Doulos Hope Diaries: Our Love Story (4/4)

I returned home in May. It was the middle of the peak season for our Nyonya Chang dumplings. That meant my entire family was in the production rooms, making dumplings. It was the perfect time to tell them about Evert.

If all 7 of my family members had peace about Evert and this possible relationship, I will take that as a confirmation from God.

My brothers are a lot like my father. See first, judge later. But for some reason, my brothers fell in love with this stranger. They were fully supportive, and even encouraged me to continue texting Evert.

"Someone finally likes you, Da Jie! He even wants to marry you! That's a miracle. Better take him before he change his mind."

🤦‍♀️

Mom was a bit more practical.

"Is he white? Oh my god!! I'm going to have white grandbabies!! Ok, go chop him quick quick."

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

My two sisters, Clarissa and Eka, actually listened to me when I talked about the qualities of Evert's character and the events that went down. They were more helpful than the rest and suggested I pray about it but still continue talking to him as a friend.

As for Daddy...he didn't say anything. If he had any thoughts, he kept it to himself. It never showed on his face. As always, my father was mysterious, elusive and patient. He was going to wait and see.

And so, I prayed about Evert. And I continued chatting with him as a friend via text. I enjoyed our pleasant conversations and deep discussions. My Mom was actively encouraging me to return to the ship. I wanted to return to continue working in the Galley, but my feelings for Evert remained undecided.

Until he started talking about a new girl he met on the ship.

The girl was really nice. Really sweet, gentle and pretty. He mentioned the interactions she had with him, and how it stood out because she treated him differently than other girls.

And I got really jealous.

AND THAT was when I realized, if I didn't truly like Evert, I wouldn't be jealous if he met another girl. But I was jealous. I was very jealous. I realized I didn't want Evert to like another girl. I wanted him to like me, and only ME.

He told me how he butchered the side hugs that she gave him. I said I'm glad he butchered the side hugs.

"Why?"

I thought for a while. "If you really would like to wait for me, it'd be nice if you could continue to butcher hugs that other girls give you."

"Really?" Evert asked, surprised.

I became flustered. I didn't like to talk like this. It revealed too much of what I felt inside. But Evert got what I was trying to say, thank God. 😭

"Okay," Evert said, with a happy smile. "I will continue to butcher hugs from other girls."

Later on, I was able to raise enough funds to return to the ship for another 4 months. Evert was overjoyed, and I was secretly excited to see him again.

I returned to Doulos Hope in late June, 2023.

After a whole day of orientation and excited catch ups with old friends, I finally bumped into Evert in the cabin corridor. I was reading a lovely note that he had written and taped to my cabin door. He came out from his cabin, which was exactly opposite mine.

"Hi," Evert said, unable to hide his joy in his grin. He had shaved and trimmed his beard, and he looked very handsome.

"Hi," I said, smiling back at him shyly. "I'm back."

"Hi Back, I mistook you for Bella."

We laughed.

"Are you busy now?" Evert asked.

"Nope, I'm quite free tonight."

Evert's face brightened. I felt giddy. He extended a hand towards the dining room.

"Would you like to have a cup of tea with me?" Evert asked with a smile.

"That would be lovely," I said, beaming. "Thank you."

"My pleasure."

I never in my life imagined I would be blessed with such a man of character so early in my life.

I am thankful for Evert, who shows me the love of Jesus every single day. I am humbled and honored to be able to walk with Evert and be a huge part of his life.

I'm grateful to Doulos Hope, which gave me more than just a best friend. I had so many amazing memories and experiences, that I often encourage my family to volunteer on the ship at least once. (And my Mom has!)

I'm excited for the future with Evert! I can't wait to see God's goodness and glory in both our lives as we live for Him.

And that, my friends, is our Doulos Hope love story.