Hiro and Dongming both studied at University of Minnesota. They met at a Baptism class at Stadium Village Church in June; Dongming said to herself, "What a genuine smile he has, just like a child!" But they didn't start talking until September. Dongming needed some funiture for her new apartment, and Hiro invited her to check out an extra futon at his place. Home-made Japanese curry, apple pie and ice-cream for dinner, and a night-long conversation-- that marked the beginning of the story. Hiro thought to himself, "This is an interesting girl. I want to go biking with her."

Hiro went back to Japan after graduation, and their relationship became a long-distance one that was full of challenges. About 3 years later, their story came to a pause. Hiro later moved to Austria for a new job, living in a town called Egglesburg, 40 minutes' from the hometown of Mozart. Dongming still stayed in the U.S. and has lived in MA, TX and WA. During their time apart, Hiro and Dongming learned the beauty of patience and trust-- thanks to the grace of God.

About the same time last year, Hiro and Dongming felt like talking to each other again. He sent her photos on his trips; She wrote him a letter of invitation. While both thought it must have gone missing, the letter arrived in Austria 2 months later-- maybe after a round trip around the world. Finally, they flew into Minnesota where they first met, and decided that their story should continue from then on.