Lara and Ervin
May 19, 2001

Our story began back in September 1996 when a mutual friend introduced us at a wedding. Ervin was polite and I felt comfortable talking to him. Then a few weeks later we met up again when I joined SFC's Christian Life Program at St. Anthony's Church. Ervin was already a member of Singles for Christ for about a year then. At first, he seemed to be a different person to me – wasn't as friendly or approachable as I remembered. Later I found out that this was his way of discovering if I was bothered with his lack of attention towards me!

We finally became an "item" in 1998. We valued much of our time with SFC, going to retreats, conferences, household meetings, assemblies, teachings and dance practices. We are grateful for the opportunity we were given in community to learn, serve and grow together spiritually.

A year and half after we started dating, Ervin proposed at our favorite restaurant - that was Saturday, April 8, 2000. We were still waiting for our food and deciding what we would do after dinner. Ervin wanted to go shopping at Wal-mart and Home Depot. For what? I can't remember now. I do know that I was exhausted from rehearsal (we had a long practice for the CFC conference earlier that day) so I didn't mind too much. I complained, anyway, that when I go to work on the following Monday I won't have anything exciting to tell my colleagues. And at that instant he pulled out a small, black velvet jewelry box. I had no idea what to do! I just stared it. Ervin had to urge me to open it. So with my hands shaking I opened it. The ring was absolutely beautiful, literally sparkling against the black velvet. The diamond was the exact cut and style that I've always dreamed my ring would be. I believe that's when he popped the question, but all I remember is asking him if I can try it on!

I can't say exactly when I knew he was the one. But after all the time we spent getting to know each other, I knew that I wanted to experience and live my life with him. Ervin inspires and encourages me to be a better person. He's very wise and honorable. I call him my living encyclopedia!

Through constant prayers, God carefully guided us to the decision that someday we'd be spending the rest of our lives together. Now that we're married we ask Him to continue to bless our relationship & lead us in the choices we make together.