It all started with a lofty list of ambitions… Ashlyn’s sudden desire to get a passport, with no place to go! Fortunately, two weeks later New Hope Church announced that they would be going on their first mission trip in June 2025… another heart-felt desire of Ashlyn’s. During this time, Luke was in the midst of transitioning as a missionary from Guatemala to the Dominican Republic. He moved to the DR two weeks prior to Ashlyn’s arrival. The mission trip was amazing but oddly, Luke and Ashlyn did not speak to each other. Their observing eyes did all the talking with an occasional gaze here and a glance there. Three weeks later, Sylvia, another mission team member, loved the Dominican Republic so much that she was returning this time for vacation, and to Luke’s surprise, she invited Ashlyn! Luke knew this was his God-given second chance! Shortly after Ashlyn’s return home to Florida, her and Luke began the art of conversation on the phone. There were HOURS of WhatsApp video call dates. After many meaningful conversations, a few holiday visits and some road trips, Luke proposed to Ashlyn in January 2026… and she said YES! The two of them recognize that God allowed their paths to cross and believe that He is truly in the details. ¡Gloria a Dios!