Karibu!

An Unlikely Meet... She was the one. I had fallen in love with her and desired her so deeply. As I write this, I’m caught in between describing the excitement then and the wonderful depth of love, now… our love is beautiful and I’m intrigued by her, each day! We started off as workmates after landing the same Christmas gig together in 2021 through mutual friends. We had also been attending church in the same building however at different times. Near, but never crossed paths. Until it was the right moment, in God’s amazing order of times and seasons. And so, it was! In the following weeks of working together, friendship grew with a joyous fondness for each other. I anticipated every next moment with her; always bright and full. Saying bye after a workday was bland. I’d get excited when I’d pick my iPhone and see the Siri recommendation “Send a Message/Call Celestial”. As I introduced her to the Swahili language, I recall a message I sent her, “Moyo wangu wakutamani, uwe karibu nami; roho, kumbato na busu…” - My heart desires you, I want you near me; soul, embrace and kiss. After meeting her family and friends I knew I could not wait any longer; I needed a ring and a proposal location! I’d note down everything she mentioned she liked or places she’d love to go. Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona had to be the spot! She had always wanted to go. Scenic, unique, and out of town! The Proposal.. I carried a small “camera bag” over my shoulder, laden with a top-secret diamond ring as we toured the slot canyons. The canyon walls have such a dynamic structure with undulating waves along opposite sides like a long cloth billowing in the wind. With occasional openings to the sky, sunlight beams down inside bouncing off the rock faces with a colorful glow of orange hues. Spectacular! At every turn is another picturesque view.   The plan was for the tour guide to take pictures of us throughout the tour and whenever I found that one perfect spot, we’d ‘pose for ‘another picture’ and I’d propose! My heart would race faster each time we posed for a picture as I anticipated the moment. The tour lasts about 1.5hrs and with so many pictures I couldn’t find that one moment.   We had one more stop for the day, the Horseshoe Bend. I knew it was the place, it had to be!  It was breathtaking! Highest spot all around overlooking the Colorado river, 1000ft below. This place had all the feels! I had so much peace the proposal would be perfect.  We had arrived just before sunset and so had enough time to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Right after sunset, as I was taking pictures of my soon-to-be-fiancée, a lady walked all the way up to us and asked if we’d like her to take pictures…Until then I didn’t know angels were into photography - but this one was! Like a well-orchestrated plan, I showed her ‘what settings I wanted on the camera’. Meanwhile my Joy was marveling the scenery standing a few feet behind us. Unbeknownst to her, I was showing this lady the ring and bringing her into the plan that was about to ensue. She took about 2.1 seconds to be surprised, hold her excitement and understand the assignment! I walked back to Joy, and we casually began posing for the pictures. This moment was everything. It was weeks and months of planning. Our hearts so full of love; a getaway, a scenic location, the top of the world, here… with my woman! The proposal was afoot! Ladies and gentlemen, on March 25th, 2022, I got down on one knee, told her how much she meant to me, saw her hair in the wind, beaming surprise on her face, her hand on her chest…   I asked My Queen if she would marry me…   she said, ” Yes! Yes! Yes!”   The Lord has done a wonderful thing with us. Great and mighty. We are full of awe every time we reflect on our love and experiences together.