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We first met at a Salsa Dancing Social. After months of dancing and getting to know each other, we had our first date. As we learned more about each other, we realized how we felt at home with one another. It was the Halloween season, so we enjoyed getting dressed up and attending Halloween salsa socials and family friend Halloween parties. We were falling in Love.
At Thanksgiving time, Reena began talking about Joel with her other family members with so much excitement. Reena introduced Joel to her brother, and they hit it off immediately. When Reena invited Joel to meet her parents, Mom gave Reena the Thumbs up. It was Christmas time and there is a cute little ornament with Reena’s picture that Reena had made at school in the first grade. We were decorating our Christmas tree, and Joel took that ornament and placed it at the very top of the tree. Reena’s heart melted and her family invited Joel to our larger family Christmas party where he was immediately welcomed with open arms.
That same Christmas, Joel had invited Reena to his family’s church for their annual Simbang Gabi Mass. This is a Christmas tradition within the Filipino community where Joel’s whole family was present. It was so wonderful to meet Joel’s family in such a beautiful setting. Shortly after, Joel and Reena would attend Joel’s family church on Sunday’s after Dance class, and then meet at his parent’s home for Sunday Dinners.
The following Easter, Joel took Reena to the Easter Vigil, which is the Saturday before Easter Sunday. She learned about the RCIA process where she could learn about the Catholic Faith and be confirmed as a Catholic. That fall, she enrolled in the program and Joel sponsored her. As they went through this beautiful journey together, Joel proposed that following Fall. The following Easter, Reena was confirmed as a Catholic, and Reena and Joel were married that Summer.
Favorite color: Green
Favorite food: everything
Favorite animal: Our Dog, Cocoa!
One word that describes you: Goofy
Fun facts:
I can dance Salsa, Bachata, Cha cha, Cumbia
I played the piano and trombone for about 12 years.
I used to sing in the college choir.
I like Sci-fi movies and tv shows, including Ancient Aliens
I like shopping for menswear.
I love Chocolate
I recently earned my Master’s Degree in Supply Chain
Joel's sister and her husband live 30 minutes away. She has 2 children that are enrolled in college and one child in High School. They are very supportive of our decision to grow our family through adoption. Cocoa has always gotten along well with their family, and their dog Luna. Joel's Mother lives in a retirement community 10 minutes away. We like to get together for special occasions, like recently when Joel's nephew became an Eagle Scout. We also enjoy getting together for the Holidays, either Christmas Brunch at one of our favorite restaurants, or a fun meal at home. Joel's extended family also lives in the area and will gather together for special occasions such as baptisms, holidays, and birthdays.
Favorite color: Pink
Favorite food: Mexican Food
Favorite animal: Our Dog, Cocoa!
One word that describes you: Caring
Fun facts:
Like Joel, I also enjoy dancing Salsa, Bachata, Cha cha, Cumbia
Cooking is my creative outlet
I really enjoy my career in Information Technology and Love playing on my Computer!
As a child, I took Violin lessons. Our orchestra got to play at the opening of our local Target Store!
I enjoy watching Star Wars Movies/Series and Marvel Movies/Series
Reena is very close to her Mother, Step-Father, Brother, and Step-Father's Side of the Family. They all live in close by and frequently get together for special occasions. Reena has always been particularly fond of her Aunt. She has always looked up to her and we get together with her family more frequently. She is married with 3 children. Reena's Step-Grandmother lives 10 min drive away and we tend to stop by from time to time to visit as well. Cocoa loves playing in her backyard. Reena's Parents and Brother only live 30 minutes away. We frequently visit each other for impromptu meals and gatherings. We love to get together to watch sporting events and they love to keep Cocoa for the evening whenever we need our date night.
We live in a comfortable 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome with a finished basement. The patio opens up to our private patio and open green space for plenty of play. There is a view of playground from our home. Our neighborhood is very diverse, full of lots of children, and very pet friendly. Our neighbors are very social and really look out for one another. We live in an excellent and very sought after school district. We live very close to several Catholic Churches, some with Mass in Spanish and Polish. Our County is very well known for their beautiful parks and hiking trails. We absolutely love where we live and taken advantage of the parks and hiking every moment we get. There are several local farmer's markets in the area that we enjoy exploring. When we are relaxing at home, we enjoy snuggling with Cocoa on the couch and watching our favorite movies. We had purchased this home with the dream of growing our family here.
