You could say it all began when Grethe was a wide-eyed first-year student, standing in worship, heart full, but focus completely gone. Across the room stood a fourth-year HK with a guitar in his hands, someone she barely knew but couldn’t help noticing. Christopher probably looked right past her at orientation, but in that moment, something quietly sparked in Grethe’s heart: he was a very attractive man. For a few years, life carried on. They crossed paths here and there, but nothing much happened, until one evening when Grethe was unexpectedly set up as Chris’s blind date for a dance. It was a fun, memorable night, full of laughter, but when Chris got back to his room, he told his roommate, “She’s a very cute girl... but just too Afrikaans.” So they stayed just friends. But Chris being Chris, he couldn’t help himself when her birthday came around. In typical playful fashion, he decided to throw Astros individually through her res room window as a joke to say happy birthday. A reference to the snack she gave him at that aforementioned dance. A lighthearted moment, until the next day when melted chocolate was discovered all over her room. Suddenly not so cute... Their friendship grew over time, and in Grethe’s third year, she moved into a Digs with a few close girlfriends and one very special feature: a piano. Chris, being musically gifted, often visited to, "play piano". Eventually, her housemates sat her down for a little reality check: “Grethe, he’s not that committed to his piano career, and he's not here to visit us, he’s here for you.” They’d noticed it, the way he’d linger at her door after playing, striking up long chats while she studied. Sometimes for half an hour, sometimes for more. And then, finally, he asked her to coffee. On the advice of friends, Chris knew to tread lightly. Grethe was a little frightened of big words like love or commitment, so he carefully avoided them. Instead, strategically opting for, "I want to get to know you better". And after about three weeks, Grethe told him she felt the same. Things continued until there came a long-distance twist: Chris called her while on mission in India. Little did he know, but this allowed Grethe to finally click, this man was serious. In fact, the moment his feet touched South African ground again, he asked her out on their first official date. And on that very date, he asked her to be his girlfriend. Her answer came with peace. A yes. And so began a journey built on friendship, patience, and faith. With Jesus as their cornerstone, they began to build something real. Through the wind, the rain, and the waiting, God has been faithful, writing a story greater than either of them could have planned. And the rest? The rest became forever the day Chris dropped to one knee in Church Haven, and Grethe said yes all over again!