Our Story
How we met (in Cassie's words)
I moved to Cleveland, TN for an internship with Mark Swank in the Church of God Youth Department in January 2005. At that same time, Ben was a part of the Mission discipleship program that Mark directed. I moved into the dorms and we became friends, but it wasn't until that summer that our friendship grew into much more. We began spending much more time together - cooking dinners, watching movies, going to concerts and weddings, learning to play guitar (it's possible that I bought a guitar just so I could have an excuse to ask Ben to teach me.)
We attended a wedding with some of our friends (Hi Dan and Jessica!) in Savannah in September and I had to leave for Canada the next day, but Ben stayed in GA for a few extra days so we didn't see each other for about a week. We sent emails and messages throughout that week and I had a feeling something was going on when he said he bought me a gift while he was in Savannah (at some point I mentioned I loved caramel apples and that's the gift Ben had waiting for me when I returned home from my trip.)
It seemed that everyone around us saw what was going on even before we did. We just enjoyed each other's company so much that is seemed perfectly normal to hang out all the time. Ben was (and still is!) the ultimate dream guy and I never imagined he'd fall for me, but one fateful night in October we found ourselves at the Laundry Barn sharing our feelings for one another and we've been inseparable ever since.
How We Met (in Ben's words)
It was years ago when I was in an urban missions program. One night in the lobby some cute texan walked through the lobby with bags in tow. An introduction followed from one of our leaders, mentioning that our new intern from Texas had just arrived and her name was Cassie. She was beautiful, And as interested as I was at the new looker, I had made a small vow to myself not to date until I knew it was the real deal so I at least wouldn't screw up another relationship! Life went on with nothing more than a few friendly exchanges every now and again, but we didn't get to really get to know each other until that summer. We spent alot of time togather, from haunted hikes and late night guitar lessons to bible studies and sunday mornings. There came a time where this Texan had really gained more of my admiration than a friend warrants. One night at a place called the Dutch Laundrey Barn (don't ask) I shared with Cassie that I had been praying for a week about a relationship with her. It seems that I wasn't the only one. We both made an agreement that night, that we would try this dating thing and see where it would get us! Close to three years later, It seems to have been a dream that I don't care to ever wake from. I have noticed that my worries of never being in a happy and healthy relationship have dissolved in the realization that, When finding a relationship actually worth working and fighting for, nothing can stand in the way. I have a friend for life, and a love worth stirring up for every day of my life. Thanks baby. -Ben
