We met in the midst of unthinkable circumstances through the most unexpected means. Christian was living on the mission field in Guatemala when he tragically lost his wife, suddenly finding himself a single father to two young boys while navigating grief and a completely new reality. At the same time, Abby was over 2,000 miles away, returning from the mission field in Mexico and prayerfully seeking the Lord’s direction for the next season of her life. Somehow, in the middle of all of that, we both created profiles on Upward—a Christian dating app. It was Christian’s very first day on the app, and I had decided it would be my last. Even though we had our filters set for local matches only, we connected from over 2,000 miles apart, leaving us both amazed. As we began talking, we quickly discovered how much our lives overlapped: serving in medical missions throughout Latin America, life in villages among tribal communities, a shared love for ministry, simplicity, and the way the Lord had shaped our hearts through similar experiences. What followed has been more than two years in the making. After months of conversation, we met in person and sensed God forming something meaningful between us. Yet, because of where Christian was in his grief journey, it became clear that it wasn’t the right time to move forward. Communication paused, but affection never faded. We continued to pray for one another, to think of one another often, and our families held space for that hope as well. Over the following year, our communication ebbed and flowed, rooted in a deep friendship and genuine care for each other’s well-being. What began again as a rekindled friendship slowly grew into an intentional pursuit of a future together. During the 2025 holiday season, we spent time together again, and during our visit, we both experienced overwhelming peace and clarity. God’s confirmation felt unmistakable. We knew we were being invited to step forward together—on a foundation that had already been laid over years of prayer, patience, and deep mutual respect. Though we had fully surrendered to the possibility that God’s best for us might not be one another, He instead revealed that our stories were meant to be joined. With gratitude and a desire to steward what the Lord has shown us, we have chosen to commit to one another. After years of distance, waiting, and trust in God’s timing, doors have opened for an accelerated engagement, and we move forward with joyful confidence. As we step into this next chapter, our hearts are full—thankful for God’s faithfulness, for the friendship that carried us here, and for the peace He has given us as we join our lives together. Our hearts are not only full of gratitude for what the Lord has done between us, but also for the continual love, prayers, and support of those who have walked alongside us. We truly believe your prayers have been instrumental in shaping our story and sustaining us along the way. It is with deep joy and thanksgiving that we share this answered prayer with you and invite you to celebrate our union as we step forward into this next chapter, trusting in the Lord’s continued faithfulness.