HER STORY
Ge and I met each other in Accenture, year 2009. We were both assigned to the same team, seatmates, and our interest in travel and photography draw us closer. First impression? He was very serious and quiet. He seldom smiles and never jokes. He’s old fashioned, always wears black and has this confidence or arrogance in the way he presents himself. He seemed to be a good person though, but still NOT my type.
Kidding aside, Ge and I did not have a smooth 2-year dating relationship. We had so many “serious” arguments and harsh conversations. We dealt with a lot of differences and we did not always agree on one decision. Even now, we still have bad days. But this just reminds us that we are imperfect, and yet we are loved.
I didn’t know that Ge was “the one”. Our clash in personalities made me hesitant about him and I doubted our relationship. All the misunderstandings and hardships left me broken and discouraged, and during that time, I was already silently praying for God to make a way to break us apart. I thought that we’re just going to hurt each other more if we continue the relationship.
But God has a different plan. He told me to wait for peace, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord direct his steps and makes them sure” {Proverbs 16:9} and to follow His leading, “Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans to be established and succeed” {Proverbs 16:3}.
The second time Ge proposed to me, I still wasn’t sure what to say. I love him more than anyone I love on this planet but I was so scared to make the wrong decision. When I asked him why he was so sure that he want to marry me, Ge said: “God told me not to leave you.”
And I called, “God I want that. I need that kind of assurance that You gave him and I want to hear that You also want the same thing for me.” I was confused and I had a lot of questions to God like if we were meant to be together then why are we struggling to make the relationship work, why are we having a lot of disagreements, why does it hurt, and how are we going to live with our differences? It was hard to see clear answers when you’re in the thick of all these but God reassures me that He will protect me and that He wants the best for me. Twice.
“As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s Word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” {Psalm 18:30}
“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried. He is a shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him.” {2 Samuel 22:31}
Looking back now, I couldn’t agree more! God’s way is perfect and He doesn’t make mistakes. I thank Him for not listening to some of my prayers before. After accepting Ge’s proposal, God confirmed once more that I made the right choice, “For you make him to be blessed and a blessing forever; you make him exceedingly glad with the joy of your presence.” {Psalm 21:6} And I knew that by saying ‘Yes’, I made God and Ge smile. :)
Through all these I've realized that it's not really incompatibility that breaks relationships, but selfishness and pride. And when we have surpassed that through God's grace, we were able to be more patient and lovingly resolved the issues that come to us.
Our love is more than romance and gifts and grand gestures. Our love is a love of grace, of forgiveness, of sacrifice, of commitment and dedication. Our love perseveres even when we are unlovable. Our love is building a life with each other through the seasons of joy and the seasons of heartbreak. It never gives up, and it chooses to love one another out of what Christ has demonstrated on the cross. And that’s what we are going to celebrate on our wedding day. ^_^
~ By Melai
The moment we knew we wanted each other... forever.
HIS STORY
I first met Melai when I was deployed to a new project in Accenture. We were team mates back then and we only talked about project related matters. Slowly we came to know each other through our chit chats when we render overtime at work. We became good friends. I remember, every time we left office late, I always ask her to message/text me when she arrived home. I did it to know that she was home safe. Then day goes by, I came to know her more and more and felt very comfortable with her. For those who know me, I am usually a snub type of person and I don't talk too much with my life unless he/she is very close to me. It ended up that I was able to talk about myself with Melai. Some of our office mates noticed how I became close to her and they started to tease us.
I remember one day, when almost everybody was already on holiday, we went to San Miguel by the Bay to eat after work. We went to a Seafood restaurant and I was very hesitant and scared on what she would order as I don't eat seafood at all. Then, she ordered baked tahong. What was running into my mind back then was that I could puke anytime or something bad might happen to me. But a little pride hit me; I had to show my manly side and ate the mussels she ordered.
Days, weeks and months have passed and I became very comfortable with her. Then, an unforeseen thing has happened. She would be transferred to another project. I was having mixed emotions that time: 1) I am happy for her because that was what she wanted and 2) I am sad that there was a high possibility that I won’t be able to talk to her often or ever again because she would be busy with her new project and meet new friends there. As days passed by and nearing her transfer, that is when I realized that I was really falling in love with her and felt that I don't want to ever lose sight of her again. The problem was I don't know how to court her as I did not have any girlfriends before.
We had a "mini" travel/photowalk in Bataan. It was nice and memorable and we spent a whole day going to different places. We took photos together as well as the nice sceneries where we’re at. I was very happy since I am with someone I fell in love with even though she didn’t know it yet.
When I told her that I was falling in love with her, she became very very very hesitant and unsure of me. But I still pursued her. We became as boyfriend and girlfriend officially on June 12, 2011. At first it was smooth and easy until little by little we saw each other’s flaws and issues. There were lots of quarrels/fights but it did not stop us from loving each other instead we tried to address those issues and promised to do better next time. There were recurring issues too but despite those we learned to forgive each other.
When we started our relationship, it was then and there that I knew that I wanted to marry her. Some people might say that it was too early to tell because we would still go through a lot or it could be just the hype of feeling in love for the very first time. But for me, the thought of going into a relationship should always lead into marriage. Of course there will be differences / changes but I know that these can be resolved where both of us would benefit. It was re-affirmed by God when I was reading my Bible one fine afternoon of June 2013 and instantly I knew that God is giving me His blessing and that I should start a new life with her and create an everlasting story of our love 'til the end of our lives.
I can't wait to re-marry her again and this time declaring my vows to her in front of our most beloved people.
~ By Gerald