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For all these reasons, courting was out of the question at that particular moment. For about three months, our schedules did not permit a
face-to-face introduction. Carl and I knew about each other, but did not have the opportunity to meet. Carl was going back and forth to

Miami to clear up hurricane-related issues. Plus, he was busy traveling across the country to visit his children Keith, Alyssa, Keiva, and

Kevin.

Following their tradition of many years, Maurice and Beverly Jenkins, who were from Pittsburgh, had a gathering at their home after Watch

Night Service. There was great fellowship, food, and fun. This time, however, I decided to stay home. Kamili had gone to Miami to visit
his father, which was an annual trip. So, I was home alone and enjoyed every minute of it. On this night, I had my Ebony and Essence

magazines to read, my Oreo cookies, and my butter pecan ice cream. All this would accompany me as I watched the various New Year’s

Eve celebrations on television, including the dropping of the ball at Times Square in New York City. Not long after I got comfortable, the
Jenkinses called to ask if I was coming to the gathering and I said, “Not this time.” Beverly replied, “Girl, you had better come because Carl

Whatley is going to be here, and you know you two have not officially met.” My goodness, I wasn’t in the mood for meeting him that
night. She continued, “Girl, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to miss out on this meeting.” I was just not feeling it and I said, “Goodbye.”

In about ten minutes, my other friend called and said, “Trish, you better get over to Bev’s house and meet dat man.” I said, “Chile, puh-

leeze.” Then, Beverly called back to tell me that her husband said he would come to get me (I’m sure she prodded him to do so). Then, she
added, “Carl can take you back home.” I finally said, “Okay” because I didn’t want to drive fifteen miles late at night and then have to drive

back by myself, especially on New Year’s Eve.

Now, according to Carl, when I arrived that night on December 31, 1991, he knew we would be a couple. The introduction was smooth.

Just as Beverly said, he had gorgeous eyes and a wonderful personality. I thought he was a great-looking gentleman. After the gathering, he
drove me home, and we talked freely. He asked if we could have a date. Since I, too, wanted a fine Christian man, I tested him by suggesting

that our first date be at Macedonia Baptist Church for Bible study. He agreed, without hesitation. The second date was to dinner, and our

times together went on and on until he proposed. On September 5, 1993, we were married – eight months after being introduced.