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Stories
Jiin x Cyril
Jiin and Cyril's love story began in the vibrant city of London. They first crossed paths at a time when they were both pursuing their dreams. Jiin, a native Korean, was living and working in London when Cyril, who is Swiss-German, was in town visiting family. On Easter Sunday of that year, they met at church and felt an attraction while sharing their experiences of being on mission in the world. This connection blossomed into a romantic relationship, leading them to commit to a life together through marriage. Their journey took them to Switzerland, Cyril's homeland, where they embarked on the new adventure of growing their family.
However, the transition to married life in a new country was not without its challenges. The cultural differences between Cyril and Jiin became apparent as they navigated the complexities of marriage and parenting. Jiin often found herself feeling unseen and unheard, struggling to manage the household and care for their children without a car. Cyril, on the other hand, was eager to support his wife, but found himself at a loss as his attempts to help were not always well-received. The couple faced moments of uncertainty, high stress and hurtful arguments.
In the summer of 2025, a pivotal moment arrived when they engaged in a coaching session with Sydney Berry Ling from Upside Down Under. This opportunity for reflection and guidance came at a crucial time, just as Jiin's mother was preparing for a long visit from Korea. With the children being cared for by a friend, Cyril and Jiin were able to focus on their relationship, supported by Sydney's empathetic guidance. The session proved transformative as Jiin expressed feeling truly heard by Cyril. She realized that her thoughts and ideas were valid and that, together, they could tackle their challenges. Sydney's support left them feeling lighter and more united.
Today, Cyril and Jiin are dedicated to growing both as individuals and as a couple, embracing their unique backgrounds as a source of strength rather than division. With renewed understanding and appreciation for each other's perspectives, they are optimistic about their future and grateful for the support they received. Their journey continues with a shared vision of love, unity, and cultural harmony.
Bhavani x David
Bhavani's journey began in Sri Lanka, where she spent her formative years before moving to Sydney, Australia, with her family in the early 2000s. Her vibrant and curious nature allowed her to adapt quickly to her new environment, embracing the local culture while holding onto her Sri Lankan roots. Her life in Australia flourished as she pursued higher education, became actively involved in her church community, and established a successful career. Despite these achievements, Bhavani found romantic relationships to be more challenging than normal.
David, on the other hand, grew up on the western suburbs of Sydney in Australia. Like Bhavani, he entered his 30s feeling burdened by past relationships that failed to bring the joy and partnership he longed for. It was through their shared church community that he and Bhavani became friends. Neither anticipated that their friendship would evolve into a deep love, culminating in a wedding where they pledged their lives to each other with God at the center, surrounded by loved ones.
As Bhavani and David embarked on their marital journey, they discovered that blissful moments were often accompanied by challenges rooted in their cultural differences. These differences began to manifest as disagreements, particularly when faced with significant life decisions. Despite the obstacles, their commitment to each other remains unwavering.
Although still early in their marriage, Bhavani and David are optimistic about their future together. Equipped with new tools and perspectives, they are learning to appreciate each other's unique backgrounds and approaches. With a foundation of love and mutual respect, they are confident that their relationship will only grow stronger, fortified by the insights gained through their ongoing journey. Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the willingness to embrace cultural diversity within marriage.
Erica x Stephen
In 2006, Erica and Stephen were introduced by a mutual friend in New York City while Stephen was visiting from DC. After spending a week together, they decided to pursue an intentional dating relationship. Stephen was a Special Agent with the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Erica was working in Mergers & Acquisitions in NYC.
Stephen is Korean American, son to a determined mom who emigrated to the US after three failed attempts and then worked three jobs to support him. Sadly, Stephen was placed in a sub-optimal group home for immigrants from ages 4-6. Erica is a 5th generation Christian Texan from a farming and ranching family, who moved to NYC for work after undergrad in West Philly.
Following two and a half years of long-distance dating, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and got married in 2010. They have lived in 5 states, traveled collectively to over 45 countries (and at least 20 together), and are now raising three rambunctious boys. They have navigated various cross-cultural dynamics, faiths, traditions, as well as childhood challenges like abuse, abandonment and illness.
After more than 19 years together, Stephen and Erica value their weekly date nights and enjoy living life on mission, sharing their hope and joy with others. They have settled in Austin, Texas, where Stephen works as a Senior Director at Meta and Erica is a part-time management consultant and full-time mom. Their family enjoys outdoor activities (including skiing, hiking and mountain biking), traveling, strategy games, building legos, and hosting friends and family as often as they can.
Michelle x Jimmy
Michelle and Jimmy's extraordinary journey began through the magic of music and digital connections. In 2009, Michelle left her Tennessee home to tour with an African children's choir in the UK. During this tour, she was introduced to Jimmy through a Skype call by one of the choir leaders. Jimmy, living in East Africa and running his own video store, was also passionately involved in a Christian band called the Generation Boys. As fate would have it, Michelle moved to Uganda after the tour, allowing her to meet Jimmy in person. Their friendship quickly blossomed into a deep connection, and they soon realized they had found their soulmate in each other.
Their shared experiences over Christmas, New Year's, and Michelle’s birthday solidified their bond, leading to a heartfelt engagement in January in Jimmy's mother's village. Michelle returned to the United States to start planning their wedding, and, while they initially hoped for Jimmy to join her there, visa challenges meant they had to adapt. By July 2011, Michelle returned to Kampala, found employment, and the couple poured their efforts into planning a beautiful November wedding in Uganda.
Their early years of marriage were spent in Uganda, filled with the joys and challenges of life abroad. Despite the heartbreak of three miscarriages and the longing for her family, Michelle found solace in Jimmy’s support. Halfway through a successful pregnancy, and encouraged by Jimmy, they moved closer to her family in Tennessee. Their familial bond grew even stronger with the birth of their second daughter. Life unfolded differently than planned, but with their family thriving, they chose to stay in Tennessee, planting roots for their blossoming family.
In 2017, their openness to expanding their family was met with another miscarriage, a heartbreak that turned into healing and purpose. With a growing passion for fostering, they welcomed their fourth foster child into their home—a tiny baby boy who became officially theirs through adoption 18 months later. Michelle and Jimmy marvel at how their paths crossed and intertwined, forming a vibrant family enriched by God's provision and grace. Their story continues to unfold in Tennessee, where they embrace each day as a growing and thriving family, blessed with love and shared adventures.
Allison x Jessie
Allison and Jessie’s story is a beautiful tapestry of resilience, love, and cross-cultural harmony. Jessie was born in Louisiana to a diverse family, with a white mother and a black father. Despite experiencing the absence of a strong father figure due to his father's incarceration, Jessie found strength and inspiration in his loving mother, who was a steadfast presence throughout his childhood. Overcoming the odds, he pursued higher education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Allison hails from Baton Rouge as well, growing up in a white middle-class family. Her world was shaken by her parents' divorce when she was just 8 years old. Despite having her physical needs met, the emotional challenges she faced in navigating family dynamics were complex. However, Allison’s vibrant personality and strong bonds with her mother and siblings helped her cultivate resilience and optimism through life's trials. She went on to study at Southeastern University, graduating with her Bachelor's in General Studies and a minor in French.
Their paths crossed when a couple from their church set them up on a blind date in 2008. They experienced a near-instant and profound connection. Both were searching for lasting love, and their encounter soon blossomed into a beautiful relationship. Jessie’s father was released from prison in time to attend their wedding near the end of 2010, turning the day into a powerful emblem of restoration and hope. Soon after, they enjoyed a two-year stint in Brisbane, Australia, deepening their bond and creating lifelong memories. The experience was so impactful that it inspired them to name one of their children after a cherished friend they made abroad.
Currently, Jessie and Allison live in their beloved home state of Louisiana after spending some time in Denver, Colorado. Their family life is bustling with two vibrant girls, two spirited boys, and an unexpected yet adored rescue pup. Allison dedicates her days to homeschooling, cultivating a thriving garden, and inspiring other mothers with fitness tips on Instagram. Jessie, now a proud business owner, has launched his own engineering firm. Together, they cherish the life they have crafted, grateful for their past experiences and excited for the adventures ahead.
Your Story Matters
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