Mark grew up in the town of Goa in the province of Camarines Sur, south of Luzon Island, in the Philippines. Fun fact, the islands of Caramoan... Mark's local beaches, is where “Survivor” was shot (one of Bianca's FAV shows). He enjoys the thrill of exploring the outdoors and mountains on foot or by motorcycle. His solo adventures prepared him well for travels abroad and mission trips. He loves anything spicy; the higher the spice level, the better. When he was younger, his go-to binge-series was Star Trek and cartoons like JI-joe, Batman, X-Man, and Spiderman. Now as an adult, he loves series like NCIS, Bones, and 911 and still goes for any new Star Trek movie or series. Give him some land and some time, and he'll turn it into a farm with animals, vegetables, and a garden. He took up a nursing degree at Universidad de Santa Isabel in his home province but had to stop his studies in his third year and start working to help provide for the family. This led him to find work in the capital of the Philippines where he heard the gospel and got discipled. As his relationship with Christ grew, so did the clarity of his calling to serve the next generation and go to the nations. However, to be able to challenge students, especially in their academics, he realized that he had to have finished a degree as well. He went back to university, this time taking up a bachelor’s degree in business with a major in financial management. There were challenges along the way, but with the help of the local church and its foundation that helps students finish their studies, they came in to help until he graduated. He came to serve in full-time campus ministry in 2013 and obeyed the call to Panama in 2019. Bianca and Mark were introduced to one another during an online meeting for team Panama. Mark met Bianca for the first time in person when he picked her up from the airport when she first moved to Panama in September of 2021. Mark remembers that day at the airport and said, "things changed when I met her in person in Panama and felt drawn toward her. I am amazed whenever I hear about her faith, adventures, love for God’s people, how she has served, love for God and her willingness to go as the Lord leads. These were things I deeply prayed for and felt like we’re being fulfilled right before my eyes. We have gone from teammates to close friends, and now engaged towards forevermore."

Bianca grew up in a small town on a small farm in North Carolina. As a child, she loved to explore the outdoors and play sports. She still loves some good competition and nature walks... especially if there is a river nearby. She went to college at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC where she studied Hispanic Studies and Public Health. It was her first year at ECU that she made the best decision of her life and gave her heart to Jesus. Throughout her time in college, she was active in her campus ministry and grew in her relationship with God. Her sophomore year she would study abroad in Argentina and every summer she would go on various mission trips to Honduras, Peru and Nicaragua. Soon she realized she was in love with Latin America. The culture, the people, the food, all of it! She knew she wanted to live in Latin America one day but wasn't sure where. After much prayer, waiting, a pandemic, more waiting and many many zoom team meetings she was able to move to Panama and work as a campus missionary at the University of Panama. It was here that she met Mark. At first, he was one of her teammates on the zoom calls, then he was the guy who came to pick her up from the airport, then her best guy friend, and then her fiance! "To my family and friends back home... I am so excited for you all of you to get to know Mark. I never thought I would find a man like him. He really is the man of my dreams. He speaks 4 languages and has done ministry all over the world. He LOVES sushi, pho, and fried chicken as much as I do. Some of my favorite moments with Mark have been our walks in Parque Omar... our version of Central Park. I love how calm and patient he is. Things dont bother him as easily as they bother me. He is solid and steady. His love for Jesus is so real and genuine. I cant wait to have him as my partner in life. God knew what he was doing when He brought us together. I cant wait to celebrate the start of this new season with you all, whether it be at our Greenville reception or our wedding in Panama <3 Love you all so much."

Technically Bianca and Mark met over zoom! In preparation for the Church Plant in Panama, The pastors and leaders had meetings over zoom to strategize and plan for the missionaries to move there. They did student events through the pandemic and got to know one another while living in different countries. Though Bianca and Mark had seen each other on those many many zoom calls the first time they met in person was at the airport in Panama when he and a few others came to pick up Bianca upon her arrival to the country!

It was Biancas Birthday and they had planned to go to the beach as a team to celebrate. Bianca knew that she wanted to marry Mark but she had no idea this would be the day of the proposal. Mark coordinated with friends there in Panama as well as with family and friends from all over the globe to make this a memorable and special day. He managed to keep all his plans a secret and they enjoyed what Bianca thought was a normal day at the beach. After spending some time in the sun and playing in the water, they went to get lunch together as a team. Mark got Bianca a birthday cake and made her a birthday banner. So when they came back to the beach they told her that they had a surprise for her! She came back to the umbrellas where they were sitting on the beach and the birthday sign was there! She was so happy and smiling huge. Mark then told her he had another surprise for her and blindfolded her and led her down the beach. When they took the blindfold off there was the beautiful chocolate cake, a bouquet of fresh flowers and everyone surrounded her singing “Cumpleanos Feliz”! Bianca was thrilled and thought this was the whole surprise! Mark had planned to walk her to another location on the beach where some of the guys helped him map out a heart and a walkway with rocks in the sand. There he was going to propose to her with a huge sign in the background that said “Will you Marry Me?” But at the moment he just couldn't wait any longer!! Right after the birthday song finished Mark dropped to one knee and showed her the ring! Bianca was TOTALLY surprised! Then they showed her that her family and friends were on a zoom call! Her jaw dropped! Then he walked her to the spot where he had planned to propose. It was so beautiful! Everyone was so excited and smiling and laughing. When they got there, Mark got down on one knee and acted out the proposal again for the photo opp! They both gathered together with their team and received prayer right there on the beach. Even though the weather predicted thunderstorms, God gave them the most beautiful, perfect day for this proposal!