We met in CupidUSA.com. we started our communication February 2, 2004 as our official meeting as is registered in our first email communiqué. The previous email was lost so it doesn't count.

The first email I (Maricel) got was from Andrew, a student from Indiana University looking for friend. We coresponded through email for 2 weeks until we decided to add each other on our YM's (Yahoo instant Messenger). Ssince we live in two very different time zones we were not able to talk that much. When I was online he was out to school and when he's home I was going to school. I got interested in him because I love his intellegence and his humor. He makes me laugh. I found myself not wanting to go to bed. I did not want to stop chatting with this guy. I love him.

Frequent chats, e-mails and telephone calls have sustained us as we sacrificed some physical closeness. Nevertheless, the distance separating us didn't hinder us to know each other and build a good friendship that would eventually blossom into something deeper. Being apart gave us some time to build a firm foundation of trust and faith.

After 7 months of meeting online we finally met in person for the first on October 25th of 2004 Monday at 12:30 am followed by a second visit on october 15 of 2005.

Andrew proposed to Maricel on 30th of October 2005.

It was sunday when we went south of cebu together with my (Maricel) parents. stopping at every parish church, taking many pictures and a few videos.

Around 10 pm when we arrived at the city. We dropped off Andrew at his hotel since its Sunday we decided check nightlife in the area. Jaja (Maricel's sister) and I decided to stay. We invited my brother Jade but he refused because he is so tired and wanting to sleep. The camera's memory card got busted and all the pictures were lost. I asked andrew recover the lost pictures but there was nothing that we could really do. I felt so bad and it just ruined my day. We went up to the hotel's rooftop and enjoyed the city lights as Jaja took pictures using Andrews extra memory card. I feel that Andrew was jittery and perspiring. I was worried that he's having an upset stomach from the food we had for lunch. I asked him if hes okey. He said yes and gave me a big hug. After that he made a little speech but all I could hear was "I love you and i want to spend the rest of my life with you. Maricel, will you be my wife?" *****blush blush blush*** After hearing "wife" it sunk in to me that he is proposing! Although we had talked about being engaged I was still surprised when he proposed to me. It was very sweet! I was speechless. I couldn't utter a word, just tears came out and he hugged me tightly and whispered "here behind you" I looked back and i saw the ring. It is a beauty! and I sunk into his chest and we both cried. I forgot to answer him so he asked again and I said "yes".

As christians , our firm foundation is Jesus Christ. If you asked how we were able to withstand our struggles. We cannot be able to give a definite answer. Its just that we believe in him to work in us. God's love works in many mysterious ways as the love song goes. our love grew through technology and frustrations. Conflict is inevitable but both of us were and are willing to compromise some conflict and support and give encouragement to each other. There are things that no amount of words can appease. When our feelings are hurt we heal with a hug and just being together, not even needing to say a single word.

Soon another chapter of our lives will begin. After building years of a wonderful relationship we are joined together in Christ to glorify God and ready to take that step to become one under God. We invite you to help us celebrate this joyus occasion as we, Andrew Powell and Maricel Pesiao are married.