Sitting innocently, hehehehe, at the receptionist desk at work, I was answering the phones and attending to the guests when I saw this new nurse always parking her cart close to my desk and trying to get a glimpse of me or swing over for a quick conversation. Mary Ann would come over to me daily to ask for office supplies especially sharpies and strike up a conversation. I found myself looking forward to these daily visits and found myself going to her on my breaks to talk. Wanting to spend more time with her I eventually asked her out and after 3 weeks of dating I knew she was the one. Her smile, love for God, stunning beauty, and crazy African attitude all won this man's heart.

After months of dating I knew she was the one so it was time to meet her parents and ask for their permission. Flo and Jon, MaryAnn's sister and brother-in-law were having their traditional tribal wedding in July in Kenya. The majority of her family was going so I thought it would be the perfect time to ask the big question. I asked my best friend Jon to go with me to get the ring before our trip. Kenya is a beautiful country with amazing people and culture. I am proud to be marring into that culture. I was debating the whole week before the wedding on when I when I was going propose. I talked with my mom and she said I should do it after Flo's wedding out of respect. So the day after the wedding we went to 6pm mass at the cathedral in Nairobi and afterwards I took her over to the grotto of Mary outside with a fountain right next to it. I asked Mary to pray for me got on one knee and before I could even ask the question she stuck out her hand and said yes. The rest of the night she was smiling from ear to ear. I will never forget that night or that smile.

As we embark on this journey, we ask you all to keep us in your prayers. We are surrounded by our family and friends and our truly blessed to have that.