The seeds of friendship were planted by a stimulating argument about predestination. Later, both received Wendell Berry's The Art of the Commonplace for Christmas, and they decided to read it together and discuss it via e-mail. A year - and a few books - later, Joel was looking for something to do in January, and Caroline suggested (among other things) the following:
-OR You could come to Vancouver and take a few courses at Regent. [...] But be warned that If you came to Vancouver, I'd probably want to date you.
That was the best offer he got.
