After traveling 7,718 miles on my first trip to Africa for a short-term missions trip, we met on my first night in Nawabango and, unbeknownst to us a gentle spark of friendship was lit. Within a couple of days, I was itching to go for a run and everyone pointed me to Richard. That morning run was the moment our friendship solidly took root. Within a couple of days, we went for another run and, by the end of the week, others took notice of our unique connection and began teasing us individually. Periodically, we each were approached by various staff friends who kept asking the same questions. To Richard, they asked, "Aren't you going to miss Nikki?" To me, they asked, "Don't you want to leave a special message for Richard?" Initially, I just giggled in response, but the questions got us thinking.

It was one evening in September 2024, when a couple of my workmates came looking for me late in the evening to meet this one ministry volunteer who wanted to go running the next morning. Being handicapped by our policy and conduct, I was a bit hesitant to take the challenge (or call it a request) because I was well aware that I wasn’t supposed to take a female volunteer on a route I typically run all by myself since it’s goes far. In my stubborness, I took the risk anyway, and accepted to take her on the run. Morning came and we went running, unfortunately returning a bit late for staff morning devotion because we ran slower than I had calculated. As we ran, I admit that we had a few moments to talk and learn about each other more during the breaks and when we were stretching. Somehow, I knew it would cause problems, yet I was already in the middle of all that, and fortunately got away with it. Little did I know that many were wishing or probably expecting something more from us.

Almost a week and some days of her stay had elapsed and it was her time to leave and return to the US. That morning in the staff devotions, the official farewells and good byes were shared with some tears rolling down a few people’s cheeks, and there she was. We shared contacts soon after the session, carrying her luggage to the van heading off to the airport. When my boss and the admin returned from the airport, I was requested to have a talk with both of them, which I did not object to despite the late hour of 10pm. Questions started pouring down like rain, asking about how Nicole and I got along during her stay. I reluctantly answered what I could and almost called it a night just before I was shot in the face with the news that they noticed something was happening between us. Immediately, I felt uneasy with the thought of being either attacked or threatened because I knew well that this was not allowed in the policy. My greatest surprise was learning (as I was told that night) that, per their observation, she felt a thing for me. I wondered why she couldn’t let me know that first before she told others. That night after the conversation, I had an idea that I didn’t share but wanted to pursue.

As I thought about what to do, I was already aware that I was going to knock on the door of positive expectation when I decided to take my mind to another level. We started off our chat and conversation on an ongoing project that we were planning to do later in the year as she promised to help with it remotely when she returned home. Over the weeks, I intentionally decided to know about this very serious, principled yet soft lady who was on my daily chat list. Without hesitation, the general questions started. One after the other, I treaded carefully as I tried to hit the notes on personal, relationships and family. I must admit on many occasions, I surprised myself with the confidence, bravery and my intentions towards her. I made sure I was not too direct yet was still straight to the point. By close to the end of 2024, I was sure this was the lady I needed and wanted to spend my life with. I hit on the subject with great expectation but got the most girly response: “I'm open to seeing where things go.” I stayed positive and also hyped my interest, knowing I wasn’t the only one trying to pursue her.

The day after I returned to America, Richard was approached by Wilson and Suzan Jennifer. They sat down with Richard and asked the question that got him seriously wondering if they could be right. He thought about it for awhile and, with Wilson's blessing, finally decided to take the risk: Richard opened up on a more personal level. I responded in-kind. Both of us were skeptical, so we started with the hardest questions first. Every answer not only showed our individual relationship with Christ, but took us into deep, vulnerable conversations with tons of light moments sprinkled throughout. As we got closer, the challenges began, yet there was no doubt that this budding relationship had God's fingerprints all over it. Richard was the first to be certain that love was blooming, but I wasn't sure until after my second trip. Although in Uganda to grieve the loss of a dear friend, Richard was with me every step of the way. From supporting me through the preparation process to praying with me as I went through hurdles, to making sure I was safe throughout my journey, Richard kept me steady. Even in the moments of feeling overwhelmed at night, he was just a call or text away; his presence was calming. After the funeral, I spent a couple of nights in Nawabango to visit with staff friends before returning to the US. Upon arrival, the first person I wanted to see and spend time with was Richard. It didn't take long before we got time to sit and talk that very afternoon. Although we remained in plain sight under the Network Tree, everyone decided to go off to do something on their own. We talked freely and time went by too quickly. On that Wednesday, the day I had to fly out, we once again had time together after breakfast at the gazebo. As people scattered to begin their tasks for the day, we found ourselves nearly alone (Governor was with us). It was one of the hardest days for me, knowing that time was short and wondering if the closeness we immediately had upon seeing each other again would continue to grow. Jokes were made, pictures were taken and there was lots of laughter. Then, Richard said something that struck me deep and warm. "I should have married you yesterday," he whispered in my ear. In that very moment, there were no doubts that he truly loved me and was loving me steadily. I wasn't ready to leave. I had come to deeply love him, too. Love had come softly to us.

By December 2024, we were both sure of this love that was blooming between us. I was confident this wasn’t going to fail because of the daily conversations we had, even going to the extent of sharing about our dream families and lives. I asked her to be my girlfriend on the 6th December. Out of excitement, she went like... “Oh, it’s time.” Was that a, yes? I had to ask to confirm, and indeed it was. Since then, we started openly talking about life together and how we can design ours. Then, I took the next step.

As a planned visit drew nearer, it was yet another opportunity to have physical time together. Was I ready? Not sure. A trip that was meant to be some sort of vacation was mostly about running prep errands, visiting people and attending friends’ events. We barely had the time we thought we would have for each other, yet we yearned for and tried to create that time in the late evenings. As most errands had been completed, time had run out; it was Nikki’s time to return home with faded hopes of having that much needed engagement ring. Even more evident was that much longing of wanting to have more time together and not wanting to return home yet; I felt the same. We packed up anyway that Tuesday morning of 13th May and got ready to journey to the airport. On the way, we stopped by my sister’s home, which is close to the airport, as we waited for her departure time. Far too soon, it was time to go and here we were again, exchanging goodbyes with everyone. Lastly, I spoke, thanking her for coming to visit and wishing her well in prayer. After assuring her that she is home to me, I made the proposal and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me as my wife. She said YES with that beautiful smack of a kiss.