It is sublime to contemplate that we met that day through a perfectly designed series of events like the spectator who delights in the composer's work joining single notes to build a beautiful symphony… and yes, we know our composer's name: The Father. We have both dedicated our lives to Jesus serving others from our countries, and Orbis Ministry was the point of convergence. However, we both needed a little help, to be honest: Mike, with his persuasive skills, and Ken, with his wisdom, proposed the stay with the team on this trip. Everything was built even before we realized what was happening. We met one sunny December morning as the Orbis Ministry mission team was gathering to leave for the sightseeing trip preceding the week of service and passion we were about to experience. The missionary team already had an introductory dinner the night before, but John had problems with his flight and arrived at midnight, so that morning, when we met at the hotel entrance, we didn't know we were part of the team, but John didn't hesitate to have five seconds of courage to introduce himself: "Hello! I'm John. I think we haven't been introduced yet", and I answered his greeting, dispelling my doubts that this unusually attractive missionary was part of the team and who knows?! What would lie ahead. Well, now you know what was ahead. Even though on the missionary trip, we focused on serving, with no interactions other than slippery glances of admiration and joy at what the Holy Spirit was doing, on the last day, we ventured out to have lunch together; that could not be completed because the taxi that it would take him to the airport arrived earlier, but that daring attempt was enough to want to maintain a long-distance communication that would lead us to discover in a short time that this six-day meeting was not a lost note among silences, it was a symphony.

On 6/14/23, we had been together for five weeks - 10 days in Costa Rica for Genesis’ wedding and Costa Rican adventures, then to Kansas to feel what everyday life would be like. We found ourselves busy while in Kansas doing everyday life together. I’m not sure if it was ever said, but this time together was a test of sorts to see if we could be together for the rest of our lives. We both passed each other’s test! The time together was filled with Joy and an ease of being together that we both knew we wanted for the rest of our lives. One thing we found out is that María is a planner, and I am not so much! Two weeks before the proposal, I went to get the engagement ring made and was thankful the process, which was supposed to take around two weeks, only took seven days. This was important because on 6/15/23, we went to Ohio for a ministry trip of sorts, and on 6/18/23, María would be flying back to Costa Rica. So, if you are following the timeline, the proposal happened the day before we left for Ohio, and María would be returning to Costa Rica. In other words, it was last minute! (John doing). Nevertheless, it turned into a special moment for both of us. We went to my parents’ house for a picnic by their lake. I got all the picnic supplies picked up after work. María loves soup, so I grabbed six different kinds - I might have been nervous. The evening’s weather was perfect, and the scene was peaceful and filled with God’s glory. We both knew what was coming, but I was still extremely nervous. I kept thinking, ‘When is the right time’?! Finally, after some small talk, some worship, and then prayer, the big question was asked! And, of course, we wouldn’t be here if she didn’t say yes! Thank God! We are beyond excited about our future together and the proposal is one of many ways God has been blessing us.