Cindy and I first met back in Singapore, December 2012. Cindy had come over to Singapore for church ministry, and my family had offered to host the team during their stay. At the time, Cindy and I were nothing more but acquaintances, we paid no special attention to each other. I remember the first time we said hello was in front of the elevator leading to our apartment. I helped Cindy with her bags and getting settled in. Over the next couple of days we would exchange just a few words over tea, or short encounters in the kitchen. Little did either of us know that years later, we would both be walking down the aisle together — forever cementing our bond.
When Cindy was staying at our family’s home in Singapore, we barely talked to each other. She was part of a small group who were to minister during a Christmas service in a Church in Singapore. At the time, my family was vacationing in Bali -- I had stayed behind. As a host, I did my best to pay attention to everyone’s needs. One day Cindy asked me if she could make some tea. When I responded in Bahasa Indonesia, she was surprised and asked why I spoke so fluently. That was the first tea we shared together, and the first time we spoke since the elevator. I don’t remember what we talked about specifically, but I do remember how beautiful she was. Not merely because of outer appearances, but because of her inner beauty. The way she spoke showed her Love for God, and love for people. Eight years later and Cindy is even more beautiful than ever. She’s smart, funny, and loves my family as her own. Above all, she puts God first. Now, every time I make tea for Cindy, or whenever she makes me some, I always remember the first tea we shared together. Here’s to many more tea talks with you, my love.
It was the summer of 2018.
We had skyped and gotten to know each other better over the last month. I’ll never forget how excited I was sitting inside Garuda Indonesia’s airline cabin. I couldn’t wait to meet Cindy after all these years. I arrived in Jakarta and I couldn’t be happier to be back. I’ve missed my family so much while studying in the UK, but now I was home. And the best part of all? I was about to introduce Cindy to my parents.
When I told Ma about Cindy, she only asked me one thing: “Ru, does she love Jesus?” and for the first time, I could gladly answer; “Yes Ma, she does.”
I’ll never forget the first time I introduced her to my Dad. My Dad had never commented on any of my previous girlfriends, but this time he said; “What a nice girl, Ru”.
I knew it was serious, and we weren’t dating like my previous relationships — this was courtship. We’ve matured so much in the time we’ve known each other. Through all the suffering and pain we’ve endured, we grew in Love, matured in Love. I’ll never forget the summer of 2018, the day I finally saw Cindy again, and would always see her again, every day since.
Our story is an unexpected one. We didn't know that we would spend the rest of our lives together when we first met. Sometimes God makes us wait for the right time before showing us the wonderful plans He has for us. He waits for us to learn, and to grow. God waits for us to move on and become better than our pain. For our character to be molded, and matured. If Cindy and I had started a relationship earlier than we did, we're not sure we would have stayed together. But by God's grace, Love conquers all things. From long distances to the countless worldly obstacles, and now; a pandemic. I'm so glad God has brought you to me, and I cannot wait for our story to be part of HIStory.