Tiana's Story: I first met Eric after the Point Loma Nazarene University Homecoming game in 2001. We had mutual friends (namely, Jenn Tracy and Nate Brown!) who introduced us that evening as we all piled into my minivan and proceeded to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. Afterward, we decided to pick up a movie and take it back to Jenn's apartment on campus (very exciting, I know.) My overall impressions of Eric that evening were that he was definitely a computer geek…big time; despite the "geekiness", he was really cute, intelligent, had a gentle way about him…you know, stuff like that; and most importantly, his favorite movie was Goonies which happens to be my all-time favorite as well!

From there, Eric became a part of the amazing group of friends I was blessed to spend time with on a regular basis. Long story short, after about three years of friendship, I got smart – Eric and I began dating on December 2, 2003 (yes, I am going to take credit for that. Ha!). Over the years I have learned much more about Eric other than his favorite movie and my initial impressions. He is the most faithful, loving and kind person I have ever met – not just to me, but everyone he meets. He is incredibly patient in understanding where I am coming from and is not afraid to learn from others. I am grateful for his life and his desire to be with me for the rest of our lives.

 

Eric's Story: I will admit: I was slow in realizing just how amazing Tiana really was...at first. I first met her after the homecoming game at PLNU in 2001, where a group of us went out to Blockbuster and Baskin Robins. We were good friends over the next couple years, and much of this was initially fueled first by our mutual friends, and then by our mutual interests in church and various things in life about which we were passionate. It wasn't until the late Spring / early Summer of 2003 when I decided, somewhat on a whim, to grow out a little facial scruff. Some people refer to this as a 'beard.' Of all the people I knew at the time, I think the only person that noticed was Tiana, and, not only did she notice, but she complimented me on it and said that it looked good on me. Most people will notice that, to this day, I still have my beard.

After a number of months, Tiana decided it was time to let me know her feelings for me. Initially, despite the fact that I felt very similarly about her, I attempted a refusal on my part to reciprocate. I initially decided that Tiana was too good to be true. But, towards the end of couple-month-long decision-making process which ended during Thanksgiving break in 2003, I realized that Tiana was both good and true (and ridiculously cute). And, I needed to let her know that. I e-mailed her and said that I indeed had feelings for her and wondered if she was still interested, and she was! Life became instantly more interesting and fun together, and I realized that Tiana was the person that I had always dreamed of as that someone who would challenge, edify, and love me. I love making her laugh and being a pretty ridiculous person around her. Most of the time, I don't even have to try and she tells me that I'm 'cute' -- but she's the cute one! ;)

At this moment in time, I'm immensely thankful for too many things to list in this space, but I will say that I am exceedingly thankful for Jesus Christ and what God has revealed to me about God's love. Moreso than any other person in my life, Tiana Lin Reinhardt has shown Christ to me in her love, and I am joyful and thankful to commit to loving her for the rest of my life.