Through family, we were introduced to one another’s profiles, and immediately, we knew this was different. We each had lists of characteristics we wanted in a partner, which we were praying for. From the get-go, our list seemed to be coming alive in the other person! We also had so many things in common, sparking the curiosity to learn more about each other. This led to the next chapter of our lives where we started texting. It was one thing to look great on paper but we each wanted to make sure the other was not “too good to be true,” so we entered this very cautiously. Even from the first video conversation, we started uncovering more commonalities and had a sense of peace to continue to get to know each other. Over time, our calls lengthened, our relationship grew and it became more evident that this setup was orchestrated by our maker.
To be totally honest, getting to know each other and being in a long-distance relationship in the midst of the global pandemic, clubbed with being in different time zones and not being able to meet each other in person was extremely difficult for the both of us. The next few months included countless hours of video calls, surprise gifts, celebrating birthdays, and meeting each other’s families virtually. The next logical step was to meet each other in person to make concrete our decision in continuing to build our relationship. As most countries’ borders were closed, we decided to meet in Dubai, the halfway point, when Becky decided to leave Australia after almost eight years and return to India.
DUBAI!! To be real, after many hours of flying to get to Dubai, it was definitely “awkward at first sight” when we met each other in person at the airport, not knowing how to act or what to say. We quickly warmed up to each other and picked where we left off from our long distance/virtual relationship, while getting to experience the wonderful sights the City of Gold had to offer! Through prayer and time together, we understood that this was meant to be and that God had certainly prepared us for such a time as this.
As we were planning the Dubai trip, I knew we had to make a decision on our future when we were there together, and in prayer. I wanted to make the start of our lives together something memorable, so I planned a surprise proposal with the help of one of Becky’s friends without her knowing. It was definitely nerve wracking, not knowing how the trip would go, or even if she would say yes and I was ready to pull the plug, if needed! But God allowed the whole trip to go seamlessly, much better than what I could have hoped for.
Jeremy executed what might be one of the best surprise proposals in history, which took place a few days after we arrived in Dubai. He organized a yacht to take us into the sunset around Dubai Marina, facing the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only “7 star hotel,” and the largest architectural cross designed in all of Dubai. At sun down, he got down on one knee in the middle of the ocean and asked for me to be forever his. And I said YES! This is one of the most memorable moments in my life and I could not have asked for a better way to start our lives together.
The trip to Dubai was one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives where we saw the goodness of God unfold before our eyes. We knew that this was the start of something new and wonderful together. We are now planning the wedding and our future together, we continue to see the favor of God unfold in our lives. We are so excited to experience and be a part of the story He has authored for us. We wouldn’t be here without our parents, family, friends, and the communities that have made us the people we are today. We are so grateful for their support, encouragement and guidance. We thank each of you for taking the time to read our story and we cannot wait to celebrate the start of our lives together in November. Lots of love, Rebecca and Jeremy