Axel and Sarai’s story began long before they ever met—woven together by God’s sovereign hand. Before Axel even knew Sarai, God orchestrated a connection through her mom, who happened to be on the same mission trip to Mexico with him. When they returned, she kept telling Sarai about Axel, often asking if she had met him yet at church. It wasn’t long before their paths finally crossed, and they found themselves in the same friend group.

Despite spending time together, their conversations were minimal at first—Axel’s shyness often held him back. But everything changed on Sarai’s birthday. That day, a kickball event at church brought them together, followed by a surprise birthday party planned by Sarai’s friend. Axel went, hoping to simply spend time near her. That night, after celebrating, he reached out on Instagram, playfully wishing her a happy birthday again—despite having already said it multiple times in person. It was just an excuse to talk to her, but it became the start of something deeper.

From that moment on, their conversations grew, turning into long messages and heartfelt exchanges. It wasn’t until a church retreat that they finally had a chance to truly talk in depth, sharing their hearts and getting to know each other beyond surface-level interactions. During a long hike, their connection deepened, and so did their interest in one another.

After returning home, Axel reached out to Sarai and asked her to lunch. It was there that they both admitted their feelings for each other. As much as they wanted to begin dating immediately, they chose to seek God first, praying for guidance and confirmation. For five months, they waited, trusting that if their relationship was truly from Him, He would make it clear. And He did—through Joshua 1:9, which says:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

With God’s confirmation, Axel asked Sarai to be his girlfriend on a church night, and they were overjoyed to step into this new season of their journey together. Over the next two years, their love deepened, their faith grew stronger, and their commitment to one another became even more evident.

On August 25th, 2024, Axel proposed to Sarai at Windansea Beach in San Diego. The morning was spent doing what they loved most—being in God’s Word, having breakfast at their favorite spot, and enjoying the beauty of the ocean. When the moment was right, Axel led Sarai onto a rock that jutted out into the sea, and it was there that he asked her to be his wife. Afterward, they spent the day together, celebrating with their families in the evening.

Now, they eagerly look forward to stepping into the next chapter of their journey, embracing the calling God has placed on their lives together. Their love story is a testament to His sovereignty, grace, and unfailing love—a reminder that when God writes the story, it is always more beautiful than they could have ever imagined.

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"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor. 13:13