How did you two meet? When they started at the University of Florida, David was struggling with his new ID card in the elevator to get to the graduate-level floor of the library. Yihan walked in with her friend Catrin, who helped David figure it out. As Catrin and David chatted, David couldn’t help but notice Yihan. The three of them "studied" together, but mostly talked the whole afternoon. Catrin, sensing the vibe, excused herself, leaving David the chance to ask Yihan to dinner. By the end of the night, they weren’t romantically interested, but remained friends. When did you realize you had special feelings for each other? Yihan, Catrin, and David became great friends during their first semester. When Yihan excitedly shared her winter plans for NYC, David realized that she'd be traveling for over 24 hours from China with two full suitcases and arriving late at night at Queens – you can see why he might be concerned. David offered to pick her up and hit the town—Christmas decorations, Time Squares, and the Met. Little did they know, this trip would spark new feelings between them... What was the start of your relationship? David was doubtful about pursuing a relationship with Yihan at first - until they found ourselves stuck in another town. They went to a drive-in movie theater with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. When everyone else was leaving, they decided to stick around to see part of the next showing. They had their fill and were about to leave, when suddenly the front of the car shook and the engine cut – the car broke down! Jump-starting didn't work. It was too late to call in a tow, and Yihan didn't have her passport. David still felt conflicted about his feelings, seeing as he would likely have to take care of Yihan for the weekend and need to work closely with her. He prayed, asking whether this relationship was ok. Immediately, he felt overcome with assurance. And that’s how it all began! To this day, they still believe that God broke his car down. What shaped your journey together? Faith has been the lamp of their journey, as they sought the Lord, prayed often, enjoyed fellowship, and studied the Scriptures. Yihan became a Christian with her own faith journey. David felt sought the Lord through prayer, discussion and discernment. They found much support with local churches and fellowships. Much support - and wonderful friendship. Their families helped to guide their convictions – thus driving them to seek the Lord more, Who knit a firm cord between them. They also embraced their cultural differences, made compromises, and learned what truly mattered. They supported each other through challenges, learned from mistakes, cherished what each other valued, and formed lasting friendships. Their love stayed firm, whether long-distance or across the street. How long have you two been together? About 4½ years. How did the proposal happen? David convinced Yihan that they were going to see the bat houses with friends – and it worked famously. He got all of their friends in on it, coordinating them like special agents. “Do you want to go a little early for a walk along Lake Alice?” — Perfect. They strolled together as the sun began to set, and found the hidden way into the woods, and an intimate boardwalk on the lake. Yihan didn’t realize what was going on until David stopped—his voice a little shaky, but full of heart. “Is this where it happens?” she thought. He proposed his love to her, and knelt on one knee, holding a bright red rose, with the glistening ring nestled on top. With a mixture of joy, elation and peace, she said, “YES!!!” Yihan took the rose into her hands, excitedly waving it back and forth... and flung the ring off the boardwalk! David dove for the ring immediately – thankfully it was easy to find. He then, gently, slid it onto Yihan’s finger. They couldn’t help but laugh at the little mishap, jumping up and down with glee, cherishing what mattered. This is their story.