It’s interesting how two people can walk the same streets, serve in the same church, share mutual friends, and yet never meet until God decides the timing is right.

Ayo moved to Moscow in the fall of 2020 for grad school. He joined Mount Zion Moscow’s Russian service and faithfully served in the media team. Three years later, Oluchi arrived in Moscow and began attending the English service of that same church. Once in a while, she would show up at the Russian service, where Ayo was often behind the camera or fixing cables. To her, he was simply another Black face among the sea of white. Nothing more. And to him, Oluchi was just another random visitor. The English service always seemed just out of reach for Ayo, being held on a different day and at a different location, and his PhD workload left him little room for anything extra.

So, for almost a year, they remained completely unaware of each other’s existence. But when God decides it’s time, even the tiniest details start to move.

In an unexpected twist, both Russian and English services were merged into the same venue, just thirty minutes apart.

By then, Ayo was already leading the media team in the Russian service, which flowed into the English service. On the very first English service in the new location, Oluchi walked up to introduce herself as the person who had previously handled projection for the English service.

That was their first real conversation. It was simply professional and polite.

Ayo Mi: “After the service, Oluchi dragged me to the lobby for refreshments and offered me puff puff. She stood there watching until I finished eating, then handed me wet wipes to clean my hands. It sounds simple, but there was something about that moment, her warmth, her kindness. I remember thinking, “What is this?” It was the first time the thought crossed my mind that she could actually be someone I’d want to do life with. But I quickly brushed it aside. My PhD defense was only months away, and I had plans to leave Moscow soon after.”

Ife Mi: “I honestly don’t remember dragging anyone! 😂 I was just being my cheerful, jolly self. He’d been working hard through both services, and I didn’t want the puff puff to finish before he got any. I waited, offered him some, and when I saw his hands were oily, I gave him wet wipes. That was it for me; it was a kind gesture that I could do for anyone at any time.”

But that simple act became the seed of something much greater.

Afterwards, they continued talking more, mostly about church and media work, but soon their conversations became more personal, about PhD applications, life in Moscow, and everything in between.

In September, God began to nudge Oluchi’s heart about Ayo. She said nothing. She knew her place, and she wouldn’t be the one to pursue. So she kept things friendly, yet guarded.

Meanwhile, Ayo found himself looking forward to every chat. There was peace whenever he spoke with her, a calm assurance he couldn’t explain. Still, he didn’t want to build something so important on mere feelings. So, he took time off to pray. And not just pray, but to seek God earnestly. And in that period, he received two clear convictions. After the first, he hesitated, but the second came swiftly after.

That divine confirmation erased all doubt.

In late October, Oluchi felt led to host a worship service for her birthday and invite her close friends, but for some reason, she also felt she needed to include Ayo, who, at that time, was not yet a close friend. During the planning, he asked if she’d like to go out for dinner on her birthday. After praying and informing her pastor, she agreed.

Shortly after, he asked to go out again, and she agreed. They took a walk in the park. Later, over dinner, Ayo looked into her eyes and told her four things he liked about her. Then, with calm confidence, he asked the question that would change everything.

Oluchi had sensed it might come someday, but not that soon. She smiled, thanked him, and said she would pray about it. And she did. She sought counsel from her friends, her parents, her pastors, and most of all, from God. Days turned into weeks, and clarity slowly settled in her heart.

She was ready to say Yes!

On Christmas Day, Oluchi invited Ayo to meet at KFC; it was a simple, unassuming, and perfect choice. And there, amidst laughter and fried chicken, she said yes.

Looking back, it’s clear that we could have met earlier. We should have met earlier. But God had a better plan. We met at the right time God appointed. And for that, we are forever grateful.

Our forever began with puff puff. ❤️