Our Story
We first met in 2018 at our church's Young Adult's Camp- Rekindle. I noticed him arranging chairs captivated by his gentle eyes, while he perceived me as an unfamiliar, proper woman. It was my first time to join a young adult’s camp and I am very excited to relished time with my churchmates especially with our growth group. I look forward on this camp as I just passed the board exam that time and really seeking to rest and for God’s direction. Admittedly, I notice Dan from time to time, from his skilled drumming, and to my surprise his heartfelt life testimony that makes me see the grace and redemption work of Jesus Christ in his life. It was wonderful.
Both in different paths as we pursued careers, him a Full-Stack Web Developer and me starting to practice my profession as a Dentist, I only see him at church as Dan serving in the ministry, while I’m pursuing my faith, growing in love with Jesus together with our growth group, Naturally Beautiful Since Birth GG.
Then pandemic hits on year 2020. We face distinct challenges, pushing us to trust God in our respective season. Dan, a dedicated breadwinner, fulfilling family responsibilities, while I, a career woman, have to stop thinking about my own and learn to step up for our family.
In this individual journey, God worked on my heart, pruning and refining, still working in progress, learning to embrace what God is revealing and teaching me, while Dan, unbeknownst to him, God is leading Dan toward a bigger plan.
On November 6, 2021, our growth group, NBSB, had a surprise bridal shower for our friend Ivy. This was the first gathering we had since the lockdown. Eagerly, we shared our pictures online as we are happy to see each other again. The next morning, I got a notification that Dan wants to follow me on Instagram. Of course, had to accept the request as he is my churchmate. I notice that he seems to initiate friendly interactions on my social media, a very subtle way. He likes my post, and sometimes messaging me on my stories like on the cookie that I’ve bought which he ordered the next week, and took effort to story hoping that I would respond to it, but I didn’t.
Finally, the next month of the same year, December, at Kim & Ivy’s wedding, we saw each other again. I’m part of the bridesmaid and Dan was invited for the band. I tried hard not to look at him nor make a simple action of being accommodating. In my mind, he is cute and hoping to greet him, but my conviction is too strong that I have to guard my heart ever since, I am really elusive and hard-to-get one Ahahahahaha! On the other hand, Dan was so happy to see me. It was the night when he laid his eyes on me and realizes that he wanted to know and to pursue me by God’s grace.
Few months back, Dan is in the journey of waiting and trusting the Lord. In his waiting, he has read the book The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas, the book of having biblical perspective on dating and relationship. This helps him to finally define the woman he should be looking and praying for.
While me, as a woman of “No Boyfriend Since Birth”, for some reason, after all my teenage blushing and butterflies and as I reach 20s, God made a strong conviction in my heart that true love worth the wait and worth protecting, it is pure and sure, it is not complicated and trials may come, but surely love is a gift from God and it is beautiful. From that time on, I prayed and lay it all to God everything about love and relationship. I trusted that the Lord knows me well and He knows what I need. As I reflect on my single life, I praise God, for He brings me the best people, my family, friends and church whom showed true love as I wait for my God’s Best.
After the wedding, Dan continued his social media interaction with me, still in a very subtle but consistent way. Dan as the number one liker and onlooker on my Instagram’s post and stories. Since it’s the holiday season he took the chance to greet and connect with me. Unknowingly, Dan messages Kim and Ivy, trying to know me on a friend’s perspective and letting them know his intention. At my end, I didn’t let my friends know about Dan’s initiative. I’m really kind of protecting people’s feelings when it comes to courtship, for as long as the suitors is respectful, I tend to keep it myself especially if I have to refused them.
But that wasn’t the case with Dan. I like him, and I’m glad he is a man from church. I am sure that Dan is not a NO if he will pursue me but for sure those social media interaction won’t go a long way unless God allowed.
After the New Year’s Eve, I decided not to use any social media platform for a week so he has no reason to communicate with me. The next week, our church’s prayer and fasting which I participated and decided to extend my social media fasting. For two weeks, we haven’t communicated. Dan is not in my mind anymore. In the past, for as long as I stop communicating, the man won’t pursue. I did this not because I don’t like Dan, I like him, but to guard my heart and to protect it was always the first and foremost. I know I’m looking for true love, a true relationship that will lead to marriage and all the more I should be careful in allowing men in my life. I choose to pray and trust God.
On the other hand, Dan is concerned with me as I am not posting in social media. He thought that I’m sick so he messages our friend Ivy to ask how I was. Good thing my friend knows me well that I’m in a social media fasting.
Saturday, during our church’s prayer gathering via zoom, unknowingly we both attended. On the breakout room, to our surprise we are on the same room together with his friend Joash. Dan has the biggest smile, praise God I’m just chill and definitely glad to see him.
Since the breakout room, he consistently carefully messages me, greetings from morning, afternoon to evening. This time I can be assure that Dan has intention but this will be a waiting game for me on when he will tell me. I pray, God you allowed this; therefore, I will trust the process and I will trust in Your sovereignty, I will trust in Your love and care for me.
Five days after, Dan finally declares, in good faith, his intention to pursue me. I am pleased knowing that God answered my prayers. I immediately messages Ivy, she will be the first friend to know, as I thought she is my friend who is possibly closest to Dan, and that how I discovered that she knew everything from the start. I am blessed to have a praying friend like her, supporting our journey from the very start. She prayed for me and celebrated with joy and in faith.
Unfortunately, me and my family was inflicted by COVID-19. Our first date need to post-pone as our family is under quarantine. Me and Dan had our get-to-know each other over video call, though I’m not used to, but it was exciting and every day we look forward to hear each other, sharing our career, life and spiritual journey. I learned that I’m going to date someone who has a big heart towards his family, overflowing in love, gentleness and generosity, with pure joy in serving, patient and remain kind in storm. I am glad and humbled in knowing Dan.
February 7, 2022, Dan came to our home to ask blessing to my parents before we go to our first date. My parents gladly welcome Dan, together with my growth group over chat, joyfully and prayerfully celebrating with me. We go to Café Agapita for our first date. If I would describe it, a one showering beautiful calm morning breakfast date, exactly how we want it. Dan loves the rain and I love the morning breakfast.
On March 2, 2022, we go to Sky Ranch, Tagaytay, for our date and there I finally said Yes to Dan to make our relationship official. I bake cookies for him a night before and thanks to my Kuya Franz who help me on baking.
After a year and 2 months of our relationship, May 13, 2023, with the blessings of our parents and family, Dan proposed to me at Garin Farm, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
In this season of our lives, in God’s providence and perfect plan, beyond my understanding and to what I could ask for, I am blessed that the Lord has given me a journey of love and relationship build in trust and respect, in faith and in prayers, to a right man and in His right time. Indeed, the Lord is good, His love is beautiful.
Love,
Dan & Anj
