Bethany Sleebos: [00:00:00] He goes, well, I just need to tell you that I really like you and I would love to see about pursuing a relationship. And I decide so mean in the moment. I was like, I’m just gonna be silent for like 30 seconds just because I’ve known for so long. So I kept him on his toes for 30 seconds and then finally I was like, well, actually, I really like you too.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Love stories fill us with joy and inspire hope for the future. And a true life romance can remind us that sometimes just one spark is all it takes to change everything.

She went to Europe to teach dance, and he was just a translator, but then she heard the whisper from God, this man will be your husband. What happened [00:01:00] next is a story that you wanna hear. Welcome to Unexpected Love Stories. I’m your host, Don Persky, and if you’ve listened to my love story, then you’re gonna know why this couple’s story is so precious to my heart.

Bethany Lesbos is a dancer, a teacher, a leader whose journey began at Suzanne School of Dance in College Station, Texas, and by the age of 15 she was performing with a diem dance company. In the years since she’s danced and she’s taught across the globe, she uses the arts as a way to share God’s love.

Her calling eventually led her to the Netherlands, where she launched a Rise dance School with youth with a mission. It was a step that shaped both of her life and her ministry. She and her husband Patrick are now back where it all began in College Station and now they lead Suzanne’s school of dance.

Welcome, Bethany. So good to see you.

Bethany Sleebos: Hi. It’s so good to see you.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Oh, it’s uh [00:02:00] oh. This is so precious. It’s been years. It has since, since we’ve been together. Yes. So I’m so excited to hear your story. Let’s pick up, uh, your story with what took you

Bethany Sleebos: to the Netherlands. Yes. Well I was dancing with a damn dance company and really thought I was gonna go to New York one summer and the Lord just shut the door to that.

And so I talked to, um, my director at the time of the company, Randall Flynn, and he said, you know, Bethany. Have you ever thought about doing missions? And I was like, yes, actually I love missions. It’s been on my heart and I would love that. And so he had connections, um, with King’s kids in the Netherlands through youth with a mission.

He had gone and taught dance to them. And then they would use these dances to go on outreach and share the love of Jesus in different countries. [00:03:00] And when he was sharing that with me, I was like, oh, I would. Love to do that. And so here I was just a baby. I was 18 in 2007 and I went to the Netherlands and I got to teach dance to these amazing teenagers.

And as I was there, um, I really fell in love with the country. I love the Netherlands and the Lord started just placing a desire in my heart to someday go back there. Um, but I was enjoying getting to teach them these dances. And then one of the teams last minute said, you should come with us to South Africa.

And I was like. Oh my goodness. I’ve never been to South Africa. I would love to travel there with you guys, but I, I didn’t have any extra money to do it. Well, they surprised me and they raised money for me to go with them to South Africa for the first time and I got to go and it was an [00:04:00] amazing trip. And so that’s how I first ended up in the Netherlands.

Um, just getting to teach with King’s kids, which was such a blast.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Wow. And should I, should we throw in there that, that’s where we met was in South Africa? Yes, it was.

Bethany Sleebos: I know, I feel like that was a few years later and I just, the like calling me back there. I love that we got to teach there together. So special.

Very special. Very special.

Dawn Pruszkowski: So you’re going back then to, um, the Netherlands, was that like every year that you went back or? Yes. How did you end up going?

Bethany Sleebos: Going back to the Netherlands. Yes. So I kept going back every summer, but I do have to say I met someone very special the first time I went. Um, Patrick, the love of my life, my husband, he was actually there that first, like that first outreach that I went on to [00:05:00] South Africa.

And he remembers me. He was like, you were just this young, naive girl, welcoming everybody. And for him, he was going on this trip actually really just saying, okay, Lord, I’m gonna give you three weeks, um, to, to change my life or not. And um, and it was on that trip that we met and became friends and, um. And then, yes, then I kept coming back every summer, getting to teach with them and as I would come back, um, this desire just kept growing in me of wanting to go and start a dance school there.

’cause I was meeting these amazing teenagers going, man, there’s no Christian dance school here. I would love to start something for them. And a company. And so that’s where this, um, dream of a rise was birthed in my heart, um, to go and to [00:06:00] move there. Um, but before I moved there, fun thing. So I went in. Um, so I kept going back every summer between 2007, 2009.

And in the fall of 2009 is when I went to one of their outreaches for their year round team. And I, as I was there, I was, um, in one of the worship times. I’ll never forget. And I, I was in a time in my life where I’m like, I don’t even really want to be in a relationship. Honestly. I was just like, I’m really good.

Like I’m just living my dream right now. I’m traveling, getting to go to other countries, would love to start something in the Netherlands maybe, and was not looking for love at all. Um, and I thought that will just be later on. I’m gonna go travel, kind of do my thing, and then we’ll see when that happens.

But in 2009 when I went to this [00:07:00] outreach, I was in one of the worship times and I just, I’ll never forget, my eyes were closed and I was just really in the moment and I felt like the Lord showed me to open my eyes, and when I did. Patrick, this Dutchie that was a friend of mine and I, I thought, you know, over the years I was like, he’s super cute, but he’s so immature.

Like I, I, I don’t know, you know, he’s just a good friend and, but I opened my eyes and there he is, like kneeling down in front of the cross and I really felt like in the moment, the Lord said, Bethany. He’s gonna be your husband. And I was like, oh, you know, like I had thought in the past, I like, oh, well maybe this person will be my husband or maybe this person.

But this felt really different to me and I kind of walked away going. Oh man, [00:08:00] I’m, I’m gonna like journal that, but I don’t know if I heard correctly. Like, we’ll, we’ll see, you know, he’s a dutchie. I don’t really know if I even wanna be with someone from another country. And I thought I would marry a cowboy, you know, like from Texas ’cause that’s where I’m from.

And, um, but it just, it felt different in my heart and so I just kind of tucked it away. I journaled it. Didn’t tell anyone. And what’s so crazy is that that same weekend his parents were at this, um. At this time, this weekend with us, and I didn’t really know him well and his mom didn’t tell us till much later in our relationship when we were engaged.

But that same weekend we found out that the Lord showed her I was gonna be her daughter-in-law. Isn’t. That’s so crazy. Like what? Um. Talk about confirmation. I know, I [00:09:00] know. I love how like even just her heart was being prepared as a mama, you know? And, um, but yes, so then I, I, here I was during that weekend, I feel like the Lord showed me that, but I kind of pushed it away and I was like, no, I, I don’t think this.

You know, God, and um, I’ll, we’ll just see. And I was really focused on what I felt like my calling was and my dreams. And

Dawn Pruszkowski: so I’m on a mission.

Bethany Sleebos: I’m like, I don’t a mission. I don’t have time for boys right now. You know, that’s. Sometimes when it happens, when you’re like not looking for it. And, um, and so anyways, at least for me, that did.

And so here I was. And, but during that weekend as well, um, the Lord just really made way for me to get to go to the Netherlands and work with King’s kids and started dance school and dance company and I was so excited about it. So. [00:10:00] Over those few months I was, you know, um, preparing for that and ended up moving there in January.

So January of, um, 2010. And, but I didn’t know that I was gonna be living in the same house as Patrick, so I didn’t even know he was still with King’s kids at the time. ’cause we, you know, we knew each other and we’re Facebook friends. Funny thing too, I, at first Facebook stalked him and I, a notification came up that it was like in the early days, you know, and so a notification came up and it said, find out who your number one follower is.

And I was like, oh my gosh. He’s gonna know that I like, like him. And so anyway, so that like popped up. I was like, I cannot, I cannot get on Facebook and follow him. Turns out it was like how many likes or comments, which I didn’t [00:11:00] do a lot of, so I was in the clear. Um, but these were funny story. Later on I was like, oh no.

And so I, um, end up moving in January of 2010 to the Netherlands to start this dance goal and. As I’m like about to um, like about to fly out, I get confirmation from them from a good friend of mine, Naomi, she actually lives in Texas now. We’re super close. And she goes, Hey, we’re so excited for you to come and work with our team here.

And I just wanna let you know that we, um, have housing for you. And I don’t know if you remember him, but Patrick SLAs is in the same YWAM house as us. And my first thought was. Oh no. Like I cannot be in the same house as him. Like I’m trying to get away from these feelings and, and here he is gonna be in the same house as me.

So it actually terrified me at the [00:12:00] moment, but. Of course God knew what he was doing. And um, so I moved there and it ended up being such a fun experience getting to work with King’s kids. And we were in the same office and so we were getting to know each other and living in the same house as well, even though it was with families and singles.

So it was a lot of people. We got to know each other really well as well during that time. So were you like just trying to play it cool the whole time? Oh, yes, yes. I, I was, I was like, I cannot let him know that I like him. Like, I am not gonna be the first one. I’m not gonna pursue it. He’s, he’s gonna have to pursue me if this is gonna be real.

And so I think, I’ve only told Naomi, I said, Naomi. You are sworn to secrecy because I, I like this guy and, but I don’t want to. And, and so she was like, okay, I won’t tell anyone. And so, [00:13:00] but during that time as we were together. I, I was so bad. I was such a bad flirt. I was even like flirting with his best friend and other friends.

’cause I, I didn’t want him to know that I liked him. And so it really threw him off for a little while. I just throw him off. Off. Yeah. I was like, he doesn’t know. Yes. And then there was one moment though where he started to think, well, maybe. Maybe she likes me. I came down at one point and he said something to me, and I don’t know why.

It was like I, I just didn’t know how to flirt, and so in the moment, what did I do? I just stuck my tongue out at him. I was like, I don’t even know, like, are we in kindergarten here? I, so he still makes fun of me for that. He was like, and then I looked at Naomi like. Which, what was that? You know, like, [00:14:00] what was she even doing?

And I’m like, I don’t even know. I, I just didn’t even know how to like, flirt with you and, ’cause also part of my story too is I, I’d never had a boyfriend before, never been in love. And so all of this was very overwhelming to me. And I had, you know, here I had kind of known for months that he was possibly gonna be my husband and I think.

When you stay guarded for so long, that was, um, that was terrifying in a way to be like, oh, okay, this might really be the one for me. You know? Yeah. You don’t and, and you don’t know how to let that guard down. Yes. And that was a process in our relationship once we did start dating, um, to realize that it was safe to open up my heart.

Um, but yes, so we, we were, you know, I was giving him weird signs. I, I mean, thank [00:15:00] goodness he saw through that because they, and, um, but actually how we, how he told me that he liked me. So we were driving, I was gonna be teaching dance in Harlem. And originally, um, my friend Naomi, um, we would do a lot of things with the three of us.

And she backed out of this trip where he was gonna take me to go teach dance. And I was like, oh no, we are gonna be, we’re gonna be in the car together. It’s just gonna be the two of us. Like, I was starting to get really nervous about it. Anyways, um, the night before, crazy story, I, I was just, you know, dealing with these feelings and felt like he was maybe the one, but Patrick is the type of guy he’s so, um.

Just charismatic and loving and outgoing that every, everyone feels like he loves them, you know? And so I was like, he, he doesn’t like [00:16:00] me. He, he must like another girl, you know? Um, but that night I, I just prayed and I was like, Lord, one, I was like, please take these feelings away from me. I, you know, like, if this is not gonna be something, then I don’t wanna have these feelings.

And so here I am praying that. And I was like, Lord, if he really is the one, like please gimme a dream about him. Well, what’s funny is later on I found out is that same night as I’m praying in my room, he was in his room going, Lord, if this is really you, if I’m supposed to pursue her, then I need you to do a few things.

And he was like, I need you to wake me up in the middle of the night. Let me remember having a dream about her and like all these and help me not go back to sleep. Well, all those things happened and he, um, actually has a conversation in the middle of the night with his best friend and he’s telling him that.

Like I, I had a dream about her and [00:17:00] all this stuff, and like they have like an hour long conversation. Matt gives him advice to go for this and Patrick said the next day he called his friend like, Hey Matt, thanks for the advice. He is like, what are you talking about? He’s like, we had a full on conversation and the middle of the night and you don’t remember it.

He didn’t even remember it. But, um, so anyways, that, um, morning we were going on a run together. ’cause we had, I was trying to run to get back in shape ’cause I was gonna go back to America to perform for like a month and then go back to the Netherlands. Um, I just felt like I was supposed to tell him that I had a dream about him and I was like, this is really weird.

For me to say that, like, he’s gonna probably know I like him, you know? And so here we are running and, um, I’m like, Hey, so random last night I had a dream about you and you were like doing this. And, and he like stops. And I could tell it like kind of [00:18:00] caught him off guard. And what I didn’t know is that he was like, you know what, like, Lord, if this is really you, like, let her say she had a dream about me because she’ll never say that, you know?

And, um, and here like I did. And so he was like, oh my goodness. And so we, um, later that day, we were headed to Harlem and the car. And, uh, we were gonna stop at IKEA and get some coffee. And so ikea’s a big thing, especially in Europe, and they’re also known for having like the cheapest. Coffee. And so I thought to myself, I was like, well, if this is gonna be a date, he’s gonna offer to pay for my coffee.

And, um, if not, I know like, this is not going anywhere. So we’re in IKEA and we’re checking out. And I like, was like, oh, I can get it. And then he goes, okay, you pay for it. And I was like, oh. Oh my [00:19:00] goodness. I was so mad, like, you know, southern girl. I was like, okay then this is not a date. And um, I was like, fine.

So I was so mad at him and we sat down to have coffee and his, in his mind, to his defense, he was like. Babe, I had paid for so much for you in the Netherlands. I thought this is the cheapest coffee. Like, sure, I’ll just, you know, I’ll let her pay for this one thing. And, um, anyways, we laugh about that now, but.

So I just kind of ignored him as we were supposed to have this fun coffee time together. And finally he was like, well, I guess if, you know, uh, we can just go ahead and get in the car and drive. I was like, okay. And um, so we’re in the car driving and he starts to ask me questions and he was like, Hey, so do you like anyone?

And I was like, maybe. And he goes, well. Do you like [00:20:00] anyone in America? I was like, no. Anyone in the Netherlands? And I was like, maybe. And he goes, well, is it my best friend? And I was like, no, it’s not your best friend. And so he started going and he was like, okay, well, um, you know, and, and then he goes, do I know this person?

And, you know, I had thought to myself, Don, I was like. I’ve known that he was gonna be my husband for a little while, like I knew, even though I didn’t fully know yet. Um, and so in my heart I knew though, and I was like, I have been tortured for months. I was like, this is my time to get back at him, like my one and only time.

And so I was so mean to him. I’m like, bless Patrick. So we’re in the car. And he’s asked me that and I’m like, no, I don’t think you know this person very well. And he was like, oh, okay. And so, and then actually at that moment he was like, I need to pull over [00:21:00] real quick. I’m getting really hot. And I was like, oh no.

So he takes off his jacket, we get back in the car and he’s driving. I was like, I think he’s about to tell me that he likes me. And he does. He goes, well, I just need to tell you. I really like you and I would love to see about pursuing a relationship, and I decide so mean in the moment. I was like, I’m just gonna be silent for like 30 seconds just because I’ve known for so long.

So I kept him on his toes for 30 seconds and then finally I was like, well, actually I really like you too. And he was like so relieved. He’s like, oh. And I’m like, I’ve liked you for a long time. And he’s like, no way. You’ve liked me for a long time. I’m like, yes. And um. And so we decided at that moment that we would, because we were from two different countries, that we would take time to talk to our [00:22:00] families and our mentors and pray about it for a month because it just felt like such a huge commitment and.

Even though I really felt like he was the one for me, um, we just wanted that confirmation with people that we knew and trusted around us. So I ended up going back to America and we prayed about it for a month, and then in AP on April 1st, 2010, we made it official. I flew to meet them. In Milan, Italy, and that is when, um, we started officially dating.

So, yeah. Wow.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Wow. So both your fam

Bethany Sleebos: families were behind this. Like, yes. Yes. They were. They, um, and even my parents, um, I would say like, have been pretty protective, you know, and just mm-hmm. Um, wanting me to be safe and as a girl and all as their daughter, um, they just [00:23:00] really, they really felt like this was right and they got to meet Patrick over.

Um, back in the day it was Skype. We met, they met over Skype, so that was pretty funny and awkward. But um, they got to meet him over Skype and then later he got to fly to America and meet them in person. But they did both sets and our mentors just really prayed with us and they were like, we really feel like this is the Lord and it’s okay for you guys to go for it.

Dawn Pruszkowski: So how did you guys then progress the relationship? When you weren’t in the same country?

Bethany Sleebos: Yes. So we were off and on because I was starting a rise dance school, getting visa stuff situated. Um, so we would be kind of like in the same country for a month or two. And then I went to South Africa and I would travel and then we’d be away for a couple months.

Um. But during that time, it, it was actually [00:24:00] so good for our relationship because it forced us to communicate through Skype is what we’d primarily use or, you know, email, text, call. Um, and so even though we weren’t in person most of the time, um, it really did, I think, build, um, a great, um. You know, communication line between the two of us.

’cause that’s all that we could really do. And so we would even play games over Skype of, okay, we’re gonna ask each other questions and get to know each other really well. And, and I’m, even though it was very hard in the beginning, I’m so thankful. ’cause I think to this day that’s probably, other than our faith, that’s the strongest thing in our relationship is our communication.

That’s

Dawn Pruszkowski: precious. Okay. Uh, of course we need to hear about a proposal. Yes. Were [00:25:00] you expecting it?

Bethany Sleebos: Um, where did it happen? Yes. So, um, I knew I had an inkling it was gonna come, um, but didn’t know exactly when. And so, and I kept telling him, I was like, Patrick, God is gonna show me before you proposed to me. And he was like, no.

Like, it’s gonna be a surprise. And um, but I knew that he was gonna be coming to America. In December of 2010, um, to spend time with my family and um, so I had a feeling it could happen then, or maybe before then while we were in the Netherlands, but, you know, didn’t know exactly. Um, but he did a great job surprising me and.

So we were coming back to College Station. We had been with my grandparents and then we’re coming back into College Station and he came up with this big [00:26:00] story with my family and they totally got me. They said, guess what? Um, at our local theater. Um, beauty and the Beast is coming and I love Beauty and the Beast and I was so excited.

They were like, we got you tickets and you’re gonna get to go. And so that’s how they got me dressed up to go to what I thought was gonna be Beauty and the Beast. And. So, um, but Patrick needed to go do something else, and so I was getting all dressed up. I was so excited. Um, and they really threw me off.

Like I, I did not expect it at that moment. And then, um, my dad said, Hey, why don’t we run some errands and then I can drop you off. And my sweet dad, he, he started going down memory lane. And so he was like, oh, look, there’s, there’s your middle school and there’s where you went to high school for part of it before you moved to Houston.

And um, and he just started saying these sentimental [00:27:00] things that I was like, huh, I wonder maybe, uh, I don’t know, you know? Um, and then he actually took me through. McDonald’s to get a drink ’cause he, when I was three years old, he got me to promise him that I would have my wedding someday at McDonald’s.

Because I loved McDonald’s and so he always joked that someday you’re gonna have your wedding at McDonald’s ’cause you promised me that and it will be so cheap. And so anyways, um, so he took me through the drive through at McDonald’s and got me something. And I don’t think he reminded me of that story, but I was like, this is interesting.

We’re going through McDonald’s. And then he said, Hey, we’re gonna go buy the dance studio because that’s where the tickets are. And I was like, okay, that’s kind of strange that the tickets are there, but sure, we’ll go to the dance studio. So it was dark inside. So he opened the door and [00:28:00] he’s like, Hey, you need to come in.

I think you need to go in this studio. Like Studio two is the largest one there. And I was like, huh. And then all of a sudden my dad opens the door and like pushes me in and I was so overcome. So here’s the dance studio that I grew up dancing in, specifically that room and. It had a beautiful table setting and a red runner and candles and flowers.

I mean, it was just over the top. So beautiful. And there was Patrick, like all dressed up and, um, it was, it was just so perfect. You know, like you dream of that as a little girl. What it’s gonna be like. And so he gets down on one knee and, um, proposes to me, and Patrick’s not really a crier, but he was like crying.

It was so [00:29:00] sweet. And. Um, and then he was, what was really special too is we had a little chihuahua at the time, and so he had put the engagement ring on her little collar, so they opened the door and here comes Bonita with the little engagement ring. And, um, thankfully she like made it through all the candles and everything, but she had the ring and.

And I said, yes, of course I knew he was the one. There was no doubt in my mind, even though we were from two different countries and worlds, um, you know, we shared so much and it was obvious that the Lord had brought us together and that’s how we got engaged.

Dawn Pruszkowski: That’s so sweet. I love, thank you. I love that.

Narrator: How do you know when you’re falling in love? Join us for the Love Unexpected podcast. This true life romantic journey [00:30:00] dives into the whirlwind story of how one woman’s life miraculously transformed leading her across the sea, where she discovered the love she didn’t expect. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Okay, so now you’re planning a wedding.

Bethany Sleebos: Yes.

Dawn Pruszkowski: And how’d you balance that with, IIII assume you got married in col in, uh, college Station or are there in Texas? Yes, we

Bethany Sleebos: did end up getting married in College Station. We had a party in the Netherlands. Um, but I was still living most of the time in the Netherlands.

Um, ’cause we had figured out visa stuff, um, for me to work at the dance school and all of that. With King’s kids. And, um, really, I have to say thank you to my mom because she was the one here. You know, I made decisions and she would run things [00:31:00] by me, but, um, she was really the one that. Like, did most of the planning, um, and was, you know, boots on the ground making it happen.

And along with one of her friends that she taught with Ms. Beth, my history teacher, um, she also helped so much with the reception. So there’s no way all of that would’ve come together with me living out of the country, um, without the two of them making that happen here. So

Dawn Pruszkowski: precious. Okay, so how long between the engagement and the wedding?

Bethany Sleebos: Yeah, so we got engaged in December of 2010, and then we got married on August 20th, 2011. Oh gosh. So

Dawn Pruszkowski: that’s

Bethany Sleebos: what,

Dawn Pruszkowski: eight, nine months? Yeah, about nine

months. Mm-hmm. Okay.

Yes. All right. So would you tell us about your wedding? Are there any [00:32:00] memories that stand out about that day?

Bethany Sleebos: Yes, it was so beautiful. I remember leading up to it, I was nervous about it all coming together.

I had also, as a dancer, one of my gifts to him was I videoed a dance for him that was shown before I walked down the aisle. And, um, something had happened with that and it ended up all working out. But I was like, oh, I want it to all come together. You know, it did. The day of it was so peaceful and it was such a joy.

It went by really quickly. Um, but I just, you know, I’ll never forget, um, my dad seeing me for the first time in my wedding dress. That was really special to me, that moment and him walking me down the aisle. To Patrick, and actually my old dance company director, Randall Flynn, is the one that married us. So that was really just, I felt like all the people that I loved so much [00:33:00] were there and present, um, supporting us, which was so sweet.

And um, then. Funny thing too, my dad ended up, um, saying in Dutch, when, when Randy asked him like, who gives, um, Bethany away away? And he had practiced so much so that he could say it in Dutch and he said, our mood And I is like her mother and, and me and I and um, and he did such a good job, but it was so funny that moment where he like said it in Dutch.

I was like, way to go dad. Um. So that was really special. And we also just, um, had people in our lives, mentors, um, even, um, a pastor and his wife from South Africa that were there, that after, um. We said I do. They went and they prayed over us and that was just really special. There [00:34:00] were so many moments like that.

Um, of course I had dancing a part of it ’cause I love to dance. And so, um, really sweet. Natalie and Jeff, who I love so much, they came and I had asked them to dance and so they did a beautiful duet at the beginning. There were so many highlights. I, I loved it. It was, it was us. It was, um, exactly the way we wanted it to be, which I think is how a wedding should be.

It should represent the couple and their love together, you know? Absolutely.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Absolutely. So I just wanna say right now that you can see photos of Bethany and Patrick’s wedding on our website, unexpected love stories.com. Just click the link in the show notes below and you’ll get right to their page. Okay.

So. Um, did you take a honeymoon?

Bethany Sleebos: We did, and at the time we were pretty poor missionaries. Um, so we [00:35:00] didn’t have any extra money, but God provided, um, through actually a couple that did our premarital counseling check in. Suzanne, um, in America. Ended up buying the dance studio from, um, they were the ones, they had a beach house in Rockport and so we were able to go and spend several days and it was perfect because it was just so relaxed and, um, just ate yummy food and enjoyed each other.

It was really wonderful. That’s so precious.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Okay, so now that you’re married, um. Did you go back to the Netherlands? ’cause you were building the whole, the studio and everything that was there? Yes. What was, okay, so what was your early life like there? Trying in, in

Bethany Sleebos: the Netherlands? Yes. Well, so we knew that we would live in the Netherlands, um, for the beginning part of our marriage.

I think especially when you come [00:36:00] from two different countries, some of those things. Early on, I think you talk through maybe more of like where you wanna live and raising kids and all of that. So even when we were dating, we knew someday that we would raise our kids in America. And that we just kind of knew that, um, I don’t even know how we just, we just knew that’s we, the Lord would have us end up.

Um, but that we would start in the Netherlands and for us we thought that would be five years. It ended up only being a couple years. Um, but we had a wonderful start to our marriage. We, um, lived in this, um, beautiful home that was built in like, um, a long, long time ago. It was this old like farmhouse and they turned it into four.

Um. Different homes. And so we, that was our little, you know, first place to live. And it was so sweet and I think it was good for me to live there as well because [00:37:00] I really got to know the culture more where he was from and. I have an appreciation for it and helps me to also understand him and the, the way that he thinks and is wired and all of that.

And so I’m really thankful for our time there. I love the Netherlands and um. Enjoyed my time so much. It’s such a beautiful country and culture. And I ended up going to Dutch school there to learn, um, Dutch because that was part of my residency permit requirement. And so I went to Dutch school three days a week, um, with other people from Africa and Iran and all over the world.

Um, and so, but learned the language. It’s officially my second language, which. I was not very good at languages and so it’s kind of a miracle that I can speak and understand Dutch, but I can. Um, and so that’s fun. [00:38:00] Even now, I love getting to speak Dutch with him and um, ’cause no one here can understand it.

And so it’s fun to get to speak that together, but. Our first couple years were just really sweet and we got to minister together with King’s kids. We led teams on outreaches and um, I think that also, um, grew us closer together, that we had a common mission that we were doing together and any. Any couple that we do premarital counseling with, I’m like, find some way that you can serve together if that’s in your church or an organization in town.

Um, but just see each other serving others. Um, and that, I think it just makes your love for one another grow even more when you have that common mission together. That’s so true.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Oh, so good. But you didn’t stay in the Netherlands. How’d you get back to Texas? In a shorter [00:39:00] time than you

Bethany Sleebos: imagined it would

Dawn Pruszkowski: be?

Bethany Sleebos: Yes, we, yeah, we were not there as long as we thought we would be. Um, so in December, after we were married. December of 2011. Um, I just really felt, um, from the Lord that we were gonna move back to America more quickly than we thought. And again, it was just something I just kind of knew in my heart and I thought, man, this is a big one.

Like, God, can you please show Patrick separately because this is his, his homeland? And to leave that sooner than we thought. Would be a really big sacrifice on his part. And so I went to Patrick and I just said, Hey, I feel like God is showing me something, but I really need you to just go and ask the Lord yourself because um, I need him to show you.

And so we actually prayed separately and he came back to me and he said, Bethany. [00:40:00] I feel like the Lord showed me that we’re gonna move to America more quickly than we thought. I was like, oh my goodness, I’m so, so glad you got the same thing, because that is a big deal. And um, and we love the Netherlands and we really thought we would be there for five years and.

So we decided that we were gonna pray on it before we shared with anyone else. And um, it was like a couple nights later we were going to this night with YAM at a church, and it was actually the same church where we had our wedding reception. So after we had our wedding in America, we had our reception there in the Netherlands to celebrate with those that couldn’t make our wedding day.

And. We were in the church and on the way there though we were. Talking and we’re like, well, maybe we should ask someone to, you know, pray with us about this. And so we decided [00:41:00] that, you know, we, we would ask someone at the end of the service to pray with us. And so we went up to um, this older man that I would describe as like, um, kind of like a Santa Claus.

He’s so lovable and we call him Uncle Wim or Om Wim in Dutch. And, um, he just really has. An amazing relationship with the Lord and is so kind and, um, really hears the Lord. And so we just, we were actually about to tell him why we wanted to come to him to pray for us. And he said, Hey, before you say anything, I, I just wanna pray for you.

And so he just started to share what he felt like the Lord had put on his heart. And he goes, you know, I see you moving to America. And a year to a year and a half from now. And I see you, um, in a house and I see kids in the front yard and we just started crying. We’re like, oh my [00:42:00] goodness. Like, we have not told a soul.

And how does he know this? You know, only God. And so he’s, he’s sharing that with us. And I think for us, it just really solidified in our hearts, like, okay, I think that we’re gonna move to America sooner than we thought in. So we, you know, shared with our parents and we just started praying like, Lord, what do you, okay, if you want us to move there, what are we gonna do?

And the Lord reminded me. Of Suzanne in the dance studio, and I felt like I was just supposed to reach out to her. And she had talked to me since I was 10 years old about taking over the studio one day. And I was like, oh, Suzanne, we’ll see, you know what God has or who I marry? I, I don’t know. And so I reached out to her and she goes, Bethany, this is so crazy because the Lord showed me.

Just three months ago that it was time for me to hand it over. [00:43:00] And I was like, oh my goodness. And so we started those conversations and that moved really quickly. And what’s so amazing is that, you know, we’re, we’re making all these plans and, um, it really had to do with just logistics on when we flew and all of that.

And, um, but when we got to America with our four suitcases, we had sold everything left. The Netherlands arrived with our four suitcases and just a little bit of money in the bank. Um, we, we arrive and then I realized, I go, Patrick. Oh my goodness. It is exactly a year and a half from the moment that O whim shared with us that we were gonna be moving to America.

And so it just felt like, wow, the Lord really just made way for us to come back. And it was his timing and you know, not our own, but his timing. So that’s how we ended up [00:44:00] back here in America. In um, July of 2013, we moved here. Bought the dance studio a month later. Wow. Yeah. And how has he been a partner through this?

Oh, he is been an amazing partner. I couldn’t ask for anyone better. Um, I knew in my heart from when I was a little girl, I think since I was five, I just knew. That I was gonna dance for the rest of my life and that that was my calling to share that gift with other people, whether through performing or teaching.

And I don’t think Patrick had any idea that he would own a dance studio. He was a soccer player growing up in the Netherlands and, but he has been extremely supportive of just my calling and. My passion and I mean, works even harder than I do at the studio at the [00:45:00] moment, so I can also raise our three kiddos.

And, um, I am extremely thankful for him. I mean, he’s just such a gift and we really are, you know, not just. Married and husband and wife, but we really are partners in business together and I love it. I wouldn’t trade it. He is, I’m better because of him and honestly wouldn’t have my business without him because he makes it all possible.

So I’m, yeah, I can’t say enough good things about him and just the partner that he is for me also, just in my calling in life.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Mm-hmm.

I love

Bethany Sleebos: to,

Dawn Pruszkowski: all the way that you share how, um, how God would just speak to you and, and show you that, and just shows just how much God just loves us

mm-hmm. And

wants the best for us.

Yes. And that if we just [00:46:00] listen. Mm-hmm. Whether it’s a thought, a touch, or something, our heart, whatever he is going to share.

Mm-hmm.

Steps moving forward, what you have the best for us, things like that. Well, I’m gonna ask you one word of advice. Okay? So I know that you, like you said, you were. Focused, you are driven, you were doing what you knew you were called to do, following your heart’s desire.

Um, and I know there’s other people that are out there like that. Mm-hmm. And even though at that time you are not looking for somebody, um, what would you say to someone who is. Is doing all the stuff, um, that they know they’re supposed to do.

Mm-hmm. But they

really wanna meet their spouse. It’s like, you know what?

It would be really nice if I could come home to somebody. Yes. And, and just be [00:47:00] loved on and have that support. What, is there any word that you could share?

Bethany Sleebos: Mm-hmm. I think I would first of all just say like, keep, um, keep like running your race, like in your lane, doing what you know you’re called to do. And I remember.

Someone telling me this before I got in a relationship when I was really desiring it. Um, and I, I just, I remember them saying, you know, Bethany, you just run in your lane and run your race and one day you’ll look over to the side and there will be someone running with you and you’re like, oh, we’re like headed in the same direction and maybe we’re supposed to be together.

And so I think that would just be. My advice and encouragement is just keep doing what you’re called to do. And I do believe that the Lord knows those desires of our hearts. And, um, so yeah, keep running your race and, um, and then [00:48:00] yeah, as you see someone running next to you, um, maybe, maybe that is the one headed in the same direction.

So good, so good.

Dawn Pruszkowski: Thank you so much for sharing your precious story with us. It is so filled with hope. Friends, remember when God whispers and love answers even in ocean, you can’t stand in the way. I think that they’re perfect example of that. And don’t forget to go to our website, unexpected love stories.com to find out more about Bethany and Patrick and see more photos from their love story.

You can find links to connect with them. You can connect with Suzanne’s dance, Suzanne’s School of Dance, and if you live in the College Station area, please be sure to check out their studio and upcoming performances. Again, you can link to the studio, you can link to Bethany. Uh, all those links are found on their episode [00:49:00] page, uh, on our website, unexpected love stories.com.

Would you let us know if this story touched your heart? Just leave a comment below and if you wanna hear more love stories, make sure that you follow or subscribe so that you don’t miss a single episode. Because we have lots of true life love stories and every one of them are, is so different, but all of them are inspiring.

I hope that your heart feels lighter, that you’re full of hope after hearing this story. You know? The best love stories are the ones we never saw coming, so keep your heart open because love truly is waiting for you. We’ll see you next time. Bye.