I first met Rubijane (Jane) Buhain during the welcome breakfast for the Hope Youth Corps (HYC) in the Philippines in 2000, and the next week we were set up on a date.  We had a great time, but I wouldn't consider an interest in her unless she was planning to stay in the Philippines.  Suddenly she said, "You know what? Even before I came here, I had a dream to serve here in the Philippines." Before she went back to Guam, we had a talk and decided to continue our friendship.

After she left, we communicated via emails and Internet chats. Many times, I was advised to pursue other sisters because Jane and I were far apart, but there were those who inspired me to hold on and trust God for whatever his plans were for us. Our friendship grew, inspiring us to be closer to God and dream for bigger things for almost two years.

In June 2002, God answered my prayers when Jane and her family came here for a vacation. We had a chance to go on a date, and I discovered we had the same dream for our country - to serve in HOPE or in the ministry helping others to know God.  On June 25th, her 23rd birthday, I asked her to by my girlfriend, and the next day she went back to Guam.

Our dates since then have been on the phone or on the Internet, but we make sure we have weekly dates and send email so we can encourage and help one another consistently.  On our sixth month as dating couple, she came here for two weeks. We were able to know each other deeper. Our hearts were exposed, the fears, the costs for our relationship. It was tough, but God helped us to see what it will take for us to keep our relationship.