She never dreamed of coming to the United States. Her heart was set on Canada, where her family was, but God had a different plan. While teaching in Vietnam, an unexpected job offer in Williston, came her way- one she couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t the path she had imagined, and the journey to get there wasn’t easy. There were challenges, doubts, and moments of testing, yet every step seemed to be guiding her toward something greater.

At first, she was offered a position in Watford City, but with no church there, she knew in her heart that she needed to be somewhere she could continue to grow spiritually. She requested to be placed in Williston, even though it meant stepping into an unfamiliar role as a high school special education teacher- something she had never done before. Fear and uncertainty crept in, but her desire to stay close to God’s presence gave her the courage to say yes.

In September 2022, she set foot in the U.S. for the first time. As she settled into her new life and began attending church, she had no idea that she was walking straight into a love story written by God; one that would lead her to the person who would change her life forever.

In December 2023, Jacob and Ruby’s first major interaction happened after their church’s Watch Night Service. Following tradition, the Youth Group spent New Year’s Night at the church, filling the evening with games and laughter. Amid the fun, a spontaneous Nerf battle broke out. Wanting to get Ruby involved, Jacob playfully shot her with a Nerf gun. From that moment, they chased each other around the fellowship hall, exchanging playful fire, and perhaps a spark neither of them recognized just yet.

But something had shifted....

The following week, while attending Midwinter meetings in St. Louis, Jacob found himself thinking about Ruby. By the time he returned home, he had made up his mind—he was going to ask her out.

A few weeks later, after a casual meal with friends after church, Jacob finally worked up the courage to ask Ruby on a date. But before he could even finish the question, she blurted out, “Yes!”—a moment of excitement that surprised even her. (As she later admitted, she wasn’t sure why she had answered so quickly, but something deep inside just knew.)

What began as a simple chase became a love story written by fate, guided by faith, and bound by endless joy. In that fleeting moment of laughter and Nerf darts, destiny quietly stepped in, setting the stage for a love that would last a lifetime.

Jacob and Ruby understood that dating without the intent to marry was pointless. So, after a few months the topic of marriage began to be discussed. Around nine months after they started dating they began to discuss it more earnestly.

One evening while talking about their plans, Ruby abruptly reminded Jacob that he hadn't even asked her yet. Within a heartbeat he asked her to marry him, to which she said yes.

From one big 'Yes' to a lifetime of grace,

They journeyed to June, a love to embrace.

On June 14, 2025, they’ll say 'I do,'

A love everlasting, pure, and true