JUNE 2024: THE PERFECT MISS In June 2024, Ssiala was meant to visit Australia for the very first time. When her trip was unexpectedly pushed back, she was deeply discouraged. What she didn’t know then was that God was quietly at work, using the delay to teach her patience and humility. But that delay was actually never a setback. While she was meant to be in Australia that June, Paul was away. Had everything gone according to human plans, their paths would have never crossed. She finally arrived in Australia on April 10, 2025. And so in God’s perfect timing, Ssiala met Paul – the man she would one day marry – the beginning of a love story written long before either of them knew it had begun. — APRIL 2025: SHOOT YOUR SHOT Before their story unfolded, hesitation lived on both sides. “I don’t know her – why would I ask her out?” Paul said to his friends as they encouraged him to ask Ssiala out for coffee. After some careful thought and reflection, Paul slid into Ssiala’s DM, inviting her to grab lunch. “Going out with him doesn’t mean that you’re going to marry him. Just get to know the guy,” her friends reminded. After weighing the advice carefully, she took the chance. Paul brought Ssiala to Sorrento. They walked along the pier for an hour, talking and laughing, then sat down to eat lunch. Afterwards, Paul got the famous Vanilla Slice for dessert to take home. That’s when he discovered the surprise – Ssiala wasn’t actually a fan of sweets. All that effort for the iconic treat… and she didn’t even want it! In the three days that followed, Ssiala found herself thinking why Paul had asked her out. Thankfully, before her flight back to the Philippines, Paul invited her to brunch. It was during this time that clarity emerged: they agreed to pursue one another intentionally, with marriage as the goal. They promised to honor each other with honesty, committing to say no immediately if either sensed it would not work. And just like that, LDR began. — JULY 2025: EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Pressure built as Paul’s visit to the Philippines was nearing. Neither was certain where the relationship was headed. But God revealed something simple and reassuring: they enjoyed one another’s company and were willing to continue the pursuit. — SEPTEMBER 2025: REALITY CHECK It was now time for Ssiala to step into Paul’s world. They experienced days of ease and days of challenge which God used to press the truths of the gospel into their relationship, teaching them to consider one another more significant than themselves. — DECEMBER 2025: HE DON’T MISS With meticulous planning and a heart full of certainty, Paul surprised Ssiala and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes. — Through God’s providence, every twist, turn, and pause in life brought Paul and Ssiala to each other. His hand was at work in ways unknown to them, weaving their paths together with unquestionable timing. “You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet there are many more than can be told.” (Psalm 40:5)