Ji Won grew up in New Jersey after immigrating with his family, while Lina and her family made Maryland their home after immigrating there. For most of their lives, they lived in different states- until one Sunday at a newcomer’s lunch at Bethel Presbyterian Church, their paths finally crossed.

They grew close through tennis, becoming doubles partners for a church tournament. Though they didn’t win the match, they gained something far greater- a friendship that quickly blossomed into love.

During this time, Lina was in the middle of interviewing for medical school, pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. It was a season filled with uncertainty about the future, but through it all, they encouraged each other and prayed for what was to come.

When Lina was accepted into Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in New Jersey- just minutes from where Ji Won’s family lived- it felt like a blessing that brought our worlds together. For a time, we lived in different states, close to each other’s families, learning to love across distance. After a year, Ji Won returned to New Jersey for work, reuniting us once more.

In time, Ji Won found a new job back in New Jersey, bringing them together once again. Now, after years of laughter, prayers, and love, they are so thankful to begin the next chapter of their lives- together, as husband and wife.

서로 다른 땅에서 자라난 두 사람,

지원은 뉴저지에서, 예은은 메릴랜드에서

각자의 길을 걷고 있었습니다.

그러던 어느 날,

베델장로교회 새가족 모임에서 마주한 순간,

우연처럼 다가온 만남은 인연이 되었고

함께한 테니스 코트 위에서

작은 웃음과 따뜻한 대화가 쌓이며

우정은 곧 사랑으로 피어났습니다.

의사의 꿈을 향해 나아가는 예은과

곁에서 기도로 함께하던 지원.

잠시 떨어져 지내야 했던 시간조차

서로를 향한 마음을 더욱 굳건하게 만들었습니다.

그리고 이제,

긴 기다림과 수많은 기도의 시간 끝에

하나님의 은혜 안에서

우리는 부부라는 새로운 이름으로

영원히 함께 걸어가려 합니다.