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It was not love at first sight, although many would refer to it as infatuation but we’ve always known it’s beyond childhood love, one that has stood the test of time, beyond our flaws, beyond imperfections, we were young, we had our fears, but we took a chance on each other and look at us now. Never been prouder. We do not do this for the ceremony! We do not do this for the butterflies! We do this for the purpose of which marriage has been ordained for. We do this for the love we share, for the sacrifices that has led to this moment, to cherish and to hold, sticking together just like two PEAS in a POD for all time and eternity, by the grace of the ALMIGHTY, till death do us part. Dora Leko.
Our journey began as teenagers, two kids brought together by the friendship of our mothers. I still vividly remember the evening I first saw Dora in a new light—she was on an errand from her mom to mine, and that smile of hers struck me in a way I couldn’t quite understand. In that moment, my heart and mind aligned in a deep feeling I had never experienced before. From then on, she wasn’t just my first crush; she became my best friend. We shared secrets while swimming in our local river, often retreating to our favorite beach spot, and I can still hear our laughter echoing through the walls during those countless late-night phone calls. Of course, those fun moments sometimes came with consequences, and our mothers didn’t hesitate to remind us of our mischief with some serious beatings—Dora always seemed to get the brunt of it! Dora has this incredible ability to light up any room. There have been so many moments when she instinctively knows what I’m feeling, even without me saying a word. Whether she’s cheering me on during tough times or making me laugh until I cry, she brings so much joy and warmth into my life. Because of her unwavering support and the beautiful qualities she embodies, I named her Ekanachita, meaning "Help from God." As challenging as life gets sometimes, I am so grateful to have her by my side, sharing every moment. As we look forward to our wedding on December 21, 2024, I can’t help but reflect on all the beautiful moments we’ve shared—like our spontaneous road trips, cozy movie nights, and those kitchen dance sessions to our favorite songs. I’m genuinely excited about our future together, dreaming of building a life filled with love, laughter, and a few well-planned adventures. I envision a home where we can support each other, chase our dreams, and create new memories. Here’s to a lifetime of love and all the wonderful moments yet to come—hand in hand, heart to heart. Adams Oyama