We're getting married!

Jay-R, as is his nature, went above and beyond to make this special occasion an unforgettable night! After a night of praise and worship in Zion City of Worship Church, full of anxious and excited youth, Jay-R kicked off the engagement with birthday wish videos from Kayla's friends and family. Following these heartfelt (and some crazy) videos, Jay and some youth joyfully danced a song expressing Jay-R's heart and playful character. Since it was Kayla's birthday the day before, Jay-R's best friend, Ephraim, serenated her with beautiful lyrics as one-by-one, pastors, youth, and Jay-R's family said their birthday wishes with 29 symbolic long-stemmed red roses, representing Jay-R's age. There was one rose missing and what's a birthday without a cake? At the end of the line, Jay-R made his grand entrance with a rose and a birthday cake. Nervously he made it to God's altar where Kayla was seated expecting a "Happy Birthday" cake. No such thing happened. With a single candle, Kayla's favorite red-velvet cake was decorated with a simple, classy solitaire diamond ring, with the question that would change their lives forever. Before God's altar, a very supportive congregation, and Kayla's parents blessings, thousands of miles away, she said YES! And so was the beginning of this wonderful adventure.

This story is definitely not a "love at first sight" but it is a story handwritten by the Creator of all beautiful things. Kayla had traveled to the Philippines for three weeks with the sole purpose of doing God's will and finding her place in this missions field. After two and a half weeks of being in Naga, just days before her return home, there was an unexpected spark. While praying and working at the church, almost simultaneously, Kayla and Jay-R felt what they had never experienced before and knew this was pretty crazy. They continued to work together without sharing that feeling with each other until the night before her departure. Stories were shared, unexpected feelings were expressed, and specific prayers began. Even though the relationship has been difficult due to the 8,000+ miles in between, EBEN-EZER! Love really does conquer all!