It was a beautiful relaxing Sunday afternoon. The sun was shining bright and a touch of Spring was in their air. We made our way to In-N-Out, our little hamburger paradise. I stood amongst the crowds, next to the ketchup stand to be precise, gazing at the families eating and laughing together. I was guarding my territory. Divide and conquer is our motto. It’s tough finding a table at In-N-Out especially on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. The people continued to pour in and the orders continued to ring out, “Number 37! Number 37, your order is ready!” I waited anxiously as my number was getting closer and closer and there was no open tables in sight. Thankfully, my imaginary thoughts of having to stand while eating my one of a kind In-N-Out cheeseburger with secret sauce were interrupted when a stranger approached me. “Is your last name Prokopets?” he asked. My initial thought was, “Wow, this stranger just said my last name perfectly and effortlessly.” Yes, I can understand why that is an odd initial thought but when your name changes from Mirth to Prokopets you can understand why. Nobody gets it right and most aren’t even willing to try. But quickly my thoughts transitioned to something more typical, “Oh, I wonder where he knows me from? Probably church.” Many of our church members seem to flock to In-N-Out for lunch. With a big smile I responded, “Yes! How do you know me?” He answered, “I follow your blog. My name is Ben. I actually emailed you a few weeks ago.” OK…well I almost lost it but composed myself because he was a stranger and I didn’t want to scare him off. I tend to do that with people. I mean I almost scared off my own husband the first time we met with all of my enthusiasm (that’s another story). I stuck out my hand and introduced myself to the gentleman that just absolutely made my day, made my week, and heck, will probably be the highlight of the month.
I walked away absolutely stunned. My thought bubble then began to fill rapidly — my thoughts were racing. WHAT!!!! Strangers are actually reading our blog? I know my friends and family have to because they love me. But Ben, Ben said he returns and he doesn’t even know me. Oh my gosh!!! It was a simple friendly gesture from a stranger but for me it was a little slice of confirmation from God that this dream is real and He is making things happen. I don’t believe in coincidences.
Ben, thank you so much for visiting our blog and for your encouraging words. I’m so happy that you came up to me on Sunday and introduced yourself. You are no longer a stranger but a friend. Hope we run into you again sometime and get to chat longer. My question for the rest of you is: Who else is out there? Who else is reading? We want to meet you too! Leave a comment. Send us an email. Or come find us on Facebook here and here.
12 Comments so far
Don’t you just hate it when people read and don’t comment? I don’t recall how I stumbled upon your blog, but I love it. You guys are great! And, I too, believe that God is a God of purpose and not coincidences.
Amen to Patti!
I love blog comments.
I love you, Candace — and I don’t read because I have to
I read because you and V are amazing, what God is doing through the two of you is amazing, and because He is amazing!!!
This blogging stuff is new territory for me but I love this blog. It’s my favorite! God is good and will continue to bless you because you are doing amazing things in His name.
This is such an awesome story, I’ve had people from CPC come and introduce themselves because they recognize me from your blog too
I love your blog and I love you guys!
I’m out there! Love your work
Hi Candace!
I would be so stoked to have someone come up to me out of nowhere like Ben– Congrats!! 
Your work is wonderful!
God works in some pretty amazing ways. I love it when I suddenly have one of the “Ah-ha” moments and I know it’s his work in motion.
Greetings from NJ!! I stumbled unto your blog thru J* ‘s blog a while back. Im a secret admirer of your work, it’s absolutely great, you guys! and especially the writing, I can just imagine myself right there with you! God has truly blessed you both!
So neat to meet you guys in such a random way! Keep up the great work.… looking forward to reading more/seeing more in the months to come!!
Your blog is real, as are you and V. Thanks for the email today, and so thank you again, here in a public forum, for allowing God to be visible in your work.
For the record, I stumbled upon your blog from a comment you left on Jasmine Star’s … as a neophyte in this business, I’m looking for ideas and inspiration, and your blog –with it’s artistry and honesty — is bookmarked and looked at daily. Thanks for that.
Also for the record, your Grand Canyon shots were awesome! I think that’s when I commented first. Keep it up
Brad Peters
bradpetersphotography.com
Riveside, CA
I’m out there and reading. I know V from Ukraine (his father and mine were very close friends for a long time) and got to know Candice through a friend Inna, who’s V’s relative now (I was amazed how C loved Ukrainian cooking at V’s Grandmother’s house, heard those stories and a lot more).
I read your blog all the time, but I comment rarely. Will do a better job with commenting.
God bless you in your work.
Great now my niece is famous. V get the tools out and widen the front door for that head comln’ through. Love you guys, I read because I’m family.