Matt & Mel met in 2007. Matt asked Mel to marry him in 2009. Matt & Mel are getting married in 2010.

Sounds easy, right?

Well, the journey was much longer. But well worth it. Read about the best three years of our lives.

How it all began......

Mel and I first met in California (not in China). Hopefully, the previous sentence already confused you:) In 2007, we both signed up for an experience in China for 5 weeks. Little did we know, we would both be on the same team.

Our team had training in California, then flew to China for the remaining time. She admits to being attracted to me first (don't let her tell you otherwise). In all reality, we started out being friends. I had no idea that she was potential beyond that. Background information: I never thought that I would marry an Asian. She never thought that she would marry a Caucasian. But God does have alternate plans and a sense of humor.

After a few weeks (and probably some flirting), we began to develop an interest in each other. Did we actually talk about it? Did we confront each other on the matter? No. Not at all. It took our team leader sitting us side-by-side to pull it out. Flushed and bedazzled, we accepted the romance that was (and still is).

Two weeks later. Almost time to leave China. This was my chance to make a move. To steal the show. To win her heart. So, I began writing a poem. My first ever poem. I still remember reading her the poem and looking into her eyes. It was unreal. And then it happened. Our first kiss. That moment will forever be imprinted in my mind.

While sitting on the plane (heading back to America), we couldn't help but wonder how this long-distance relationship was going to work (She is from Calgary, and I am from Florida). We trusted in His plan but knew the difficulty ahead.

The dating relationship lasted three months. Lots of phone calls. Many skype sessions. And a handful of emails.

His timing is perfect. Unfortunately, this wasn't the season for us. Hard to swallow but a lesson that needed to be learned.

How God prepared the way......

Mel spent the next two years at university. She held onto God's promises. Promises that many people didn't foresee coming to pass. It was during these years that she decided to chase after Him.

He would become her heart's desire. And there was no greater love. Nothing that I (Matt) could ever fill.

Meanwhile, I moved away to China. Without having the distraction of a relationship, God began to teach me a few things about myself. That I needed to pursue Him intentionally. In other words, stop coming half-heartedly to My throne. Give Me your all.

During these years, I began to appreciate community. silence. university students. culture. and transparency.

Fast forward to winter 2009. I kept asking friends to think about teaching in China. I even suggested my university. Mel was one of those people who belonged in China. Her heart is for that country. Also, maybe part of me still longed for that companionship (don't think I knew how much).

An orchestration only from Him......

August 2009. Mel & I are in China again. Just typing those words makes me in awe of His goodness. Except this time, things get more serious. You are reading this story from mywedding.com:)

We start dating on September 19th. Basically, weeks after she arrives in China. Then, the brainstorming begins in October for the engagement. What a roller coaster ride of events in such a short span.

Plans for the engagement:
1) Learn how to play the guitar.
2) Write a song for her & sing it.
3) Ask her marry me in Chinese & English.
4) Record thoughts & prayers in a journal. Surprise her with it during that night.
5) Throw the greatest engagement party afterwards.

By the grace of God, all of the above took place. There was nervousness. There was excitement. But there was also confidence that came only from Him.

November 25, 2009. The day that we will never forget. Nor should we. It was more than we could have ever imagined.

For you see, these three years have been wonderful. Better than anyone could have expected. But, there is good news.

"The Best Is Yet To Come". And He wouldn't have it any other way.

- Matt