My dad would take us for family walks in
the evenings after class and we’d pass
CIU’s core values engraved in rock. I’d see
those rocks so much their words became
engraved in my heart, too. Then we’d
head to The Pointe. Sunsets sure are
lovely there.
By the time I as in middle school in 2007,
my dad began pursuing his doctorate
and for the summer we returned to live
in a house on the old “Faculty Row”
with more than one excited “are we
there yet?” coming from the backseat
as we drove straight south toward CIU.
Little did I know that I would meet my future husband
that summer. We were thrilled to hear that the Marrah family of Ohio with
six kids moved in next door. The dad, Todd Marrah (2009), was also studying for his doctorate.
After meeting the Marrah kids, excursions to the lake were planned together and our game size doubled; five of us, six of them.
Jacob was my age but I was too nervous to really talk to him; love had not awakened yet. As the years went by our families kept in
touch, and Jacob and I did too.
After dating for a few years, I moved to Ohio and we joyfully tied the knot on July 25, 2015. I would have never guessed that of
all places on this beautiful earth, God would have me meet my husband at beloved CIU eight summers ago. A CIU banner now
hangs in our kitchen and it makes me smile.
We serve with the Columbus, Ohio Dream Center’s inner city kids program, and desire one day to return to CIU to be real
students on campus. We love CIU and what it stands firmly for.
“To Know Him and Make Him Known.” That’s what it’s all about. A life motto, not just a university motto. CIU, we’re thankful for you.
Editor’s Note: Today, Dr. Rick Martin serves as the superintendent at Calvary Chapel Christian School in Las Vegas, Nevada,
while Dr. Todd Marrah is the superintendent of Tree of Life Christian Schools in Columbus, Ohio.
CIU Supporters (left to right) Dr. Rick Martin, Annette
Martin, Abi Martin Marrah, Jacob Martin, Jana Marrah,
Dr. Todd Marrah (Photos provided by Abigail Marrah)
<<< Little did I know that I would meet
my future husband that summer. >>>
11
CIU Today
www.ciu.eduA CIU SUMMER LOVE BLOSSOMS