Welcome to our blog. We have an interesting story to share.

Allow me to introduce us. My name is Marianna, I am from southern California. I am a lover of all churros, beaches and dancing. Moses is my fiancé. He is from Uganda. He loves pizza, billiards, and good movie. We both love good food, good laughs and a chance to get out on the dance floor. We both love Jesus; we are from two different cultures and we are 9,129 miles apart. As of right now we are in a long-distance relationship. We have been for 5 years, almost six. It is complicated on why we stayed apart for so long, but the fact is we know we are not alone in this process. Maybe you or someone you know is a long-distance relationship- you are not alone. Its hard, yet so rewarding.

We feel this need to share our story because we need and wanted support that is hard to find. Therefore, we hope this blog acts as a support. Maybe a glimmer of hope. Being in long distance relationship requires strength and patience. May you find that here. Long distance and cross-cultural relationships are complicated. They are often portrayed in a drama filled reality tv show.  We want to change that. We want to bring understanding and empathy to all those we may represent.

Moses and I hope that our stories, this blog- encourages, challenges and teaches you. We are by no means certified or professionals in relationships. We know that we are sinners, finite beings and without Jesus we are nothing. We will share what Jesus taught us. We will share what life and distance has taught us. Moses and I see a need for cross cultural relationships to share and be honest about issues other couples do not deal with. Here we are! Welcome!

I want to start off from the Beginning of Mo and Mar. June 21^st, 2015 the breeze swept through the mango trees as I heard the words, “I love you; will you marry me?” I stared in shock. I can’t believe what I just heard. Is he serious? Marriage? we went on one date! No, he cannot be serious. He looks serious. A response spit out of my mouth as my thoughts race. “Thank you! But I’m American. We date. We need to date.” My eyes wide open as I feel his gentle touch grab my hand, his eyes piercing into me. His kindness floods over me as I hear these words: “That’s ok. I have been observing you for months. I just can’t let you get away. You are a true woman.” I’m shocked, not knowing what to say or think. I sip my coke through a straw, I hear God. “Yes.” That is all heard. Peace flooded over my body.

After a few awkward minutes of silence. My requirements or non-negotiables’ were laid out. We went over expectations and hopes. Agreed to date, since I was leaving Uganda in three weeks. Moses took me home right after. Perfect gentleman. Kind, gentle man that seemed to magically appear out of nowhere. I plop onto my bed, in shock. What just happened? I ask God bewildered. All I heard “Yes, Trust me. “

Three weeks quickly came to an end. He drives me to the bus stop. Weeks of dates, integrations form family members, and prayer I knew he was it. I knew I loved him.  I grab my bags from the motorcycle and look at him. I’m holding back tears. I knew the challenge before us was going to make of break us. How will we do? I did not know. But I kept hearing a still small voice of God- “Trust me.” We said goodbye, hope filled our eyes as I kiss him and walk away. “Yes. Trust me.”

Months later we were engaged. Over the phone of course. Distance made us stronger. We had to strengthen our communication skills immediately. We are forever grateful that communication between us is vital for our relationship. We know it will benefit us in the years to come.

There have been sleepless nights. Arguments and tears. Being worlds away is not easy but we are doing it. The reason why I am doing it because I had the faith to trust God. He said “Yes, trust me.” I did. And still am, every day. The blessing is Moses. The blessing is marriage. God gave me enough faith to say yes. God gave me enough strength to step forward. What do you need to say yes to? What has god called you to do? I pray that God gives you enough faith to do it.

Yes, we are waiting to get married. God is good and faithful. Its going to happen. He has given us the faith to believe that. Our story is his story. That is all we need and want. Thank you for reading this, we pray you are encouraged. More stories to come!

-Mar