However, a week before their blind date, Mark learned of a suicide in his family that sent him into a downward spiral of sadness and depression. Ksenija was a Godsend and immediately encouraged Mark to see a therapist and invited him to come to church with her. Although Mark was initially reluctant, he decided to move forward with both of her suggestions.

One year before meeting Mark, Ksenija had called off an engagement with a great guy she loved but felt God calling her to walk a different path. Through therapy and a period of loneliness, she trusted her intuition and waited things out.

As they dated, one of the things they loved to do was go on walks. They would walk their dog, Jones, while talking about life, their future together, and their love for encouraging others. They walked together most nights after dinner, even on days when they were tired or had an argument, knowing that walking would always help move things along. They continued their walking habit when Ksenija became pregnant and even adopted another dog named Ollie to join their pack.