Our Story
The BTS
Summer 2022
It all began one fateful day in London. Summer 2022 : Gabriel, being bitten by the travel bug (when isn't he?), visited London for a weekend of fellowship & adventure. Finding himself at the British Museum, he soon overheard a tour guide giving Biblical presentations of artifacts. Deeply intrigued, Gabriel stayed close behind the group. Among this group was Ross Ponder - Mary’s brother. He struck up a conversation with Gabe and boom! the bromance was born.
The Meeting
Fall 2023
After a year of vetting, Ross connected Gabe and Mary. September 1, 2023 : Gabe sent the first message. Instantly, they clicked. Their first FaceTime lasted hours. As did the next one.. and the next. Before they knew it, they were talking every day. The Lord sparked a connection that even distance couldn’t hinder. They bonded over their love for the Word, constant pursuit of laughter, zeal to make Christ known, and overly-dramatic natures. November (the month they planned to meet in person) could not come soon enough!
The First Date
November 2023
November 22, 2023 : Their countdown finally concluded. They met at London Gatwick with shaky hands and the warmest hug. Over coffee, they soaked in the beautifully surreal moment they were sharing. They were mesmerized by the beauty of God’s sovereign hand leading them here. They explored London hand-in-hand, dreamed out loud in Hyde Park, and shared the gospel with a couple on the train. They got to spend a few beautiful days together dancing in the kitchen, playing with Mary’s nieces, and reading the Word over vanilla oat milk lattes. Their see-you-later was teary as Gabriel boarded the plane back to Scotland.
The Proposal
March 30 2024
A few months (& flights) later, Mary traveled to see Gabriel for the Easter weekend. He met her at the airport with roses and a beaming smile. Edinburgh was blooming and unusually sunny. March 30, 2024 : Gabriel & Mary wandered around the city until they met up with some sweet friends. Tucked away yet neighboring Arthur’s Seat, the garden they went to was covered in luscious greenery and cherry blossoms. Mountains descended into Duddingston Loch behind Gabriel & Mary as their friends snuck away to the trees. His words for his beloved were beautiful, sweet, and eloquent. As he got to his knee, he asked his bride-to-be: “Mary Irene Nancy Klein, Will you marry me?” Easiest YES. Ever.
The Engagement
Present Day
Navigating an inter-continental relationship has been an interesting journey. The most challenging part to date has been the visa process to legally become husband and wife. As we await on approval for the K-1 visa, we are only solidifying plans that can easily be changed. The Lord has so evidently showed His kindness to us in this season. His guidance has given us hope and peace in this time of waiting. Please pray with us for a deeper contentment in Christ no matter what He chooses to pass.