Jennifer &   Olutayo

First of all, I have to say God’s time is the best time. A friend of mine (who I had previously met only a week prior) invited me to a WhirlyBall event hosted by her church’s young adult ministry. I almost didn’t go. It was my birthday and I already made dinner plans with a few friends of mine. However, we finished eating dinner earlier than expected, so I decided to check out the event.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am very competitive and love participating in fun activities. With that said, let’s just say WhirlyBall was not for me. I was comically horrible at it. As I’m struggling to turn my cart around to join the rest of the group, I look up and see this handsome guy staring at me through the glass. He was motioning with his hands trying to instruct me on how to turn my wheel. In efforts to not further embarrass myself, I try to take his instructions, but to no avail. It’s okay though, a lot of people were horrible at this as well (or so I tell myself). As we wait for other groups to take their turn, I continue to see the same guy occasionally looking back at me as he jokes around with his friends.

At the end of the event, we just so happened to cross paths. We talked for a bit and then eventually exchanged numbers. Fast-forward to three and half years later and we have talked every day since. Our love for each other grows stronger every day and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with the best gift of them all, Olutayo (TJ) Sokale.

It was a sunny day in August as I made the drive down to Dallas for the weekend. I decided to stop by a singles Whirlyball event when I got into the city to see some friends. Upon arrival, I looked into the court and saw a beautiful face STRUGGLING with the cart. I'm instantly captivated by her smile and was  watching for the opportunity to speak with her. When she exited the court, we made eye contact and that continued throughout the evening.

I got pulled away by friends and eventually somehow ended up with a microphone. I proceeded to ROAST my friends who were horrible at Whirlyball and after every joke I would look over to see if she was laughing - she was.

It was now my turn to get on to the court and she also joined. Turned out the Whirlyball struggle was real for me as well but I eventually got it together. I found my opportunity and spoke to her throughout the game whenever possible.

After the game, we introduced ourselves to each other and had a brief conversation. I found out it's her birthday and wished her a Happy Birthday. We continued to speak with each other everyday and the rest as they say is history!

- I was her Birthday gift