The first forty years of the US Peace Corps were framed by the agencies three goals: (1) provide technical assistance to underserved communities; (2) share the understanding of Americans abroad; and, (3) bring an understanding of the world back to America. However, the often peace corps volunteers joke about the unofficial fourth goal: (4) Find a husband/wife How did you meet? On July 8, 2018, we began Peace Corps training in Barranquilla, Colombia. We arrived not searching for love, but life had other plans. In a small meeting room at Hotel Manzanares, Caroline thought Sal was cute, while Sal admired her fiery red hair—until she said, “Your fly is down.” Despite the awkward start, we quickly bonded during a language activity. Our combined Spanish was so poor that we were sent to Polonuevo for “extra practice.” Polonuevo wasn’t glamorous. Isolated from the rest of the cohort so we could catch up on language skills (we were the only two arriving without speaking Spanish), we lived with bucket showers, power outages, and long, hot afternoons in the plaza. But it was here we truly connected. We swapped stories about growing up in Mexican families without speaking Spanish, our college misadventures, and our hopes for the Peace Corps. We quickly realized we were kindred spirits. Our first date was at Polonuevo’s *authentic* Chinese restaurant, where fried rice was the item on the menu. It felt like fate. Caroline, raised in Virginia, had traveled all the way to South America to meet someone from her mom’s hometown of El Paso. It was an unlikely match, but it felt right from the from the first bite of shrimp fried rice. Adventures in Colombia After training, we were placed in separate sites, but distance couldn’t keep us apart. We took any form of transportation to see each other: canoes, motorcycles, hitchhiking in semis, and buses packed with livestock. We made every effort to be together. We explored Bogotá’s vibrant markets, hiked to Ciudad Perdida, and visited villages along the Río Magdalena, where time stood still. Colombia was an exhilarating whirlwind. Some days, we got lost in unfamiliar towns, the air thick with salsa music and street vendors. Other days, we sat side by side, sipping cold beers, listening to vallenato blasting from neighbors’ speakers. Even during blackouts, we found joy in simply being together. The challenges of living in Colombia only strengthened our bond. There were times we struggled, but we learned we could face anything—as long as we had each other. Building Our Future When we returned to the U.S., we left behind the romance of novelty in Colombia—but what we gained in Washington, D.C., was greater. Together, we built a cozy home filled with laughter, surrounded by amazing people, including our roommates, Kobe and Josh. While our love for travel remained strong, it was the quieter moments that became the heart of our relationship. Walking the dog, celebrating holidays, and sharing meals brought us closer. As we grew closer to each other’s families, our bond deepened. The resilience we built in Colombia became the foundation for a new chapter in the U.S. The Proposal After five amazing years, Sal planned a proposal that reflected everything Caroline loved: simplicity, family, and surprises. During Labor Day weekend in 2023, Caroline came home from dinner with Sal’s parents to an empty rooftop. Sal, excited but sweating through his shirt, led her to the garden. Nervously trying to remember his words, he got down on one knee. Before Caroline could fully process what was happening, her mom, brother, grandmother, and best friends emerged from their hiding spots. Overwhelmed with joy, Caroline said yes. Soon, more friends joined, and the rooftop was filled with laughter, champagne, and happy tears. Surrounded by loved ones, we celebrated this beautiful moment, marking the start of our next adventure. Whatever the future holds, we know we’re ready—side by side.