They met in his native Ecuador about six years ago. He was a local. She was a Mechanic Falls teen on a mission trip with the East Auburn Baptist Church.

Emily Goss learned Spanish to keep in touch with her new friends and came back every year. In 2008, she remembers her youth pastor host teasing, “Oh come on, there’s got to be a boy that you like.”

Goss told him: “The only one I would think about going on a date with is Alex.” Five hours before my flight (home) was supposed to go out, he took me on a date.

She and Alex Daniel Quimi Moran married in August 2009, moved back to Maine in April 2010 and welcomed daughter Scarlett last summer. Alex is adjusting to the cold, learning English and looking forward to his first moose.

Names: Alex Daniel Quimi Moran and Emily Goss Quimi

Ages: Alex, 29; Emily, 23

Live: Formerly Guayaquil, Ecuador (Alex) and Mechanic Falls (Emily); now Poland

Emily, what sort of mission work were you doing in Ecuador? My first few trips were to help build a church. When I was married I helped start a ministry to high-risk kids in the church that we helped build. The work is through what we call “Foundation Restoration.” We work with families to help kids stay in school by teaching their parents the importance of education. They provide about 30 kids with lunch and homework help during the week.

Did it ever cross your mind that you’d meet your future husband? Not at all! On my very first trip to Ecuador I really had no idea what to expect, but I fell in love with Latino culture and was especially struck by the number of street kids that were everywhere. They were the real reason that I kept going back, at least for the first few years.

Alex, what about Emily caught your eye? Something that was really important to me about my future wife was that she be a Christian. I noticed that Emily loved God, and she showed love to those around her. That was what first attracted me to her. Also, I thought she was the most beautiful woman on Earth.

Describe your wedding day:

A: The wedding invitations said the ceremony started at 7, but like most events you’re supposed to start at least a half an hour late. I think the ceremony actually started around 8 or 8:30. Emily’s family arrived at 6:45, so they had a bit of waiting to do. The ceremony was pretty similar to a U.S. wedding. The reception place was beautiful with fresh tropical flowers resembling our colors, orange and beige, in an outdoor venue. An Ecuadorian wedding includes a lot more entertaining than a typical U.S. wedding. There was a dance team that did some choreographing as entertainment (called “hora loca” or “crazy hour”) where they pulled several guests out onto the dance floor with them. We played a few games, a surprise Mariachi band showed up, and we ended with teary-eyed goodbyes to Emily’s family and friends while our Ecuadorian friends vowed to take good care of Emily while she lived in Ecuador. Well, actually we ended with the meal. You always end the event with the food, because after the food is served is when people start to leave. That probably should have been something we told our North American guests (in fact, not even Emily knew that). They planned on having dinner at the wedding. Midnight is a little late for dinner — and they were starving!

E: I think the craziest part for me was being the bride and walking into my wedding having no idea what was going to happen during the ceremony or reception! I kept telling my husband and our pastor “What about this?” and “What about that?” and (the) response was, “Oh, that’s easy!” or “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve got it under control.” I just had to trust them, and sure enough, it all came together in the end. I think everyone had a good time.

What’s the most common reaction you hear when people learn how you met? Usually, “Ohhh, how interesting!” Or they’ll mention how certain it is that we were made for each other since we found each other being so far apart.

Alex, what’s your first Maine winter been like? It’s been hard, but I’m starting to get used to the cold. Although, some days I’d like to stay in bed all day with five blankets wrapped around me. I do think the snow is very pretty … to look at.

What do you miss most about Ecuador? I miss my family, my friends and the warm climate! Oh, and my cat, Copito (Cup of Snow).

What sort of Maine sites/experiences are on your to-do list? I really want to see a moose!

Three things you’re looking forward to this summer: Spend a day at the beach with my family. Celebrate the first birthday of our daughter, Scarlett. Go to the Inside Out Soul Festival (Christian concert in New Hampshire).

kskelton@sunjournal.com

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