Fate brought us into each other's life in 2019 during a humanitarian mission we were both a part of. Given how busy the days would get during the exercise, we didn't have too much time to interact outside of the work we were there to do. Before we knew it, it was time to go our separate ways. Even though we exchanged contact information as colleagues in healthcare, I did not think I'd cross paths again with this very beautiful and charming, though very reserved woman.

As we went our separate ways, we very quickly settled into our individual routines. Or so we thought. With no amount of frequency, we would each send a quick message here and there; ranging from the usual "how are you doing?," to "happy new month" (you can imagine who that'd have come from). This went on for about 4 years!

During that time, I remained curious about what Olachi was up to. I remember telling my sisters about this young woman I met at home, but who had been very difficult to read. Each time Olachi came up in my conversations with my sisters, they would always encourage me to find out more about her. It eventually dawned on me that time waits for no one.

So, finally in 2023, I followed my heart and asked. As someone of very few words, I came to find out that she harbored similar curiosities as I did. From there and to our greatest surprise, things moved very quickly. Those who know the both of us were equally surprised. For instance, the day I went to inform my parents about this woman in Nigeria who has captured my heart, in the midst of their jubilation, I would imagine their minds wondering whether this was a prank. As Ola shared with me as well, her parents did not believe her the first time she came to inform them of "someone" who asked to come to them for permission to marry her. Each family received the other with open arms and glee.

As a union sanctioned by God, our efforts to be with each other in same physical location went quickly that we could ever imagine. Here we are today to continue on this journey, hand-in-hand with each other.