Fifteen years ago tonight, I said goodbye to my girlfriend. We had met during a semester of study in Israel and quickly developed a strong friendship. But with the semester over, we didn’t know if or how we would see each other again. She was from the Midwest and I was from California, and neither of us had been to the state where the other was living. But we decided that we would just trust God and if it was His will for us to stay together, He would work it out. He did, by 1) getting Kelli to California for Spring Break; 2) getting Kelli a job for the summer in my hometown; 3) getting Kelli a long-term job in the area while I finished college. Those were all key to keeping the relationship going and growing. I know that most people only have one “anniversary,” but there are at least 5 special dates that I remember each year, and Dec 19 is one of them.
This picture is from the first Christmas we celebrated after we got married. 1992 in Israel.
Isn’t it amazing how the Lord always works out all the details? Eight years ago, today (Dec. 19), was one of the worst days of my life. Or so I thought. It was the middle of my freshman year of high school and the last day before Christmas break. My family moved from the home I had lived in my whole life. I had to change schools and much more…What I thought was a horrible situation, God used for His glory. Moving schools brought me closer to Him and it turns out that these last eight years here (even though much of that time was spent away at TMC) have been the best eight years of my life. Moving brought about hearing about TMC and IBEX. And a certain spring in 2004 were some of the best months of my life. I’m glad God gave you Kelli. You two are an amazing couple and great role models. Tell her I said “hi.”
Rachel Israel
Happy Anniversary Todd and Kelli. May the Lord Bless you guys :-)
Praise God for His providence!!!
P.S. You guy’s look hilarious in those early 90’s clothes :)