let’s get married!

Bekah and Peter first met during his sophomore year and her freshman year at Wheaton College. They found themselves falling into the same crowd of friends, and spending increasing amounts of time together; little did they know, they were also falling into love. Their undeniable chemistry was only slightly tempered by the fact that Peter was on the path of transferring to another school, all the way in Spokane, WA, at the end of the school year! The groups they spent time in grew smaller until time together was one-on-one. A spring break apart, however, provided the reflection time necessary for a "defining the relationship" conversation the first night back on campus. From there the couple enjoyed two months of going on dates in the same state before it was time for the next phase of their relationship... long-distance! Peter and Bekah's lives changed in one night, goodnight hugs giving way to goodnight phone calls. And just like that, they were forced to cope with 14 hour time differences amidst weeping and gnashing of teeth. And though the distance never got easier, their love grew stronger than the miles that kept them apart. Over the next year and a half of phone calls, weekend flights, and letters (yes, real stamped and mailed letters!), Peter was determined to see the city and country that had raised Bekah into the woman she is. The fall of 2024 was spent mailing and e-mailing important documents so that Bekah could apply for Peter's Chinese visa at the consulate in Chicago. Initial roadblocks and requests for more documentation were frustrating, but the Lord answered prayers and mercifully granted Peter's visa in time for his winter break. A few days after spending Christmas with his family, Peter flew to China and made his way to Bekah's beloved hometown of Taiyuan. The week was filled with fun introductions, lovely tours, and delicious food. Unbeknownst to Bekah, the week was also filled with plotting, conniving, and master-minding on the part of Peter and Bekah's parents. Peter suggested a walk to the park one afternoon and Bekah naively agreed. The walk started off more eventful than planned, as Peter broke a key in the front door of Bekah's house while they were trying to leave! After letting Mom and Dad know, they shrugged and continued on their way. They were quickly met by a bike repair man whose shop was on the way, and he had a rose for Bekah! The path down the street was graced with more flowers, one from the dairy store, the neighborhood fruit vendor, the local convenience store, and the dry goods shop. A dear childhood friend of Bekah's was waiting on the pedestrian bridge that crossed over to the park, bearing even more flowers. A moment of wandering by the beautiful river later, Peter got down on one knee and asked Bekah to marry him. (Spoiler Alert! She said yes!!) With so many smiles and happy tears, the couple spent the following week sharing the news with loved ones (pst! that's all of you!!). And now they can't wait till the day they'll celebrate their love in a commitment to one another before God and everyone. They hope to see you there!