Isaac was in Australia, attending college and getting his first exposure to a full-scale secular world. It was a new experience for him, and he created a free account on CatholicMatch out of curiosity.
However, even in spite of his surroundings, he was leery about getting too involved. “I really didn’t like the stigma that was carried with internet dating,” he said, “so I really pursued anybody.”
He received e-mails from CatholicMatch telling him of potential matches, but while it intrigued him enough to take a look, it was never enough to get him to become a full member. In the meantime, he continued to pursue love in the secular world, often mis-named the “real world,” but found himself let down by women who did not share the Catholic Faith.
Elizabeth came across Isaac’s profile and set him an e-mail. This caught his attention and he liked everything about her own profile, so he decided to become a full member, so he could communicate with her.
Soon they were e-mailing, texting and eventually talking on the phone. Though 200 kilometers separate them—he lives in rural Victoria, while she was in Brisbane—they were able to meet face-to-face in October 2009.
“To my delight she looked better in the flesh than in any of the photos I’d seen,” Isaac recalled. By the time he left her side he was convinced he’d met his future wife and they agreed to give a relationship a real chance.
The financial costs of maintaining a long-distance relationship were not insignificant, but they were committed to face-to-face meetings at least once a month and they maintained daily contact via phone, e-mail and text. They talked about serious issues—family and children, and they reflected on the Scripture readings from each day’s Mass.
As they moved the relationship forward, the question of where they would settle became an issue. Isaac looked for a job in Brisbane, but came to believe that God was instead calling him to Melbourne. He was able to find employment there, and settled in. It is of note that Isaac found God’s will not by prayer alone, but first seeking a job in Brisbane and from there letting the Holy Spirit move him in another direction. Prayer and action must always work together.
Elizabeth was prepared to relocate, but indicated firmly she wasn’t doing so without a ring on her finger. It was a problem Isaac was more than happy to solve. In February of 2010, he went to Brisbane to propose and she said yes. They were married this past month and have begun their lives together in Melbourne.
