Funny how the unexpected becomes reality and hopes that were once dashed come back. At the time of November 2017, I had practically given up trying to find someone through online dating and blind set-ups through friends. All the time and energy was draining in putting my own personal effort without seeking the Lord earnestly on His provision in this part of my life. After that, I decided to focus on what's in front of me: God's ministries, my family, and my own self-improvement. Towards the end of January, I received a random, out-of-the-blue text from my friend, Stephanie, who asked if I would be interested in being set up with one of her closest friends in Philly. Shocked and nervous, I didn't respond back right away, but spent time praying and then texted back the next day. I decided that perhaps this moment might be an answer to my prayer back in November and got Ling's number the next day. Who knows the mind of the Lord? I waited about two weeks before contacting Ling for the first time. I thought to myself: "I'm not in a hurry to dive into intense, probing conversations since there is no reason to rush based on past experiences." Through several brief phone calls and video chats, I felt a strong connection to Ling as I found out more about who she was and how God had grown her faith over the years. We agreed to communicate weekly from then on. Eventually, we decided that we needed to meet in person to determine whether or not these phone calls and video chats could amount to something, so I flew out to Philadelphia to meet Ling in mid-March of 2018. Though there were many awkward moments during the visit (I blame Ling for most of those), we knew we wanted to pursue this relationship further... And the rest is history!

4 years ago- Steph: "You know, Ling, my home church in Chicago has a lot of single godly men." Ling: *pretended to hear nothing as she looked away* 2 years ago during a camping trip- Steph: Ling, your resourcefulness reminds me a lot of my friend Matt. I think you two could be a good match for one another! Ling: Ehhh, no long distance. 1.5 year ago during a kayaking trip Steph: I really think you and Matt would be a good match Steph’s brother Timmy: We should invite Matt and Ling to our next hiking trip (failed). Other mutual friends: Agreed in silence Ling: Heck, why not! I love recounting the story of how Matt and I met and ended up dating. It is rare that long distance set-ups have the potential to work out, but our story felt like it was a testimony of God at work in our lives, sowing seeds over the years when we hardly knew of each other's existence. Despite the 668 miles in between, Matt was intentional in how he pursued a relationship with me and assured me that distance, time, and money would not deter him from getting to know me. He was indeed a man of his word and demonstrated this by visiting me in Philly every month and scheduling Google hangouts a few times per week. During my first visit to Chicago, Matt planned lunches and dinners with several good friends so that I could meet and get to know some of his close friends. As I watched him go grocery shopping, chop up veggies for hot pot, and plan out the details of the visit, I saw how much Matt cared for his community. It was a beautiful sneak peek into how he had invested in other’s lives and how others had cared for him in the past. From his faithfulness in serving in his youth group ministry and caring for his friends and family, I came to see how Matt was a man after God's heart who loves and obeys God above everything else. I cannot wait to be sharing this life journey with him.