We first met with a “visitor’s” hug ten years ago while Tom was seeking a church home and investigating Roxie’s church.  While the search ended elsewhere, our story begins with that hug.
Roxie prayed.

In seemingly no time at all we were best friends and each others’ most trusted confidant.  Roxie was amazed by Tom’s ability to read into her heart’s desires and spell out her soul’s motivation.  Although in love almost immediately, Roxie struggled, and some times anguished, over the fact that Tom was not the spiritual man she had dreamed of from childhood. 
Roxie prayed.

Tom reveled in Roxie’s company and recognized she had a motivating influence for good upon him.  Adamant to continue the friendship, he lacked the amorous response she thought she wanted.  He did, however, so recognize the value of her godly character and childlike faith, that he had no intention of ever having her replaced as his best friend. 
Tom knew Roxie prayed.

We were likeminded and equally yoked in so many dimensions.  It was inevitable that we became intellectually intimate, and yet at the same time no physical attraction was ever expressed.   
Roxie prayed.

While the friendship stayed on course, inexorably life continued and took us different directions.  Roxie followed her calling into missions covering over half the world with her joyful spirit and faithful service.  Tom got married, and soon Troupe was born.  Within months Tom was a single parent and…
Roxie began praying with Tom.  (long distance)

In an effort to succinctly describe our relationship to those who insisted in knowing, Tom would emphatically reply, “Roxie is my favorite person on the planet.”   The irony remained in that Roxie was usually on the other side of it.  We have, however been able to share half of the Christmas seasons together, an easily agreed upon favorite time of year.
Roxie prayed.

This year Roxie was working in Nairobi, Kenya when Tom decided it was time for Troupe to see Africa.  This time, Tom prayed.  For the first time, seeing Roxie in her own element, Tom, while confused, yet still prayerful, had to confess his love for Roxie.  This realization was professed at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. 
Roxie praised!
Tom prayed.

A proposal ten years in the making had finally been made.  The barriers surrounding its acceptance seemed insurmountable.  We both agreed years might be required before we would be free to be together. 
We prayed.

Within weeks, every single large and looming obstacle melted away at God’s instruction.   Careers where altered, homes were moved, parental claims were placated, all in obedience to God’s desire for us to be together.  Roxie resolutely said “yes” and returned to America to make her home with Troupe and Tom. 
We praised!

We now invite you to join us in praying to, and praising a mighty and loving God.