Hanna Birulia & John Botos

Our connection began unexpectedly, swiftly deepening as we realized our shared aspirations for a future guided by faith and mutual goals. As our conversations progressed, we openly discussed our hopes for a serious, faith-filled relationship, discovering a profound alignment in our values. Encouraged by our mutual intentions, our communication became a daily joy, fostering a deep bond between us. After months of heartfelt exchanges, we decided to meet in the charming city of Tbilisi, Georgia. This first meeting sealed our connection; standing face-to-face, we felt an immediate spiritual bond. Tbilisi now holds cherished memories as the place where our journey together truly began.

Our proposal journey was as unexpected as it was magical. We planned a trip that took an unexpected turn due to passport issues, leading us on a road trip from Istanbul to Ankara. But destiny had a detour in store—extending our drive to Hanna’s dream destination, Cappadocia. On October 11th, under a Cappadocian sunset, I laid out a traditional Turkish picnic. Amidst the stunning scenery, I asked Hanna to marry me. Her reply was as heartfelt as it was enthusiastic—'Yes, I do, I wanna!' Her triple affirmation, amidst nervous excitement, still brings a smile to our faces, reminding us of our perfect beginning to forever.

Help us make our new house a home! We’ve curated a selection of items that we love on our Amazon gift registry. Each gift you choose will be cherished as we start our new life together. Thank you for blessing us with your generosity and support!

Born on June 24, 1989, in Soligorsk, Belarus, I embarked on my life’s journey that led me from the quiet streets of my hometown to the vibrant life of Minsk. At 20, I moved to pursue my university studies in pharmaceutical chemistry, which later shaped my professional path in Minsk. Alongside my career, I immersed myself in church life, passionately engaging in youth projects, choir ministries, and organizing summer camps and programs for children.

Fluent in Russian and Belarusian, I am also diligently enhancing my English skills. My childhood was filled with the joys of village life where summers were spent picking berries in the forest, swimming in the lake, and cherishing time with my beloved grandmother.

I have an older sister, Katya, with whom I share many fond memories, including watching cartoons on a projector—over a hundred of them! On weekends, we reveled in our small adventures at home, dressing up in our mother’s clothes, experimenting with makeup, and cooking delicious meals.

My spiritual journey has been deeply influenced by the writings of Charles Spurgeon, Joyce Meyer, and the poignant narratives of Henryk Sienkiewicz and David Wilkerson. Their works, filled with courageous heroes and dramatic events, captivated me to the point of reading under a blanket by flashlight until the early morning hours.

Travel has always been a profound passion of mine. By the age of 34, I have visited 17 countries and hold dear the desire to revisit Hungary, Austria, and explore Romania. Growing up, I dreamt of traveling to America, especially to see the Grand Canyon—a dream that felt distant yet has become a testament to the power of faith, as my life in Arizona now beautifully illustrates. It’s a reminder of my childhood prayers and the incredible ways the Lord responds to the hopes we dare to voice.

Born in 1982 by the vibrant shores of the Black Sea in Constanța, Romania, John's adventurous spirit has taken him from the historic streets of Turda to the vast landscapes of the United States, with a memorable chapter in Austria along the way. Before making his home in Phoenix, Arizona in 1997, John spent his early years in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he and his siblings reveled in the joys of childhood—climbing trees and scouting for fish in nearby creeks.

John's zest for exploration has whisked him across continents. He holds special memories of Austria and has traversed the diverse terrains of Canadian cities like Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver. In Arizona, John finds solace in hiking its majestic trails such as Gateway Loop, Piestewa Peak, and Echo Canyon, each path offering a moment of peace and reflection amidst nature’s grandeur.

A devout man, John values the tranquil early mornings spent in scripture study and contemplation, embracing the quiet before dawn to deepen his faith. His discussions are thoughtful, often exploring profound themes of life and eternal hope.

The spring season holds a dear place in John’s heart, especially reminiscent of Romanian springs where the rebirth after a harsh winter mirrors his own resilient, hopeful spirit. Living by the motto, “Expect the best, but prepare for the worst,” John navigates life with a blend of optimism and practicality.

In his downtime, John is a pillar in his community—whether reading, joining friends for house prayers, or leading an international prayer group on Telegram. Currently, he is keen on learning Russian, a gesture of his deep commitment to connect more profoundly with Hanna and her heritage.

Known for his dynamic, intuitive nature and a knack for problem-solving, John is also cherished for his ability to put others at ease. He’s not just a creator of designs but of meaningful, lasting connections.