The year was 2019, Sunday morning, church, worship… There I was, just moved into the U.S. going to an American church for the first time in my life, getting used to worshipping in English, when I felt the urge to take a look at the congregation (I know you do that too), and I saw this “boy”, second row on the far left, one hand on his chest and the other one raised high, eyes closed, worshipping the Lord. At that moment I instantly thought to myself “That’s the type of guy I want to get married to one day.” At that point, marriage wasn’t on my mind, and I thought it would take me a lot of years to find someone that I could actually get married to, but, wow, at that moment… Everything changed. So, that’s when I started crushing Aaron, it wasn’t because of his looks, I had no idea who he was, what his name was, absolutely nothing, nada! It was his heart for worship, his love for the Lord that captivated me. From there I spent almost a whole year praying, waiting, had my highs and lows, and like never before my relationship with the Lord grew so much throughout 2020. It was so worth it! Waiting for what God has prepared for you is the best thing that you could ever do. God had put us together for a reason, and as we started dating and our relationship grew we saw how well we fit together, how we were able to connect in almost every way, having someone to do life with, share thoughts, pray together, and so much more is something that I never want to take for granted, marriage is a gift from God. Well, how we started dating is a long story, if you like we can grab a coffee and I can tell you all about it! (That would take a couple of hours, just to let you know). One thing that you can take away from this is that God is faithful, He will honor His promise to you, don’t look at your circumstances, but look to Jesus, and have faith.

One of my journal entries from Dec. 19th, 2020 reads, "I pray for my future wife. Bless her and protect her. Prepare us both to meet each other. Help us both to keep our eyes on you, Jesus." Another from Jan 12th reads, "Send me my wife, Lord. I'm ready. I'm ready to give you all the glory through my marriage and do life with a helpmate" I realize now that God was only stirring a desire He put deep in my heart, preparing me to meet the woman He created me for. And little did I know, I would start to fall in love with that woman the very next week. In 2020, I had talked with Rebeca briefly a couple of times, but didn't really start to see her heart until I was invited to have lunch with her and her parents (2 days after my last journal entry!) I accepted and got to know her parents a little more. After I was invited again the next week for some other convincing "reason", I realized her parents wanted us to spend as much time together as possible. I also caught on to the fact that Rebeca liked me, although she didn't let it show that much. I loved that part of her. I really started to like this girl, and at this point, it was her genuine and honest personality that got me, that was confident being herself even in front of me. I was then invited to an amusement park the very next week. After spending the whole day with her, I can definitely say, without sounding cliché, that "I fell in love". We talked for hours and I had never before connected with a girl at this level. I saw her incredibly genuine personality, faith, maturity, and the kind, sweet and loving heart she had for others, especially her parents. This wonderful woman God created caused me to write a one-page list right when I got home of all the things I loved about her. I had no idea I could get along and like a girl so much!

As soon as I could, I called my parents to tell them I met the woman I've been waiting for. As I began to read my long list and try to convey just how beautiful she was to me, I started to cry to the point I couldn't speak. I was not expecting that at all, and I realized the Holy Spirit was only confirming in my heart to pursue Rebeca. Not just for a casual, dating relationship, but to pursue her because she was the one I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I didn't expect that kind of confirmation, but I took it to heart and asked her out the very next day! Here we are, one year later, ready to make one of the most important decisions of our lives, and we can't wait to do it. God is so good, and his plans, ways, and timing are always perfect. Trust Him, put your faith in Him, and He will show you the great plans He has for you!