What does it take to turn a long-distance relationship into a life together?
In Part 2 of their “How We Met” story, Samantha and Durelle revisit the sacrifices, risks and unexpected moments of provision that carried them from Nova Scotia and Florida to Dubai, military basic training and eventually their first home together in Arizona.
Samantha reveals how she used her scholarship money to fly Durelle to Dubai and spent nearly $1,000 sending him letters during basic training. Durelle opens up about why receiving those letters meant so much after growing up feeling like no one showed up for him. They also reflect on the family support, constant communication and willingness to take risks that helped their relationship survive the distance.
Samantha and Durelle share how trusting God helped them move forward when they could not see the entire path, why they never pressured each other to be more than they were in the moment, and what happened when long-distance ended and the reality of building a life together began.
Air Force risk and God’s provision
Daily basic-training letters
Move to Arizona and Samantha’s job
What they got right from the beginning
Loving each other through every stage
The reality of building a life together
“When I got on the flight, that’s when it hit me, and I started like crying. I was like, ‘Man, I did not want to leave.’” – Durelle Bailey
“I would be so depressed every time we had to leave each other.” – Samantha Bailey
“I feel like we were unafraid to take risks. I think that’s one of the things that made us very successful to where we are now.” – Durelle Bailey
“Everything doesn’t work out how it’s supposed to from our perspective, but it always worked out the way God had it work or wanted it to work out for us.” – Durelle Bailey
“I used to have to expedite every single letter. I paid $15 every letter, so every day to make sure that it would get there within like two to three days.” – Samantha Bailey
“God will bless you with something, but just because He blessed you with it doesn’t mean that it’s just perfect all the time. There is still watering that has to be done, maintenance that has to be done, and you have to care for it.” – Durelle Bailey
“We never put pressure on each other to be more than what we were in that moment, and we just loved each other no matter what stage of life we were at.” – Samantha Bailey
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The Bailey Way is produced by EPYC Media Network