing a role too. I didn’t want to do either roles, just be a member of the Navigators attending the meeting every so often. I reluctantly chose VP, with the encouragement of those around me, including Chris. By the end of the Spring 2019 semester, Chris and Chamiah were P and VP of the BSU Navs for the 2019-20 school year.

Our first date was on 4/3/2021, a Saturday in early Spring. We confessed our feelings for each other about a week prior and chose to go on the date that changed our lives. A movie was the date activity of choice, and went to see a movie called Nobody (we joint scored the movie a 61% so wouldn’t recommend). Chamiah had the plan to work her shift, run home and change, and then drive to Chris’ house afterwards to catch the movie viewing. She was running a little late (per usual) and they got to the movie a little late. The movie wasn’t the best but we were just glad to be together. Afterwards, we went to Quiet Waters Park where we walked the beautiful trails while talking. On one of the trails we found a look over of a river and talked more. We ended the date staring at the sunset before going home. We chose to start our marriage at the same park our relationship start and we’re excited to share this moment with some of our loved ones.