Mary had been praying for her future husband since she was a young girl. Praying that God would bless him, protect him and provide him wisdom. In 2022 she began praying that her and her future husband would not be infatuated with each other right away, instead she asked God that they would first be good friends. In March 2023, Mary went on a mission trip to Mexico. There, she met Ryan - just another member of the team. In July, Mary returned to Mexico with another mission team - where she again bumped into Ryan who was beginning an extended ministry stay in the country. One evening, after a day of medical clinics the group went out to enjoy authentic local street corn, “escites.” After sizing up the portions, Ryan offered that he and Mary share a plate. Mary made sure to clarify that the shared plate would have "no strings attached" due to the team having an inside joke about shared food symbolizing interest in each other. Skip forward to November, the two found themselves on the same team once again. This time in Egypt. Ryan had gone out early to explore the possibility of long term ministry. After deciding he felt called to move to Egypt the rest of the team arrived. Through the course of the week the two grew closer and began to notice one another in a different way. At the conclusion of the trip, neither one of them was sure what happened in Egypt or even if they were interested in the other person.. but they knew their friendship was… different than before. Three weeks later, they officially started dating on a consecutive mission trip to Mexico. Dreams of the future and future ministry quickly grew- starting with a conversation about the need for a church plant in French Polynesia. As the days went on, the Lord made it clear that moving to Egypt was not in His plan for Ryan.. but getting to know Mary further was. Through His provision trips were made to meet both families and a mission trip to French Polynesia ensued in mid-March. Amidst the joy of the trip to “paradise” to explore the need for a church plant and ministry to the Tahitian people, Ryan got down on one knee and made things official. They may always be uncertain of what happened in Egypt but they can be certain that the Lord brought them together in a way that’s “better than a hallmark movie.” Likewise, they may be uncertain of what the future holds, but they take refuge knowing the Good Father holds it in His hands.