Tom & Michelle ValleMichelle was 37 years old and working as an English teacher overseas. Many had told her to return to America to find Mr. Right before it was too late. "They said that if I didn't go home at age 30 that I would never marry or be able to have children in the future," says Michelle. But God had different plans. "I told them I believed in God and He guided my life. If He wanted me to marry, He would provide my Mr. Right no matter where I lived." At Just The Right Time Michelle was visiting some friends and a guy named Tom came for a two-day visit. "It really was a 'God meeting'," says Michelle. Later, he emailed me to ask if I would mind him corresponding with me. He said he enjoyed getting to know me over our Over the Bridge noodle dish, and he loved my smile." Of course Michelle said yes! She could tell Tom loved the Lord, wanted to continue to live overseas, and thought he was handsome and easy to talk to. "I loved his honesty and heart for the Lord," says Michelle. "It wasn't love at first sight. We shared our testimonies, dreams... and his heart really attracted me." After corresponding for a while, Michelle asked Tom to reach out to her dad to get his permission to court her with the purpose of marriage in mind. "I told him that I was old-fashioned and wanted to protect my heart," says Michelle. He did. Not long after, Michelle's dad Gary came to visit and celebrate his 60th birthday. "We spent a week together touring around," says Michelle. "On this trip, Tom made it known that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me." Tom had also talked to Michelle's mom over the phone, saying, "I was a very special girl and hard to get." The Proposal and Wedding Leading up to popping the question, Tom gave her a small, black bag each day with a different piece of jewelry in it. While on a scenic boat ride, Tom handed her the bag again, but this time the engagement ring was inside. The couple was engaged for seven months. "We set pretty high standards to guard our purity," says Michelle. "I didn't hold hands with him until we were engaged, and we saved our first kiss 'til our wedding day." Another practical way the pair stayed true to their standards was by not being alone with each other inside either of their homes. She challenges other couples to not be in a rush to find someone. "No matter how long the wait, it is best to marry the right person who truly loves you for who you are," she says. "God gives good gifts, and His timing is always perfect." The couple married on December 31, 2011 in Colorado. "Our kiss was very special," says Michelle. She also enjoyed seeing the slideshow of their growing up years and getting to see siblings and their families at the wedding. Married Life The couple now has two children and are witnesses to God's faithfulness as they live in China. "He proved that He does provide in the perfect timing. It doesn't always look like the world, or what they say it should look like," she says. "Trust Him." "No matter how long the wait, it is best to marry the right person who truly loves you for who you are. God gives good gifts, and His timing is always perfect." I love you, sis-in-law Michelle! Thanks for sharing your story! We are looking forward to the Valle/Buckner reunion and "cousin camp" later this year!
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Marken Media Co.Marcus & Kennan own Marken Media Co. serving the multimedia needs of small businesses. Known by the #devinecolorwall, we strive to foster a space for the community to CREATE • COLLABORATE • CELEBRATE.
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KennanI'm a lover of words. Sometimes I edit, cook, craft, or sing. I'm also a wife and mom. Categories
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