We met in Dublin, Ireland in June, 1996, both interns at the U.S. Embassy. Our assignments overlapped in Dublin by only three weeks. We began a friendship that neither of us knew would lead to marraige five years later.

We parted ways after three short weeks, and kept in contact by letter and email. Destiny seemed to bring us together in San Diego, where we became engaged in 1999. Preferring a long engagement, we were married on July 4, 2001, in Mertztown, Pennsylvania.

We chose July 4th for many reasons. We were brought together by the 4th of July. Rob's embassy internship became employment to finish working on a project, thanks to a resourceful and interested boss. That project was the visit to Ireland of the USS John F. Kennedy for the embassy's 4th of July celebrations. If the internship haden't extended into employment, we would have missed each other completely. Jen arrived the week before July 4.

We also have the joy of fireworks for every anniversary, as we had at the beginning of our relationship. So July 4th it was, and a short distance from where our country's founders debated the Declaration of Independence.

After more than five years together in San Diego we could not pass up the opportunity to work in international development in Zambia, where we are now. Our story will continue to unfold as time goes by.