It all started with two good friends, one phone app, and a God who works in mysterious ways.

— Austin —

It's 2018. Since my birthday in January, and the gift of a blind double date, Zan had been trying to set me up in Japan. I'd wanted to try dating again, but explaining "my type" so he could help wasn't something easily put into words. Well, after weeks of persistence on his part, I relented and downloaded an app he suggested to better explain what girls caught my interest and why.

— Christina —

After spending Christmas with my family and then returning to Japan, Alejandra and I couldn’t wait to meet up, catch up, and exchange Christmas gifts. While we were out for dinner (at our favorite Vietnamese place), it came up that I hadn’t been in a relationship — or even on a date — in 6.5 years. Upon that revelation, all Alejandra said was, “Give me your phone.” The next thing I knew, she had downloaded an app, set up my profile, and started the matching process right then and there. I guess that's one way to get back in the dating world!

— A —

So, I was tasked with taking screenshots. I rarely swiped right for "like" to be honest but had just discovered how to "super like" someone, swiping up. It meant when my profile came up for that girl she'd see a star indicating I'd already "liked" her. If she "liked" me back then we'd match and be able to chat. Low and behold I see Christina, looking stunning in a white dress, with short curly red hair and honey-brown eyes. Reading her profile I found she was a down to earth Christian from Montana and a lover of coffee and deep conversations. I quickly glanced back through her photos again and before I knew it was swiping up for a "super like!" ...and then instantly shouting "Nooo!" realizing I'd forgotten to take the screenshot! The most interesting and beautiful girl I'd seen, and I had no way of tracking her down. So, I gave it to God. Then and there I said a prayer asking that if it was meant to be He'd bring us together.

— C —

I first saw Austin’s profile because of — you guessed it — Alejandra! She saw him and immediately messaged me, thinking he and I would make a good match. All I could see from her message was that he was good-looking and a strong Christian — what’s not to love? Yet when I clicked on the link to see more, nothing worked! How was I going to learn more about this guy?! Thankfully, a week later, his profile popped up through the app on its own, and there was a “super like” star! How flattering it was to see that! Finally getting to read his full profile and see other pictures, I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to start talking with him… and I’m so glad he messaged me shortly after we’d matched! I was happy to “meet” him, if only through writing at first.

— A —

After a few weeks of good questions, open and honest replies with further questions, we both snowballed into lengthy paragraph writing. It was delightful, and I soon desperately wanted to meet this girl. In expressing that we should get to know each other better (simply thinking a phone call may be the next step) she offered to meet in person!

— C —

It was a Sunday, Easter Sunday, and April Fool’s Day to boot! And I was not feeling well. Sadly, this was a regular thing for me during that time. I had gone to church in Toyohashi that morning but missed most of the service and went straight home afterward. How was I going to go on a date in Hamamatsu? How could I show my best self to someone I wanted to like me? I considered rescheduling... but even if things didn’t go well, I knew it would be worth it to meet a fellow Christian. So I got myself ready, messaged Austin about the train I was catching, and said I looked forward to meeting him soon.

— A —

I arrived early, as any gentlemen should, and waited by a pillar near the station's gate. Nervous, I thought of wanting to do something more than an awkward "hi" and wave from a distance as she came down from the platform. Seeing she'd just arrived, I resolved to instead surprise her a little. So, I hid behind the pillar, went around it as she approached, gathered myself with one last breath, and....

— C —

I felt a tap on my shoulder, whirled around, and looked up into bright blue eyes. He smiled down at me and said, “Hi, I’m Austin. Nice to meet you.”

Pictures from our first few dates prior to Austin asking for us to be official.

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We finally got some time off (at the same time!) and traveled to see the scenic, historic sights of Kyoto. We enjoyed great food, long walks on the Philosopher's Path, and (for Christina) lots and lots of beautiful flowers. This was a great opportunity to see just how in sync we were as a couple, from taking breaks for sunscreen application to stopping for random photo ops.

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Christina didn't think she'd have the strength (due to illness) or opportunity to make this famous trek. Austin, however, excitedly wanted to experience it with her and had connections for the down-low on how to climb high. And not only did we made it to the top, but to the highest point of the mountain (where Christina said 'I love you' for the first time)! We enjoyed searing seals into our wooden staffs at each checkpoint, watching the sunrise together from the 9th Station, and our sudden invitation by the groom to his wedding at the mountain top shrine later that morning. (His best man took the photo of us looking at the sunrise.)

More than ever we were a team: Christina suggesting Austin take the lead, both carrying each other's burdens, and Austin encouraging Christina to take frequent breaks to rest and enjoy the journey. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things we've done together.

We jokingly say that we did Japan wrong. Austin studied American boxing in Hamamastu, not Aikido. Christina learned bouldering in Toyohashi, not Montana. And though our families thought perhaps we'd find a Japanese significant other, we found each other: Christian, American, redheads. Can you believe it? Well, we couldn't be happier with our experiences abroad and with how God blessed us with each other.

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She had no idea it was coming.

— Christina —

Austin had just returned from Japan on September 1st last year, and we planned to celebrate my birthday a month late. His idea was to enjoy an evening in Columbus (including Aikido), before an early start the next day for... secret activities. I didn't know what Austin had planned for the day, and I was actually really excited about that! I like fun surprises.

— Austin —

The planning for this all started back before Valentine's Day 2020. I sent a large package of gifts and letters for Christina to open every few days which then concluded on our anniversary, April 1st, with the gift of tickets to come out to Japan. Unfortunately, due to COVID and travel restrictions that couldn't happen, not for Golden Week (the first week in May) nor could it later for Obon (in August). Thus, this had become Proposal Plan #3. And instead of in Japan where it all started, it'd be in America where we would make our future.

— C —

All I did know was that plans included a picnic. Since I wasn't able to go to Japan, Austin wanted to bring Japan to me. So, we went to a Japanese market in Columbus the day before to procure certain Japanese culinary goods for our bento-style lunch the next day. Needless to say, I was geeking out the moment I stepped into the market! Additionally, we discovered a bubble tea shop nearby that we just had to check out.

— A —

There was no dine-in available at the tea shop, so Christina suggested a walk in a local park. The nearest one was The Park of Roses, which I'd heard good things about but had never been to. Upon arrival, it was like going full circle, reminding me of our first date at Hamamatsu Flower Park. There were numerous beautiful, unique, and sweet-smelling roses, and yet (same as back then) none could compare to Christina.

— C —

Aww...

— A —

The idea for the next day was to give letters and gifts in the same fashion as the ones earlier in the year. Each would say one thing I loved about Christina and tell us where we'd be going next.

— C —

I got ready the next morning and returned to find a letter and a gift on my pillow. The gift was a lovely rose gold watch with flowers on the face, the letter was called “Time”… and we were off to do a zip line course down in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio.

— A —

Ziplining was such a blast! We'll have videos to share at some point, but soaring through the upper trees was an adrenaline rush. Our last zip had us swooping down from an 85ft tall tower, spanning a quarter-mile, crossing the middle of the Hocking River, and all while going up to 50mph side by side in a "superhero” position! Furthermore, our great guides and fellow zipliners were amazing throughout! So, who wants to join us when we go again?

— C —

Ziplining finished in the late morning, and another letter and gift awaited me. “Together” was the theme for this one, and I received a rose… (Yes, from a handsome bachelor, but no, not a real rose.) It was a rose gold necklace that featured a hanging rose and a small leaf charm with an initial on it. Hey, Austin, what did the “L” on the charm stand for again?

— A —

*ahem* “...Love.” (certainly wasn't hinting at a new last name)

— C —

(I believed him… hook, line, and sinker.) The next destination was Hocking Hills State Park, which was about half an hour from where we were. The drive was beautiful, but I couldn’t enjoy it much. My motion sickness had really kicked in from the winding, hilly roads. By the time we found a place to park at the destination, I was content to sit for a good long minute in the passenger seat while Austin encouraged me to relax as he collected our picnic. I leaned my head against the car’s door frame, closing my eyes and letting the cool breeze settle my nausea. After a moment, we made our way to the visitor’s center for a restroom break, and then headed off to the trailhead. My nausea medicine was kicking in, and I was ready to play with my new camera. (Thanks, Dad!)

— A —

Little did she know I'd been coordinating with my mother and sister (Kailyn) to arrive shortly after us to take a photo of the big moment. I'd told them roughly when we'd be arriving and, to my dismay, they were early and we were running a bit late. Keeping my head on a swivel while parking I saw them pulling in not far behind us. Wanting Christina not to see them I encouraged her to stay sitting in the car, even close her eyes, to relax from her nausea. I stepped outside to "stretch my legs" (and make sure they didn't inadvertently park next to us). As they passed I made direct eye-contact with Kailyn. She hilariously put her head down and must've told Mom to park elsewhere, as the car sped off slightly. *phew* A close call! While at the visitor's center, and away from Christina, I called and confirmed the gameplan with them, or so I thought...

— C —

Why hello, waterfalls! This state park was full of them. The main feature near the trailhead took us over a cobblestone bridge arching over a gorgeous waterfall. The trail then wound around to the waterfall’s basin, where a large pool reflected sunlight off the water and sent it rippling up onto the rounded cliffs above. This was the picnic spot… beautiful! Although I thought to set up our blanket off to the side…

— A —

(I needed us to be more in the middle for Kailyn to capture the ideal shot.)

— C —

… Austin suggested the view was better near the center. I was so excited about the pictures I took, the food we were about to eat, and the beauty surrounding us. He even brought me my favorite egg sandwich all the way from Japan! We got stared at by other folks on and off, but we were the only ones having a picnic, so I tried to put it out of my mind. And with delicious food, good company, and this great chance to people watch, it wasn’t too hard to do.

— A —

Meanwhile, I was waiting to see Mom and Kailyn come down and around the path we just had. Problem was that path, the cobblestone bridge, and those crossing it were in clear view. So I was a bit on edge ready to distract Christina when "buzz buzz," A message on my phone. Mom had said Kailyn was set up (tripod and all) at the top of the rounded cliff. Looking up, I could barely make them out, peering from the bushes. Apparently, they had crawled across the bridge to not be seen, haha. What champs! Unfortunately, I wanted them behind us to capture the beautiful waterfall and view we'd been looking at in the photo. After explaining briefly via text I continued eating.

— C —

Now that I was feeling better, boy was I hungry! We had a more traditional-style bento lunch, some sushi, my egg sandwich, and beverages of milk tea and Japanese Ramune soda. We watched kids playing around, and once in a while Austin would point something new out on one side or another.

— A —

Ok, good. She hadn't seen them come down the path. Kailyn was finally set up and ready, Mom with her, behind us. But Christina was still eating. Though I felt bad for having them wait after all the trouble they'd gone through, the timing had to be right. I held my hand up, out of sight behind Christina, indicating to please give us another 5 minutes. There were still too many people around.

— C —

The only downside was that Austin kept getting pulled away by messages on his phone. He and I usually remain phone-free when having meals together, but I assumed it was work-related in his job hunting. However, I was content, just aiming to finish my whole meal.

— A —

Becoming slightly anxious, Christina had commented that I'd seemed a bit off. I replied saying that Mom was wanting to coordinate dinner plans for that evening and asked if it'd be ok to excuse myself to "give her a call." She said that'd be fine. *exhale* I needed to breathe. Walking behind us to where Mom and Kailyn were hiding, I thanked them for everything and they wished me luck. They said people had asked them what they were doing, and finding out, were waiting to see the big moment. Great...

— C —

When Austin returned, he said he wanted us to jump up when most people had left the area in front of the waterfall. That way we could get some good pictures together. I just nodded and continued eating my rice.

— A —

Every time Kailyn peered her head out to check in on us, I'd see her out of the corner of my eye. I worried Christina would inadvertently turn around and see her. Sheesh, my mind was rushing. How many times had I asked for another 5 minutes? Was Christina really trying to eat every last grain of rice?! And when would the area be clear. Oh! No one was around!

— C —

Next thing I knew, my bento lunch was swept out of my hands! "Ok, picture time!" I stood up to put my shoes on, only to find Austin grabbing my hands, pulling me back, and placing another letter into them. This one read "Forever" and had two pages. I started reading one of the most beautiful romantic letters yet, went to read the second page, and found the whole thing swept out of my hands again!

— A —

I had considered my words very carefully and, because Christina is a words person, decided to write them down for her to have forever. "Op! Yeah, let me tell you what's on that second letter." I quickly took it and placed it on the ground beside us, and then grabbed something in my bag.

— C —

Austin replaced the letter with a small gift bag, and inside was an origami floral box... and inside that was a small velvet box. I listened to his words as best I could.

— A —

I took her hands in mine, looked her in the eyes, (probably couldn't stop grinning) and through bridled excitement said "I’d go anywhere and take you everywhere to keep you by my side. In Ohio where I’d like to start a future, with family, friends’, and our God’s support, I love you."

— C —

My mind was racing with, "Wait... this is happening... this is happening to me. To me! Ok, don't cry... don't cry!" We'd talked about marriage since the beginning, and yet I was still in awe and wonder that this moment was finally happening to me! Every young girl's dream. Before I knew it, he was kneeling!

— A —

Opening the ring box, and pausing briefly to present it... a rose gold engagement ring with a floral setting. "Christina Marie Bender, will you marry me?"

— C —

"Yes, of course!"

We embraced to the sound of cheers and claps.

Thank you Lori and Kailyn for being there! Didn't Kailyn take a great shot of the proposal!? We love all the photos she took of us in Hocking Hills State Park. Look for her watermark in the photo gallery.

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Our story is yet being written... and we're excited about our next chapter!