From Table for One to Forever Table for Two
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Intro
For many years, my story was about a table for one.
I traveled the world. I sat at beautiful restaurants alone. I watched sunsets by myself.
And honestly, I loved it.
But one evening in Panama, something unexpected happened.
My table for one became my first table for two with my future husband.
A Time for Reflection
After my week volunteering with Manos de Fe, I booked a quiet stay at Isla Palenque Resort.
The island is small and peaceful. There are only eight private casitas, so very few guests stay there at one time.
I booked the stay on purpose.
I wanted quiet time to reflect on my week serving, and to pray about the next chapter of my life after leaving my corporate career.
I thought I would spend those two days completely alone.
Dinner by the Ocean
That evening, I went to the only restaurant on the island.
It sits right on the beach.
I chose a table closest to the ocean, under a tree, so the sound of the waves could keep me company during dinner.
It was the perfect table for one.
As I sat there, I noticed a handsome man standing nearby talking on his phone.
But I assumed he was traveling with someone else. After all, this island was so secluded.
There was no way another person was here alone too.
A Simple Question
A few minutes later, he walked over to my table.
Very politely he asked,
"Would you mind if I joined you for dinner? I'm here by myself as well."
I said yes.
That simple moment changed my life.
The Most Important Conversation
What followed was the most meaningful conversation I have ever had.
We talked for hours.
About life.
About purpose.
About faith.
For a long time, I had been praying for my future husband. I prayed that God would bring him into my life when I was ready to be the woman he was also praying for.
That night, sitting at a table overlooking the ocean, I felt something deep in my heart.
This dinner was not random.
This was the first dinner with the man God designed for me.
Six Months Later
Exactly six months later, we were engaged.
Sometimes people ask me how we met.
And I always smile when I tell them.
We met because I chose to step outside my comfort zone.
I chose to travel alone.
I chose to sit at a table for one.
The Real Lesson
Solo travel changed my life in many ways.
It gave me confidence.
It helped me grow.
It taught me to enjoy my own company.
But it also did something I never expected.
It led me to the person I will share my life with.
Final Thoughts
Many women worry that traveling alone means they will miss out on love.
But the truth is often the opposite.
When you live your life fully, boldly, and confidently, you create space for the right person to find you.
My table for one was never about being alone.
It was about becoming the woman I was meant to be.
And one beautiful night in Panama, that journey led me to my forever table for two.
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