How do a boy from Mexico City and a girl from mid-Missouri end up in love? Here’s the timeline of Juan and Grace’s international romance…

How it All Began

Grace and Juan first met in March of 2022. Grace had come to Piedras Negras for a mission trip with her college ministry, the Christian Campus House (CCH). Juan had an internship at the time with Good News Productions International (GNPI) Mexico, where the CCH group was staying and working. They became friends on this trip and exchanged social media, so that they might remain in contact.

Grace came to Piedras again in June. This time, she intended to intern at GNPI, so that she could practice her Spanish. She had been studying Spanish at the University of Missouri, but knew that she needed a more immersive experience if she was really going to develop fluency. Bob Gurwell, a close friend to both Grace and Juan, decided to do a little matchmaking and put the two to work together. During their time at the office, they had many conversations about their faith, backgrounds, and interests. They both loved music, so they spent a lot of time sharing their favorite songs with one another, and playing together. They even made a music video together!

Understanding that she didn’t know anyone else in the city, Juan often invited Grace along on his outings, after they finished at the office. They went to watch movies together at the theater, walk at the park, play volleyball… Juan even taught Grace how to drive a stickshift--she was a natural! On Sundays, they went to church together. They both began to appreciate how much they enjoyed the other's company, and found ways to spend more and more time together.

With summer drawing to an end, what was next? They were just friends, but had both developed romantic feelings. On July 7th, they went to a park along the border of the Rio Grande to have a picnic and work on a song they were writing together. While there, Juan told Grace how he felt about her. Grace responded that she liked him, too. Specifically, she said, “Well, I have good news for you…” which he has never let her live down. Shortly after, a large group of immigrants crossed the border! Bob and his wife, Miriam, were happy to hear that their romantic schemes had worked out. And so it all started…

Long-Distance Love

Grace returned to Columbia to finish school, and so began a season of long, long distance. Facetime calls and texts got them through long periods of being unable to see each other. Grace visited several times, including one particularly long stay over New Years. With each call and visit, they fell more in love.

Upon graduation, Grace was accepted for a teaching position in San Antonio, Texas, where she’s been working ever since. Juan has continued on at GNPI full time, and they have enjoyed being able to spend time together most weekends. On July 25 (A day after their one year anniversary!), they got engaged--much to Grace’s surprise. Juan was sick, but still managed to make the moment so beautiful and meaningful. Polo, their husky puppy, helped to make the proposal special, too.

The Visa Adventure

They soon applied for a visa, so that Juan would have permission to cross into the U.S. and they could be married. They originally thought the process would take only a few months, hoping to get married in December. However, they quickly realized that they would have to put the process in God’s hands. There was no telling how long this might take.

Notable moments that fall and winter included Grace’s family visiting Piedras for Thanksgiving and Grace & Juan’s first Christmas together. So special to spend holidays together, after over a year of super-long distance. And, of course, extremely special to have the Whitakers all together, having driven from Missouri to meet Juan and spend that time as a family!

Finally, after months of radio silence, and various ups and downs, they heard that their initial visa petition had been approved! Adversity and challenges have only served to draw them closer together and, more importantly, closer to God. They continue waiting for the next phase of interviews, so that they can move forward with their wedding and finally be together. However, they are thankful to know the longest waiting period has now passed. In the meantime, they are enjoying their weekends together, praying and planning for their upcoming wedding. Lord-willing, the wedding will be held in the summer of 2024.