Sam: If someone had told me years ago that my greatest adventure would not be across oceans or in faraway cities, but in the heart of one woman named Penninah… I would not have believed it. Maybe rolled my eyes, laughed and wondered internally, “Me? Settle down? Not likely.” And yet, God’s providence has a way of surprising us. Together: Our story began in March 2022, when our parents—already dear friends—introduced us at a season when both of us were being nudged toward the future. They thought it was the perfect time for their “eligible” children, and you can imagine our enthusiasm. Still, being the obedient children that we are, we agreed. Penninah: Enthusiastic is not the word I’d use. Our first “introduction call” was supposed to be polite and brief… but it lasted two hours. Mostly because I interrogated Sam like a job candidate—rapid-fire questions about faith, family, hobbies, values. But that one call was the start of hours of conversation, laughter, and discovery. Something was unfolding, though neither of us could name it yet. So... when the chance came to stop over in Delhi while visiting family, I arranged to meet him. May 23rd, 2022. Mission: figure out if he was worth the hype—or if I was imagining the heart connection. Sam: She calls it a mission. I call it destiny. On May 23, 2022 there I was, my 6’2” freckled self, waiting outside the Delhi airport-with my parents, of course, and a tiffin box of sandwiches and quiche. I am sure we were both trying to be nonchalant, but then she walked out,... and for once, words escaped me. Penninah: I was speechless as well! It was awkward at first, yes. But also, strangely natural. What followed was a week of bonding over small joys and deeper conversations, and by the end, he knew I was unlike anyone he had ever met. And, I admitted that I liked him. Though, in true Bollywood style, our story needed a little drama. A few months later, long-distance took its toll, and we decided to part ways for a season. I told myself it was for the best, and that was that.
Sam: Correction: she thought that was that. But me? No. I knew she was it. There was a quiet certainty. So, I stayed steady and patient, not chasing. Penninah: Scripture teaches us that often in shifting seasons, the best moves are made by waiting, and by waiting well in The Lord. And that is what we did. Sam remained patient, steady, and infuriatingly sure of himself. Honestly, he reminded me of Mr. Darcy—he knew what he desired and quietly waited with dignity. Sam: We stayed in contact as close “friends”, me not realizing her heart was quietly shifting and waiting. Fast forward two years. September 2024. I finally worked up the courage to bring it up again—casual, of course, but with quiet confidence. To my surprise and joy, she was already waiting for me to say it, her heart ready. Go figure. The friendship returned, stronger than before, and laughter once again filled the spaces between us. Penninah: When he finally asked again, I knew. It wasn’t fireworks—it was peace. The quiet, steady kind that says: “home isn’t a place, it’s a person.” And somehow, against all odds, that person was Sam. And on May 23rd, 2025—three years to the day after our first meeting—Sam got down on one knee in KUL, and asked the question that had long been waiting in his heart. This time, with joy and peace, I said yes. Together: Looking back, we see now that this story is not simply ours, but the Lord’s. In His kindness—patiently weaving our stories, closing doors until the right one opened, and giving us the grace to wait, He brought two families and two hearts across oceans together. Weaving a love that is steady, joyful, rooted and growing in Him. And so we begin this new chapter with gratitude—first to God, and then to all of you who walk with us. Sam: So here we are. Penninah, my greatest adventure. And to our friends and family—thank you for reading, so please RSVP yes. Come celebrate this love with us and be part of our joy!