'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton to wed

Bethany Hamilton and fiancé Adam(Photo: Bethany Hamilton)

Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack but inspired people around the world by holding onto her faith in God and fulfilling her dream of becoming a pro-surfer.

Her amazing story was told in the hit movie, Soul Surfer, which starred AnnaSophia Robb.

Now this Soul Surfer has found her soul mate and she couldn't be happier.

"One year ago today, I met an amazing man, now we will spend the rest of our lives together and I'm soo excited! I love you Adam!" she posted on her Facebook page.

Hamilton lost her arm while surfing near her home on Kauai, Hawaii, 10 years ago. Today she travels the world as a motivational speaker, sharing her faith and encouraging other shark attack survivors and amputees, as well as girls battling image and esteem issues.

Although Adam's last name has not been provided, he is understood to be Adam Dirks.

Hamilton had this to say about him: "He is genuine, kind, fun, adventurous, easy going, friendly to all, passionate for Christ and just a great guy over all! …and he liked me too!"

She continued: "To be loved by another is beautiful. It took a bit of time for me to accept that. I'm not sure why. But I questioned: 'Why would this man love me as much as he does?' 'How can he accept me, flaws and all?' Not to mention, 'Will he accept my unique life and come along side of me in support?' 'How can he love me and all that my life is made of?' 'Will he love me life-long?' But I know Adam's love for me is unique – it comes from Christ, and that he will love me forever."

In a post written on Hamilton's blog, Adam said he was "stoked" about the engagement, saying their relationship had been "an amazing and blessed adventure".

"Most importantly my relationship with God has been the most incredible part of my life. If it wasn't for God, Bethany and I would have never met," he said.

Both say they met through mutual friends and soon hit it off. Touchingly, Adam said one of their favourite things to do was pray together "as much as we can".

"Right away I could tell she was pretty cool (I mean she jumped a 40 foot cliff into the ocean with me!), she's down to earth, and I could tell she understood my heart for The Lord and others; and I saw her heart as well," he said.

"After hanging out several more times, I felt in my heart that I would like to pursue a relationship with her.

"On the beautiful Na Pali coast I told Bethany what was on my heart and asked if it was ok to pursue a meaningful closer friendship with her. On accident she said 'I do!' Haha with a quick, 'I mean yes!'"

He continued: "Love is something I have learned to not take lightly. I have seen what true unconditional love is through God's mercy and grace in my life. To tell someone that you love them is expressing something that only God can give. The fountains from which love flows are in God, not in us.

"His love is in us because it 'has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit...' (Romans 5:5). God has been filling my life with His love and an abundant love for Bethany that will never go away."

Adam said he and Bethany are seeking pre-wedding guidance from a pastor and his wife "to continue to keep God in the middle of everything and to love each other the way God has intended us to".