He’s from Holland…
She’s from Malaybalay.
He met her sister and she made the connection.
29 years later, Jan and Noemie are still falling in love with one another each day!
Over the last several weeks, my teammate Megan and I have simultaneously been interested/intrigued by a mysterious couple who sit outside at the same bakery around the same time every afternoon. We don’t come into town often, but ironically enough, whenever we did, we saw this couple. Last week we were on a date during our off day and saw the couple walking up a side street. In my heart I knew “there’s something there.” Later in the day we were venturing home and heard a voice calling out from the bakery, “where are you girls from?” It was Jan. He’d been seeing us around town the last few weeks and along with his wife was equally curious about our story.
We chatted for several minutes on the sidewalk and agreed on a Dutch coffee date a few days later. We shared good conversation and discussed like in Holland – their marriage – and the Lord. Jesus blows my mind with how He intricately weaves together moments like this…and we get to be a part of them! Jan and Noemie became instant friends for the both of us. They invited us into their home as two strangers, took us out to dinner, and blessed us with their love, joy, and sense of adventure…even after these many years of adventure. They reside in Fallendam, and invited us to stay…this couple is the epitome of hospitality! I was so blessed to have met them!
We said our goodbyes at the KaaMulan festival over yet another blessed conversation.
Every year in Malaybalay city they host this festival which stands for “coming together”.
I love when the Lord brings people together in unexpected ways for His glory!
Jan and Noemie we love you and cherish the moments we have shared!!
