In April 2020, just at the start of COVID, we started messaging each other on the Sovereign Grace Singles site. There were no intentions that the relationship would extend past friendship, as we were in different countries- Karen in the States, Mark in Australia, and that was okay with us. We were happy to grow a friendship that was based on common values and theology, a love for the Lord and our families, and the joy of sharing conversation and godly encouragement.  

Our friendship grew and the reality that the Lord might have plans that weren't our own eventually started to emerge. In September 2020, we shifted our relationship from "just friendship" and messaging/emails to "something more" with daily videoing and searching for the Lord's guidance and wisdom in what might be for our future. 

In November 2021, the first weekend the borders opened for Australians to fly internationally, Mark flew to the States on his first international flight. The strangest thing about meeting in person the first time was that it wasn't strange at all- Karen was really Karen and Mark was really Mark. Everything we had come to know and love about the other was real and true and present. 

With the support of family and friends, we were married before Mark returned back home. Karen followed shortly after, on her first international flight, moving permanently to Australia. 

The Lord was entirely kind to us, bringing us together in a way in which only He could: two strangers from homes over 10,000 miles apart. We celebrated our second wedding anniversary in November 2024 and look forward to many more to come.