After both doing DTS (Discipleship Training School) programs in New Zealand (Peter in October 2019 and Shali in January 2020), we both felt called to return to the same base to join the staff team, but had to wait for the international borders to re-open after the Covid19 shutdown. We both returned to New Zealand to start the call as missionaries with YWAM, which we have now been doing for the past 3 years. During our first school staffing together, Shali was thrown into the deep end working alongside Peter who was leading our Pilgrimage backpacking DTS. We certainly got to know each other very well as friends through hiking and working together. It took Peter a rather long time to figure out that he liked Shali as more than a friend (with some prompting from one of his friends back home). Once he eventually figured it out, he asked Shali out (on the 2nd time of trying) in April 2024 and once she had regained the ability to walk in a straight line (from the shock that Peter had actually asked her) she said yes! Since then we have been navigating how to date in a community setting (which can be quite difficult). We first met each other’s parents over video call which led to us inviting each other to come and meet both our families during the YWAM base break in August/September 2024. This was a cool experience but also a slightly nervy one to meet the others' family for the first time (especially for Peter who knew that he wanted to ask Shali’s dad for her hand in marriage in person which would be in the first 10 days of meeting him). Fortunately, Peter managed to do it and Shali’s dad said yes! Whilst they were meeting Peter’s family in Jersey, he took Shali up to the coastal cliffs overlooking the sea and got down on one knee, (which then left Shali momentarily unable to use her legs again :) and she said yes! (whoo) This past engagement year we have been praying about what and where God wants us to be for this next season. As of now, we will be living in Jersey after the wedding and figuring out married life. We are pushing on a few doors and ministry opportunities as we both feel a call to be in some type of ministry/missions for the long term. Love you all and so excited to have you join us in the celebration of our marriage! Peter & Shali