Memo: Witkowski Apple Engagement Announcement

When the darkness of April’s death swept across my soul, all but the tiniest pinpoint of hope disappeared. Everything hurt. Everything from the writing of my dissertation to the microwaving of chicken nuggets for the millionth time was marred with bitterness. Though I knew God to be all wise, all good, and all powerful, my circumstances much like Job’s seemed to tell a different story. The pain stung so deeply, I longed for the escape granted to many a faithful martyr. But I knew that was not to be my path for God had called me to care for my children and my church family. Many a late afternoon, I would walk between the deserted pews of my church audibly questioning the Lord. I could not see how anything good or profitable could come from such pain, such sorrow, or such brokenness.

During that season, a kind, old professor after discerning my intent to remarry remarked with subtle confidence, “God will do something really good for you Peter.” I too had read Ephesians 3:20, and intellectually assented to his sentiment. But I could not imagine how that could be…how darkness could ever give way to light.

In time, I once again began charting a course through that strange and rocky land known as “Christian dating.” Though I encountered many a godly woman worthy of respect and admiration, none of their hearts contained the providential contours needed to transform two into a unified whole. Discouraged, I defaulted to that thing which I should have done more of all along. I prayed.

And as I sought divine wisdom about how to proceed, I sat down to a farewell luncheon with a faithful colleague and friend. Somehow or other (and to be fully transparent – much to my liking), the conversation turned into a review of my dating life. The friend then encouraged me to consider one more name, Jenny Apple. As we reviewed her LinkedIn profile and my friend described how Jenny’s range of character enabled her to do everything from serve on executive boards to bounce babies on her knee, a wave of pure joy swept through my soul. More than ever before, I knew I needed to ask that beautiful woman out.

Over the next several months as we climbed mountains, met family, and went to church together, my impression gave way to a settled determination to marry her…a determination also shared by my dear children. The night they first met Ms. Jenny, one of my kiddos lacking the word for ‘proposal’ dropped down on one knee (thankfully out of Jenny’s view) and said, “Dad, you know… you should do this tonight.” Though I did not propose that night and have had to warn my kiddos against proposing on my behalf on multiple occasions, I too share their admiration for the amazing Ms. Jenny!

Jenny possesses a generosity of spirit, a humbleness of character, and a sharpness of mind that makes her a jewel beyond value. To converse with her is to converse with that joyful wisdom that can only be found in the deep well of biblical knowledge and faithfulness. She also possesses a seriousness that can engage the most complex of interpersonal issues and a playfulness that enables her to connect with kids as jump waves and build sandcastles at beach.

Perhaps most marvelous of all, divine providence has shaped the contours of her heart in such a way that they fit perfectly into the boundaries of my soul. As I have stepped into Jenny’s world and she into mine, we have both at felt home. Indeed, few things feel as gloriously right as spending a day with her walking about Capitol Hill or having her curl up with the kiddos for family movie night. The kind, old professor was right, God is do something really good for me. He is cementing my heart to Jenny’s!

Wise king Solomon once said that “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord (Prov. 18:22).” I can joyfully say I have found such goodness and favor in the glorious Jenny Apple. I love this beautiful woman without qualification or nuance!

Operating on this knowledge, I did what biblical reason, wisdom, and love demanded: I asked the amazing Ms. Jenny to marry me while kayaking the Shenandoah River on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

 I am happy to report that she said, “Yes!”

We are engaged to be married!

For more information on the Apple Witkowski wedding visit our Knot page.