TIMELINE:
March 31st, 2020 - First Contact
April 2nd, 2020 - First FaceTime Date (7 Hours)
April 8th, 2020 - First “I love you”
April 12th, 2020 -We make our relationship official
April 19th, 2020 - We meet each others parents on video call
May 5th, 2020 - AJ asks Em’s Dad for her hand in marriage
May 31st, 2020 - AJ purchases Em’s engagement ring
November 9th, 2021 - AJ Proposes, Em Jay says YES!
January 1st, 2022 - We decide Em will move to the U.S; we begin the fiancé visa process, starting with the I-129F Petition
May, 2022 - We submit the Petition
November 15th, 2023 - USCIS approves the Petition
April 11th, 2024 - Em passes her interview at the US Embassy in London, and the visa is approved!!
July 17th, 2024 - AJ brings Em Jay Home to the U.S.
August 28th, 2024 - AJ and Em Jay begin their happily ever after…
4 years, 4 months and 28 days of God’s Goodness Mercy and Grace
Future Bride and Groom Q&A
AJ’s Answers:
How did you feel when you first met each other?
It was one of the most special moments of my life… it happened really suddenly as I was expecting an inspection of my belongings upon arrival in the UK (first time flying overseas) and without any warning I came around the corner to the most beautiful brown eyed girl and her loving embrace. She couldn’t let me go, and I didn’t mind. I will never forget her excitement and joy after 18 months. There was nothing like finally being able to look upon the One God had so graciously given me! It was such a wonderful time filled with so many new experiences… not merely the British accents, tea, and crumpets, but being loved by a woman who was so kind, gracious, compassionate, and so affectionate! She was always eager to embrace me, cherish the sweet simplicities of life, and to follow me in prayer and reading the Word.
So much happened that first week together… But most of all I will never forget her free and adventurous spirit at Durdle Door Beach the day I proposed!
How would you characterize the last four years together?
The first thing that comes to mind is Em’s unfailing love and support which is greater than anything I have ever known. Even when she was four thousand miles away from me she never missed a moment to better understand me and get to know me more intimately. Her care and encouragement continues to leave me speechless most days. I don’t think there is anyone else in all existence who could ever love me more than my dear Emily Jane. She’s stood by my side through some of the deepest hardships and greatest joys of my life and if it wasn’t for her love, grace, and commitment to our relationship, I wouldn’t be the man that I am today. A godly woman is a mighty sanctifying tool in the hands of the Lord. She is my absolute treasure, best friend, and greatest encouragement in this life and the one who motivates me daily to become more like Christ.
What are you most looking forward to for the future?
Since Em Jay has never seen America I could list all the many things I long to share with her — travel, adventures, beautiful landscapes, coffee shops, hikes, and restaurants... But most of all I really look forward to never facetiming her again! (I would chuck my phone away if I could!) Being in the same time zone will be so nice! I also can’t wait to take her to church, share in fellowship together with friends, read the Word… and get married!!
Special Verse
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:36
Em’s Answers:
How did you feel when you first met each other?
The night before we drove to London airport to pick up AJ, I didn’t sleep a wink! I was so excited and hyper, I couldn’t sit still! (My Mum & Dad thought it was hilarious)… In the airport, as we waited for AJ to come through Arrivals, I thought I was going to pass out with the anticipation!! At that time, it was 20 months since we had “met” online, and I just couldn’t wait to run into his arms and squeeze him so tight! And do you know… that’s exactly what I did! My Dad called, “Here he comes!!” and I ran full pelt, crashing into AJ as he came round the corner, squealing at the top of my lungs and smothering him in kisses! He didn’t even get a chance to see my face before I was clinging to him! It was all so new and thrilling, and yet, in AJ’s arms, I felt I had come home… A deep calm settled in my heart and I felt so safe and cherished… This was my soulmate after all!!
How would you characterise the last four years together?
These past four years, a deeper sense of the Lord’s tender love has been revealed to me through my AJ. Never before had I known such kindness or gentleness, and the unbreakable strength of unconditional love. Our time together has been a rollercoaster, what with the long distance (4,000 miles!!) and the different time zones — not to mention the fact that I am pretty neurotic and emotional haha! In our relationship, we have enjoyed sunshiney gardens, AND stumbled along through dark valleys… But in it all, the Lord has been doing His mighty work, gently leading us one step and a time, growing us in the knowledge of His love and goodness.
What are you most looking forward to for the future?
Not having to communicate with AJ through a phone screen!! To really be TOGETHER!! To kiss him and cuddle him! To do lovely simple things like hold hands and go for coffee, IN PERSON!! I am so looking forward to being a part of AJ’s world, learning him in new ways, exploring and going on adventures, growing in the Lord together… I cannot believe that I’m going to LIVE IN AMERICA, it’s just so big and a completely different world to England!! I am also so excited to get to know everyone at Calvary Bible Church & make new friends!! You’re all so lovely!!!
Special Verse
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11