cori and johnAnother couple at Crossway has come to engagement… John Haughery and Cori Bitterman! There is so much worth pointing out about these two, from the way that they walked out their friendship and dating on to how they’ve sought counsel and wisdom over the course of their relationship.  A most colorful couple, the word “joy” will spring to mind if you should have the opportunity to spend any moment around them.

Here is their story, in their own words:

The latest chapter of our friendship started on May 20, 2009. The scene was Square One (a local coffee shop). The time was 10 pm. Cori was anxiously sitting across from me warming her hands with a hot cup of mint tea. I was nervously trying to think of how to break the news that I was very interested in her. After about 10 seconds I realized there was no better way than to be straight up with her. So I told her that I really liked her, cherished our friendship and did not want that to end. She could not believe I was saying this to her. After about 10 minutes of her mind being blown, Cori conveyed to me that she had been longing for this day on and off for the past 3 years. This humbled me to the floor.  God is so faithful!

In the 5 months that followed, our friendship grew to new heights. We had many opportunities to sharpen and challenge one another, as our affections grew deeper and deeper. We walked through many joyous moments, as well as difficult conflicts. These only forced us to trust in Christ’s grace in our relationship more fully and to love each other more deeply. It was full steam ahead. No stopping this freight train.

Fast forward to November 1. All the pieces were in place. The 25 roses were stashed at Lenox Lane behind a flower planter. All 5 love letters had been written and sealed. It was only a matter of time. I gave Cori her first card before we left for Sakura (the sushi restaurant where we had our first date). She loved it and could not wait to read the next. Once at Sakura we sat in a cozy corner table for 2 by the window. I gave her the second card, which she loved. After dinner we walked to Musser Park, where she received her third card. At Square One she read the forth card. Only one left…I was in a hurry to get to Lenox Lane to present the last card and the roses.

When we got to Lenox Lane, I gave her the fifth and final card. I also pulled out the 25 roses I had hidden the previous night. Once she read the card, I got down on one knee as she started to cry. With the prettiest diamond ring I could buy in my hand, I asked her, “Corinna Dee Bitterman will you marry me?” It took her about 1.5 seconds to respond with a definite “YES!”

We both see God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy very clearly in our relationship. It is the only way we are where we are. It was a long and windy road for both of us, but God lead us every step of the way. He has been so faithful to us!!!

We thank God for John and Cori – and for His wonderful work of entangling their hearts with each other, and for their evident love for Jesus Christ and his church!