Paul and Karla came to know each other on ChristianCafe.com February 6, 2006 when Paul saw "blondie" and wrote her. Initially Karla thought after reading Paul's self-descriptive profile (wherein were his accomplishments and goals) that he might be a bit too intense for her. Paul wrote back happily saying that he understood and wished Karla well considering there are 3 billion men on the planet. To Paul's surprise Karla wrote back again the next day saying that after she saw Paul's websites, particularly his ministry site, she couldn't quite escape him. She felt compelled for some reason to write Paul again. Thus began their correspondence which built their friendship. Paul took such an interest in Karla that he even wrote her lengthy daily emails and she him from Canada, while Paul was aboard a cruise with his mom, dad and brother in March. Emails from the cruise ship in the Carribean ranged between $10 to $20 a day, yet Paul thought writing Karla was a good investment. By March Karla thought it was about time for the two to meet to see if there was any chemistry in person. Karla then, against the warnings of some cautious and concerned friends (but with the support of her father), went to Florida to meet Paul. Paul and Karla had a wonderful time in Florida visiting the beach, various attractions and getting to know one another. While together, no matter what they were doing, or where they were, they always had a blast together. They both like to laugh, clown around and joyously do so whether at a water park, at the local store or in the car. Incidentally the "chemistry test" went very well. In late April and early May, Paul was scheduled to minister in Holland and attend a conference in Paris, France. Since Karla is half Dutch and has always wanted to visit her homeland, Paul didn't hesitate to invite her along. Thankfully Karla was able to get time off work and accompany Paul. It proved to be a fabulous Europe trip and Karla's first. They celebrated Queen's Day in Holland, saw all the sites in Paris, visited the Mediterranean and even got a tour of the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. It was a most magical experience and one never to be forgotten. Before taking Karla to the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on May 7th, when she was to leave, Paul took her by the Eiffel Tower and asked her to marry him. On Pauls way back from France after the conference, he just happened to have his plane routed through Toronto and took a couple days in Canada to see Karla. It was good for Paul to see Karla in her element, discover she is a Martha Stewart type - neat and very organized (very reassuring for him a creative type who is administratively challenged at times). By now Karla and Paul had been to 5 countries together. Considering Pauls jet setter lifestyle, Karla pretty much knew becoming a globe trotter was her destiny with him. Paul had to twist her rubber arm a bit to get her to agree to such a lifestyle, but did warn her about the occasional fleshly discomforts and light afflictions of going abroad to minister. Karla did not flinch and remained steadfast in her zeal and determination to marry Paul fully committing to be with him wherever he may go. Paul and Karla are still busy planning their big day, excited and eager to get married September 3, 2006. Karla will be moving to Florida after their honeymoon in Fiji and Australia where they plan to get further connected and enjoy some scuba diving. Once under the same roof, Paul and Karla will write books and travel the world together ministering to humanity.They will also focus on Life Coaching and finding their dream beach house together where they can surf and stroll along the beach hand-in-hand...any support is greatly appreciated! :-) |