Carmen and I first met at a college fellowship at our church in Irvine. Because of my quiet and reserved nature, we didn’t have much interaction or deep conversations when we initially got to know each other. That began to change when we were both appointed to serve on the committee for a fellowship retreat. This gave us a chance to spend more time together and really get to know one another. What surprised me the most was how natural and comfortable it felt to talk to her. I found myself wanting to share more about myself—something I don’t usually do, as I’m not someone who easily opens up. Over time, as we spent more days working together, my feelings for Carmen grew stronger. In November 2009, our relationship blossomed from friendship into something much more—we officially became a couple. During our dating years, we experienced many highs and lows together. Due to personal circumstances and my own stubbornness, we spent a large portion of our relationship in long-distance mode. The moments when we could spend time together in person became very rare. I was often conflicted—on one hand, I wanted to see her more, but on the other hand, I didn't feel comfortable residing in San Francisco especially when I couldn't find a permanent job and it became extremely frustrating. During this time, I felt lost and frequently prayed to God, asking if this relationship was still part of His plan. In 2017, I made a big decision to move back to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I didn’t communicate this decision well with Carmen. The physical distance between us grew even greater, and our relationship seemed to drift further apart. Then, in 2023, Carmen told me she was willing to try moving to Hong Kong and look for a job here. I couldn’t believe it. I asked God, “Is this real? Is this Your plan?” By His abundant grace, our long-distance relationship of over ten years finally came to an end. We were finally able to see each other every day. On Valentine’s Day last year, while we were in Taiwan, I proposed to Carmen. It was a moment of certainty for me—a decision to step into the next chapter of life together with her. And now, here we are, ready to begin our forever.

On a memorable Friday night during my college years, the Livingstone Fellowship hosted a welcoming event for newcomers. Having recently moved to Irvine, I decided to attend, hoping to meet new friends. Throughout the lively event, Jeffrey remained largely unnoticed by me until I was preparing to leave. A kind brother in Christ introduced us, mentioning that Jeffrey was also a dedicated member of the fellowship. I didn’t pay him much attention then, as he seemed engrossed in his own pursuits. Two years later, the dynamic between Jeffrey and me began to subtly shift. We were both appointed to coordinate a fellowship retreat, working alongside other experienced members. This provided me with a unique opportunity to truly get to know him. While collaborating with him on the committee, his voice, filled with thoughtful conviction, captivated my interest and sparked a desire to understand him better. His confident presentation of ideas and his remarkably logical mindset genuinely amazed me. What astonished me the most was realizing that he could engage in extended, meaningful conversations. I came to understand that he values genuine connections and seeks to form meaningful relationships with people. As some of you might know, I dislike superficial interactions and empty chatter. He possessed the key to my heart. Our relationship gracefully blossomed from friendship into a loving romance in November 2009. During our dating years, we faced numerous challenges together. Our shared stubbornness, fueled by pride, and our individual passions for chasing ambitious goals created a situation where we were unwilling to settle and live in the same city. Our long-distance relationship became the most significant obstacle. It began with a manageable distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco, transforming my boyfriend into a 'holiday boyfriend.' Later, when he decided to move to Hong Kong, our relationship evolved further, from a 'holiday boyfriend' to a 'seasonal boyfriend.' In 2023, I felt a compelling urge for change and a desire to embrace a new challenge in life. Therefore, I made the pivotal decision to move to Hong Kong, effectively ending our long-distance relationship and allowing us to resume a more traditional couple's life. On Valentine’s Day last year, Jeffrey proposed. In that magical moment, I felt an unwavering certainty that I want to spend the rest of my life with this extraordinary man.