“You might as well flip a coin.” Renee could not believe she was flipping a coin to decide whether to go to California or not. She had wrestled with the idea if she should cancel her Australia plans and head to Bethel school of ministry. The whole YWAM Australia trip had been planned and partially paid for; but now she felt a pull from God to go a different direction. She felt God hold out his hand and ask her to trust Him.

Four weeks before Bethel School of Ministry started, Renee cancelled her plans and began her roller coaster ride of a journey. Her religious mindsets were shattered as she constantly saw Gods hand at work in her life in many miraculous ways. She knew there were things she had to lay down before God, and so the stripping began.

As Renee allowed God to do work in her life she felt her purity and identity being restored. Peace and joy and laughter became part of her personality… fear, doubt and defensive walls came down. Her heart became an invitation. She allowed God out of the box she had put him in and He showed himself so much bigger than she ever knew.

Lifelong friendships and relationships bloomed. Fun and adventure only grew more. Renee found herself enjoying life so much more and she hadn’t even any money to spend, because she was unable to work because she is Canadian. California became family and a place where her dreams came true. A perfect set up to meet the man whose life collided with her own.

David and Renee met at the beginning of the school year in September. They discovered they lived in the same apartment complex. David began catching rides to school with Renee and Amanda (Renee’s roommate). They became friends fast and so started a pure well founded friendship. They greeted eachother with exubrant smiles.

After one evening in mid November, Renee’s good friend Bobbi Jo inquired and asked if Renee could ever like Davie. Renee hadn’t even thought of the idea so she said she didn't think it could never work.

David honoured Renee with no hidden motives. His respect was pure, and his values held high. Renee felt safe with him, and even got advice in the area of guys that wanted to date her. They had gone for a few walks, and Renee would stop and say hi on her way to the mailbox. David made an effort to stay in contact when they parted during break.

About a week before Christmas break Renee found out about David’s possible interest in another girl, and Renee felt a tinge of jealousy. She did not understand because she knew she had no feeling for him so why was she feeling this way?? Before leaving for Christmas break David told Renee he didn’t want to see her settle for less and asked if he could hold her accountable to it.

David headed down to Mammoth and Renee headed up to Canada for Christmas break. They talked on the phone a few times, and they discovered that they both had strong feelings for each other, har har har.

The first day back from Christmas break:

In anticipation Renee headed to David’s at 11 in the morning,still wondering about the idea if she liked him or not. She knocked nervously but excited all at once, with an open door out came Ryan, Davids roomat and to her dismay David had already left for school.

Right before school started, David scanned the crowd to find her. He saw her leaning against some chairs greeting some others. It was as if everyone diminished and he made a bee-line towards her. They embraced and it was as if they both already knew, it was natural, and excitement welled up.

As David dropped her home that evening Renee put her hand in her bag to find her keys, and low and behold she forgot them! She was locked out! Not just that night but TWO nights in a row. David and Renee were forced to get to hang out.

To make a long story short David and Renee have spent every waking hour together since that first day back, except for the time David was off to Korea to shoot photos for pro snowboarders, and the week Renee had to do missions in Mexico. It one month of hanging out every day when they knew for sure they were meant to be. The only way of explaining it is that ‘they just fit’and 'they just knew'. Peace overwhelmed them, and anxiety was far from reach. God has worked out everything perfectly and has blessed their relationship with abundance of blessing and favour.