“From Saturday rehearsals to saying I do,” How choir sweethearts, the Ajayis found love doing the Lord’s work

When Mr Ajayi newly joined the choir of his Lagos-based church, the mission was clear. To use his gift in conjunction with other members of the team to sing praises and win souls for God’s kingdom.

He was obviously committed to fulfilling that divine mandate as he sought assistance when and where necessary to grow spiritually and find his way around the choir routine of his new church.

He sought assistance from an established female member who was also desirous of helping him grow. While at it, they talked and waited behind to put the church in order after rehearsals.

Those little extra efforts soon made them found of each other and in no time, they became really close friends. The rest as you may rightly guessed is now history. It’s been 11 years since there part crossed in the Lord’s vineyard and nine years since doing life together as husband and wife and still rooted in that divine service and mandate.

You want to hear the full gist? Here you go!

 

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Mr Ajayi: We met during choir practice at a church in Lagos. I had just joined the choir, and I was still trying to know everyone. I got the opportunity to really speak to her properly the day she stayed back to help arrange the chairs and clean up with few other members after rehearsal. I honestly didn’t plan to wait that Saturday but when I saw her…I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by.

Mrs Ajayi: I didn’t notice even him immediately because I was focused on choir activities. We started talking more when he asked me for help with some songs. Our friendship grew from those little conversations after rehearsals.

 

2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?

Mr Ajayi: I knew when I saw how she handled my family. During a family gathering, the way she made everyone comfortable and most especially she connects easily with people. I remember going home that day and thinking, “This is someone I can build a home with.” because she is just my direct opposite in that aspect. I find it not really easy to connect or mingle with people.

Mrs Ajayi: For me, it is how he always handle difficult situations. He won’t panic or blame others. He will just stay calm and look for solutions, and that gave me confidence in him.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Ajayi: We have been together for 11 years.

Mrs Ajayi: We have been married for 9 years.

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?

Mr Ajayi: We don’t wait for special occasions to show love. We make normal days special.

Mrs Ajayi: We also understand that marriage changes with time. We keep learning what each other needs at different stages of life

 

5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?

Mr Ajayi: She is just so good with dates and detail. My baby  remembers even the littlest important information about me, us. Another uniqueness of hers is how romantic she is. She is always pulling one surprise or the other.

Mrs Ajayi: He likes to involve me in his plans. Even when it is a small decision, he wants to know what I think. One funny habit we have is that we still debate over who is the better cook.

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

Mr Ajayi: At the beginning, we thought keeping quiet would make issues disappear. We later discovered that talking about things is better.

Mrs Ajayi: Now we don’t allow one bad moment to make us forget all the good things about each other.

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

Mr Ajayi: She celebrates my small victories. Even when something looks ordinary to others, she makes me feel like it matters.

Mrs Ajayi: I love how he makes efforts to make life easier for me. He notices when I am tired and tries to help without waiting for me to ask. It makes me keep falling in love with him all over again

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

Mr Ajayi: One challenge was learning how to manage different responsibilities at the same time. Marriage, work and family can be demanding.

Mrs Ajayi: We overcame it by learning to communicate better and understanding that we were both trying our best.

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

Mr Ajayi: Don’t only love the good side of your partner. Learn how to stand with them through difficult seasons too.

Mrs Ajayi: Give each other room to grow. People change as life happens, and couples should grow together.

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Mr Ajayi: Grace

Mrs Ajayi: A journey of two people who keep choosing each other.