Jorge and I knew of each other as early as 2010. Jorge was recently saved and started going to Providence Road, and I was just a 13-year-old kid. We weren't friends, but Jorge did come to my 15th birthday party (there are photos!), and he also helped out in the youth group. Over the years, we never thought twice about each other until early 2023, when I overheard my dad speaking highly of Jorge. In Jorge's world, Sarahí Hernadez planted the idea of me in Jorge's head.

Jorge and I had been familiar with each other, but it wasn't until 2023 that we realized there might be something more between us. We didn't have anyone to set us up, but a bunch of ideas dropped into conversation from our friends. We both started praying and asking the Lord to show us how to proceed. And we weren't even friends at the time! But we watched each other serve at our church and enjoyed mutual friendships individually thoughout but all the while, the Lord was in the background.

In July of 2023, Jorge had a work trip in Orlando and invited my brother-in-law, Danny. By pure coincidence, my family had rented an Airbnb in Orlando that same week. Jorge was Danny's ride to drop him off at our family's vacation house, and my parents, aware he was staying in Orlando alone for the evening, invited him to stay for dinner. From that night, everything just clicked. We spoke about seminary, work, our friendships, and church. From there began the most stressful vacation of my entire life. Jorge kept messaging me, and I got myself sick from the excitement and anxiety! We spoke about our theology, the things the Lord was teaching us, missions, and our favorite biographies by Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. It was like answering prayer after prayer! Our story is a mix of answered prayers, unexpected moments, and a love we're convinced the Lord has been behind all along. The words of the song What Have We Found Ourselves In by Jess Ray summarizes the feeling well:

“Maybe in one hundred years, one million laughs, one million tears

We will have a clearer view; this wasn't about me and you

See, this was written long before and carries on after we're gone

This story that we found ourselves in

What have we found ourselves in?”

Now, we're walking hand in hand into the great adventure of marriage, seeking to look at Jesus and less of ourselves, knowing that God's love will hold us until we see him face to face!