Well, our story began as all the most romantic Indian love stories do....our parents set us up. We both got on that first call a bit jaded and wanting to get it over with but, God had something else planned. We are just as surprised as anyone that we found each other and fell in love despite literally having an ocean between us. HER SIDE When Abel first texted me to get on a call - truth be told, I was really enjoying my auntie era and was really not thinking that someone my mom brought was going to be my husband. But, I was tired enough to try something different and so despite having a crazy schedule and leaving for Portugal in a few days we scheduled a call and I waited...and waited...and waited. Guess who was late? I was annoyed but, I remember the words of a wise friend and decided that it wasn't that serious and not to take it too personally and I am so glad that I did. Over the years, many have asked me what kind of man I am waiting for and I can truly say that God has blessed me with someone beyond my wildest imaginations. Abel is someone whose love for the Lord and others I admire and am inspired by, we are always laughing and his curiosity and imagination always surprise me. I feel lucky...or as he always corrects me - I am blessed. HIS SIDE 27-2-2025, First time i texted her. 19-3-2025, First time she called me. it was so comical. I just kept shooting questions at her left and right. The more I heard the more I started liking. She checked all my boxes - other than that she was not in India. She is on fire for Lord, prioritizes holistic well-being, bold yet yielding, talented and smart yet relies on God. She is so beautiful, such a perfect balance of cuteness, silliness and charm. But I was also sad that she is not in India and all I ever understood about doing life was in India. So, by the time we hung up, I thought this might be our last call. However, God had other plans. From the day we talked I grew restless. I kept myself busy with church, work, community etc but the restlessness was not leaving me. That is when I started to pray to God for direction. And as always, He talks -not just personally, but through people, thoughts etc. From people that I am not even connected personally with God was encouraging me to pursue this Godly woman. But I was scared, "what will I do outside India. I have only served God here and never thought of doing it anywhere else." But God was like "the one who has called you is faithful," so accept it. I remember on our second call, how I was so sure that I basically told her that I am going to marry her - Only to freak her out :D. But then as I see our journey and how we both submitted to the Lord in marrying someone outside our comfort zone. God honored us by strengthening us to walk in His will daily. I feel so blessed now and will grow in that feeling, I believe - because the One who has called us is faithful.