How We Met: Story Time

Now I am nervous. I'm like I can't miss this flight. We've been counting down. For him I kept looking for red flags but every time I get green flags. She had this beautiful personality. She looked so gorgeous. You know like the glory of God was just radiating from her. Welcome Afari family. Thank you so much for clicking today's video. If you're new here we are the Afaris. If you are returning welcome back. Today we have a special video for you. Oh before we get there don't forget to hit the subscribe button. And also if you do like the video hit the thumbs up. So today we do have a special video. We'll be sharing with you how we met. It's highly requested and your wish is our command. So we'll give you all the keys. So stay tuned relax and enjoy the rest of the video. Share both of our perspectives. I'll give mine in the time of my life where I was. And then Dan will give his side of the story. So it all started in 2015. I was maybe half a year out of high school. And we were it was around yeah it was December. We were having a church program. It was a Christmas convention. And before we went there I had this feeling that I'm going to meet somebody special. It sounds corny whatever. It sounds corny cheesy whatever you want to call it. But I truly feel like the Holy Spirit was letting me know that I was going to meet someone special. So we went to the convention and I remember. Okay so let me just give you a back story about our church. It's not very big and this was a convention. So meaning like all people from different branches were coming together one place. And even with that everyone knew everybody. It wasn't a big church okay. It wasn't like the mega huge churches that you don't even know who's sitting next to you. Everybody knew everybody right. So there was this young man that came and immediately I think everyone noticed him. Because we haven't seen him before. And he immediately was singing you know in front of the church. And he was playing the keyboard yeah. So I wonder who's this guy and he looks so young. So honestly my first impression was maybe he's in high school. Anyway so I just brushed it off. And another thing I need to mention is I think when you're single. And okay I was kind of out of high school. But in a way you do wonder if you know if this guy is a potential right. But anyway so but I thought he was too young. So I just brushed it off. I thought he was in high school so he looked really young. Anyway so after and I was in the choir as well at that time. I just never met this guy. So we meet after church. You know the choir and he's playing the keyboard whatever. He introduces himself and he goes like yeah I'm just here. I've been assigned to come and play for you guys for this convention. He came from Texas and this time I'm in Arizona okay. Grew up in Arizona. He goes to say that yeah he's doing his master's program in Texas. I'm like whoa. You look like a kid. How you do your master? He's like oh yeah it's just like yeah this is how he looks. But he's there doing his master's program blah blah blah. And we all had he was talking to everybody. Like my friend most of my friends were in the choir. So like it was like a group chat. Like you know getting to know each other. Yeah and so it ended there. Like you know the convention was great. And I really noticed the man was really. I mean for our generation this guy was on fire for God. I mean I could tell he was passionate about the things of God. And that really drew my attention. And I mean all my friends saw it too. That you know this guy is really like for a young man. Who's really passionate about the things of God. Through his service for the church. And how he you know carried himself and spoke about God. So like hmm could this be the one? Because at that time in my life too. You know I've always known that the man I'm going to marry has to. Not just be a Christian but love Jesus. That was very important to me. Because that's where I was. And I felt that's what God wanted for me as well. Right. And so I was like hmm Lord. Is this why I had that feeling earlier? That was going to be someone special. Anyways we didn't even exchange contacts. It ended there. You know convention was over. It was about two hours away from where I lived at the time. So everybody went home. It ended there. And then you know how like back in the day. Like you know Facebook was really on fire that time. Like yeah. So our church would post pictures of the event. We had the convention. So all the pictures went there. And yeah I saw the guy. And then also obviously look for your own pictures and stuff like that. Right right. So I liked the pictures and blah blah blah. And then so this was in January. So the convention was in December. In January. Of 2016. 2016 now. Yeah that's when the guy reached out to me on Facebook. And he's like hey. I was like okay we didn't exchange contacts. How did he find me on Facebook? And he's like oh you know. He saw me through the church page. Like the pictures. And he thought I should say hi. And I was like oh hi. I was really intrigued. I was like man maybe this is really the one. Oh my goodness. Let me just say it wasn't Dan. Just to clarify I wasn't the one. It wasn't Dan. So this whole time I was like is this the one? I was really confused because the feeling I had before the convention. I was going to meet someone special. I knew it was the Holy Spirit. And I thought maybe I was being too dramatic. It was just my own thought. So when he reached out to me and I was like oh maybe he's the one. And then we started chatting. He's like oh you're very like you're really gorgeous. You're beautiful. And you know that's why I wanted to reach out and say hi. We actually chatted for some time. And he's like yeah um you know. He has a girlfriend. By that time you were dating right? Yeah so he had a girlfriend. So okay and also just playing with like he's Ghanaian. Yeah he has a girlfriend back in Ghana. And you know for that reason. Because you know the conversation where it was going. I think he was like okay like. Was trying to set. Yeah it needs to set boundaries now. You know so okay okay okay. Yeah I mean I didn't suggest that like to him or anything. But yeah okay. I guess he just knew that yeah he needs to let me know. But he's like you know. I think we chatted for some time. He didn't bring it up right away. It wasn't the first day right? It wasn't that first day. Then he brought up that you know I have a friend. But he just mentioned I'm pretty and all these things. Yeah so we set up friendship. Yeah I think we clicked as friends. And it was like okay cool. And some few days after chatting. I don't know. I think there was something that drew him to me. And I wondered too what he was. What he was. I think it was honestly God. Wow. Because out of my all my friends. I don't know why he reached out to me. But I think God later on is going to reach out to me. So he after some few days of chatting. Tells me that he really likes me. You know as a person. And things that I'm really you know. You got a cool personality. Right and he likes that I'm you know. A godly woman. And he sees my mannerism. That he has a really good friend. Who he thinks I would. That I would really go well with. And so he makes me know that the friend is in Ghana. Okay I'm sorry. I'm from Kenya. I'm not even from Ghana. I'm from Oman. How is this gonna work? And I mean you know. We're in the United States. I don't know anybody in Ghana. You know so in my mind. I'm just trying to make it make sense. So it wasn't making any sense right. So I was just like even telling God like man. So he's not the one. He has a girlfriend. But like Ghana like nah. Immediately I'm like nah. I'm not going with that you know. But he spoke so well of this guy. He was like Ivy from when I started talking to you. I don't know. I just feel like there's something about you. And you know he started mentioning. You know this friend of his. That he thinks we'll be really great together. And he kept pushing it. Like not pushing it. No let me not say. He just kept like saying really good things about you. In a way I felt like now it makes sense. That it feels like you're John the Baptist. Paving the way. He paved the way. Because I was like Ghana. What am I doing there you know. But he really spoke highly of Dan. He said he's a very genuine guy. He's you wouldn't. I now remember this word clearly. He's like you wouldn't regret being with this guy. That's how much he had faith in you know you. And being a good spouse for me. Yeah so yeah. So he kept you know bringing up the idea. And I was like okay like it's fine. But I really just you know. Since he spoke really good things about you. I was open to a friendship. Because I was like fine. You know if this goes anywhere. I don't mind being friends with you. And so that's where it started. Awesome. The friend was Dan. The friend in Ghana was Dan. In that time. So early 2016. We're in Ghana. So one day he suggests that we do a Skype. A video call. Actually before that I think we had. He gave you my number right? I think okay. No I think it was mostly on Facebook. I think he like you said it was Facebook. Facebook yeah. So Dan is gonna give you his side of the story. Like did he hear anything about me by this point? Or did it all come by surprise? So our mutual friend or this mutual friend. I've traveled to the states. And so he had gone to this convention. Met this beautiful girl. At that time I was working night shift. So at times during my night shift. It would be morning in the states. So he would just like you know. Hey reach out to me. Like how is it going? How is work? So yeah we just catch up. And I think one of those conversations. He just brought it up to me. Remember this convention that I went to? I was telling you about. I'm like yeah yeah yeah. It's like I really met this like you know pretty damsel. I really met this beautiful girl. And she is godly. She's Christian. You know from my little interaction that I've had with her. And I think that you guys. You guys will like you will be great friends. That's what he told me. And I'm like okay. But I think I knew the angle he was coming from. He wanted us to like you know. He didn't just see us as friends. I think you guys are meant for each other. But I was like okay. Yeah we can be friends. So and he told me. He warned me that hey this is not. Like you know as friends. We go way back. So we had this kind of like. Usually play around a lot. It was like yeah please don't come and mess up. This is like you know. Even though you guys are new friends. I don't want you to mess up. I'm like come on. Like we are friends. What is this about messing up right? So yeah. So he goes on to introduce us at that point. So he tells me very good things about Ivy as well. And yeah. So from there. I think then he organizes this three-way Skype call. Back then it was Skype. Before Zoom. I actually feel so old right now mentioning Skype. We were even trying to remember what app was it? It was Skype. So we did a three-way call with Skype. And he was like yeah. You gotta chat with him. And see how you like him. And I was like cool. So we get on the call. And yeah. The quality wasn't great. It was so bad. I don't know whether to blame Skype. Or to blame Ghana. Oh no. Don't go there. Who is this guy? But I've seen his pictures on Facebook. Oh yeah. Actually yeah. We have some pictures on Facebook. I saw your pictures on Facebook. Man those pictures don't even look good. Please let me bring it up. Thank God bro. But anyway. I thought you were pretty cute. I thought like okay. He's alright. Like he's yeah. And when we got on the Skype. I noticed that you were very like calm. Put yourself together. You were laughing a lot. And I don't know. I really. I liked you. I thought like okay. I think I like you. Yeah so from there. I also share the same sentiment as her. Like you know in terms of. Me actually like you know. Liking her personality. During our first Skype call. And yeah. I mean we had a great time chatting. And after that. I think that's when we had exchanged. Facebook IDs or whatever. I don't know. Maybe it was before. But yeah. From there we said okay. We can chat more on Facebook. Just to hey. Get to know each other. As friends right. Yeah so. We were chatting like from time to time. At this point we were like. In let's say February of 2016. I had this huge opportunity. To come to study in Canada. And I hadn't told Aimee. But I told my friend. Because my friend knew about it. Like I told him about. How I had plans of studying. You know I applied to many schools. In Canada. In the States. And yeah. Fortunately I had. One very good offer in Canada. And he was like wow. He was so excited for me. And I told him to just keep. Keep chat. Just keep quiet about it. Yeah. Until it's fully cooked right. It's baked. So I told him that yeah. He should just I mean yeah. Just keep it between us. I should help me pray about it. So I had this opportunity. But also. Now that you're mentioning that. It makes sense. Because he kept telling me. The friend. Because you know. Every time he would bring it up. It was just like. He was trying to suggest that. I shouldn't shut off. The fact that you're in Ghana. Because I expressed to him like. He's in Ghana. How can we date? I don't know how I would go there. And he would say. Hey. You never know. He can come here. For school. Or you know. Somewhere nearby. He would give me hints. That you know. He may be coming soon. So he was trying to give me hints. Without telling me. For some time. That you know. He might be coming closer. So I shouldn't shut off. The idea of like. Asking something more. Yeah. So fast forward. I got an opportunity. This is around. So before that. We were chatting. So we had exchange contacts as well. On WhatsApp. Myself and Ivy were chatting. You know like. From time to time. Just checking on each other. Like you know. Nothing serious. Just as friends. How is your day? How are you doing? And I must say. Like okay. One thing I liked about you. Always reaching out to me. So what I noticed. One of the first things I noticed about him. Was like. No matter how many times. He texted me first. He would do it over. And over and over. It's not like previous. You know. Some guys you talk to. It's like okay. I texted you first yesterday. So you should have texted me first today. No. It was like. He texted me first today. He'll text me like first tomorrow. He texted me first yesterday. Like. And he would do it over and over. Without like. Make me feel like okay. I'm always texting you first. But you're not. You know. So and. So I really felt like. He was really pursuing me. So that was something. That really stood out. And I remember. I want to say this. Because you know. I had been praying to God. That my husband. Whoever he was gonna be. I want him to portray Christ. I want him to portray Jesus. You know. And I saw a lot of grace. Coming from your end. Which was new to me at that time. Wow. Yeah. Awesome. Thanks for that. Yeah. So it was mutual too. Let me add that. It was mutual. It wasn't just me. I felt the same about her. It was very Godly. We used to talk about. Maybe scriptures at times. It wasn't every day. But once in a while. Like you know. What did you do? I mean. How was your day? Did you have. Did you read your Bible? Here and there. Those kind of chats. So fast forward. I get opportunity to come to Canada. I now tell Ivy. That hey. Guess what? I've had this huge opportunity. To come to Canada. That's like somewhere like. I think. I think July. Was July 2016. July August 2016. And yeah. So I told her about it. And she was like. Oh wow. That's great news. So eventually the friend. Had to tell me that he's coming. I think he saw that. I was kind of getting weary. Of the idea of him coming. I'm like okay. Unless it's on paper. Like I'm not buying the story. Of you coming you know. But he eventually tells me. Okay I just have to tell you. Like he's coming to Canada. He got a scholarship. For a full ride. And he'll be coming sometime. In September. Don't tell him. I told you. Just know that he's coming. And you know. It's set on stone. So I was like okay. So when I told her that. I had gotten this. So this was before he told me. Yeah. So I already knew that he's coming. So he eventually came to tell me. Yeah. So she knew already about it. Because my friend had told her. But then. So I now later told her. Hey I've got this opportunity. And she acts all like. Hey like a surprise. Oh wow. I was like oh congratulations. I already knew. But I was just like. Don't tell him I told you. I think yeah. But I've told you. I haven't let you down. So like yeah. So I get this opportunity. And I now fast forward. I come to Canada. I come for studies. In 2016 September. And yeah. So I think once I got here. We were like okay. Let's talk. I mean we had an opportunity to now talk more right. We had my WhatsApp number. I had switched it. And we're still chatting from time to time. Try to check up on her. I think we now had an opportunity to now like talk more. Because you know. We didn't have to like buy bundles. I didn't have to buy bundles like. Unlimited. Yeah you know. I have this unlimited Wi-Fi. And all that. So I'm now like able to like you know chat more. Yeah we were now moving more from. Texting to a lot of FaceTime calling. Yeah calling each other. So we were calling each other on. You know FaceTime a lot. So it was like just. Yeah chatting. Getting to know each other better. And then what happened after that. Yeah so we were chatting for. Yeah close to like. How many months? Four months? Five months. After you came? Yeah. I think January was when we decided. So around January. I think four months. By this time like. Okay we've been talking for almost like a year. Like in total. In total from the time we met in Ghana yeah. Canada. And I think we kind of both see where. The conversations were heading. I mean we could kind of tell that. This was becoming you know. Something that we'll be interested in. More than just friendship. The only thing is. This whole time we've been chatting virtually. So we hadn't seen each other in person. And I think we both felt like. Well if we started dating. And we haven't laid eyes on each other. What if. I don't know. I'm way taller than you think. Or maybe shorter. I don't know like. Just those kind of like. Yeah we just want to. Yeah we just want to be sure. And you know. Why don't we meet in person. Before pursuing this. I mean taking it serious. Yeah taking it serious right. Yeah so we started making plans. To meet each other. And so at the time. He was on a student visa in Canada. And I was a U.S. permanent resident. I could come to Canada. Way easier than he could come to U.S. Because on a student visa. To come to U.S. You need to apply for another visa. And all that stuff. It was just gonna be complicated. And also. Yeah and then. It wasn't impossible. It's possible. But then the logistics at that time. It was easier. He saw it was gonna be easier for me. To go from U.S. to Canada. And also you had your program still going on. Yeah I was actively in school. I mean we were both in school. But yeah yours was more intense. Intense it was a research program. Right it was a research program in summer. We were like okay we can plan in summer. When I'm out of school. I don't have summer school that time. We're gonna be closed. So I could come see you. The plan now was to convince my African mom. That I'm going to see this guy. I love that my African mom. I just need to draw the picture. It was not an easy pursuit. You know when you think about it. That focus calm and. And it makes sense to be honest. It makes sense right. Which parents will like let their daughter. Go visit some guy they don't know. Like they've never met before. Like you know. Right so. We started having this discussion. Beginning of 2017 now. Yeah so beginning of 2017. We started talking about it. But I hadn't told my mom yet. That I'm talking to this guy. But I knew it was gonna have to happen. I wasn't like the typical. Going to college to stay in college. I was staying home with my mom at the time. So obviously I have to let her know. If I'm traveling somewhere right. And obviously any. Even if I was not living at home. I still had the power at that point you know. So I knew she would have. Probably not bought into the idea. And I was really like. Trying to figure things out. And I made a plan. I don't think I told him. Knowing my mom. I'm like okay I know my mom okay. He's probably not gonna let me go. So here's the plan I had. I was gonna buy the ticket. And without you know. Telling her yet. And then after I purchased the plane ticket. Then I would talk to her. And the thing I'm learning about God. Is how he. When he wants to do things. He wants to do it the right way. Definitely the right way. Yeah that's true. When God is in it. He wants to do it the right way. And he was showing me at that time. And I didn't. I was naive at that time. I didn't know that you know. This is very important to him. That you know. I honor my parents in this way. Not just like. Yeah the Bible says like. You honor your father and mother. That you did too long. So he showed me that. The approach wasn't good. But then I was being stubborn. I'm buying this ticket. And I'm gonna tell her. After I purchased the plane ticket. And she will have to. You know let me go. Because I mean. She's not gonna let me. Cancel $100 flight. Like you know. So Boohoo me. And I went online. And he said okay. You're going on an international flight. Which will require you. At that time to get. Not a visa. But an ETA. And if you don't know. It's not like a visa. It's more like. Because I wasn't a United States citizen. At the time. I was a permanent resident. So I didn't have that access yet. To just cross the border. I deleted some form of document. To show that you know. I'm crossing the border. And to allow me to do that. So okay. I'm like okay ETA. I'm going to fill it out. And it asked me for my passport. I go look for my passport. I couldn't find it anywhere. I tore down the house. We had just moved to this new house. I looked everywhere for this passport. I was determined to get this passport. Buy the ticket. Then I can tell my mom. And I was everywhere. I couldn't find this passport. I was like oh. Of course this would happen to me. Oh my goodness. So I let him know the situation. That you know. I tried purchasing the ticket. You can't run from God. You can't run from God's will. I mean. You can't run from what is right. God wants it to be done the right way. You can't run away from that. Just look at Jonah. You can't run from it. Oh my goodness. So anyway. God says he chastens those who love. So sometimes we look at things my own style. But God is really trying to get us to do the right thing. Right. I quickly figured out this is what God is saying. I knew this is what he was saying. But I was trying to go the other way. Which is? Which is to do my way. Which is purchase the ticket. And then I'll let my mom know. And then she'll have no choice but to say yes. That was my. What I was thinking in my head. But I knew God was saying that you need to tell your mom. And then get her consent first. Get her approval. Yeah. Not like me trying to get approval out of her mouth. You know. Yeah. Like force her to say yes. Yeah. Like you know. I need to get her genuine consent. And for her to you know be okay with this. And so I did. I had to go talk to my mom. And this was I think a number of weeks later. When I couldn't find this passport. I was missing almost everything. So I went to tell her. And you know. Obviously. The reaction I knew that was coming from her was. What are you saying? I don't. You know. She didn't know anybody in Canada. She didn't know. Them. She had never you know. I think. Had she spoken to me at this time? No. I don't think. I don't. Maybe not. Maybe not official. Not official. Yeah. No. She hadn't. I just told her that. I have been talking to this guy. Yeah. In Canada. And you know. And then out of nowhere. You come and tell her. You want to travel? I had to emphasize. He loves Jesus. He's born again. You know. But even with that. It was just. She was really reluctant. She's like. In Canada. Why are you the one going there? Now coming here. Right. I had to explain the situation. With the school. And you know. The visa stuff. And all that. She was just really like. No. And also. I had to tell her that. You know. We were born in the same church. Right. It's just in a different. Different branch. Yeah. In Canada. We had a branch. And in the States. We also have different branches. He was born in the branch in Canada. And I was born in the branch in Arizona. And I was like. Hey. You know. You want to talk to the leadership there. Pastor. I don't know. Elder. Please. You can talk to them. Or anyone. Like. I was just trying to be open about this. I could see that. She was definitely saying no. But at the same time. She didn't want to be in the way. You know. At the same time. At the time. I was an adult. Okay. I was not a teenager at the time. And she also felt like. You know. She didn't want to be in the way of that. And if it's the will of God. She wanted it to be done. She shared this later with me. She. Eventually. And I told God. Like. I remember that time. I was like. Lord. You know. If this is your will. Then you will. And I pray. That you talk a heart. You know. Because there's a scripture that says. That you know. The heart of the king is in the hand of God. And you know. He turns into whichever way he pleases. Right. So I knew that. God could change a heart. If this is what his. This was his will. And so. I stood on that. And I prayed about that. And I just led her to the hands of God. So she came and told me. She started asking me questions. You know. African parents. They don't say it right away. That fine. You can go. She just started asking me questions. And it felt like. A whole lot of questions about him. Like an interview. She wanted to know. Where are you going? Am I going to be able to talk to you? When you're there? Who else? Where are you going to stay? Yeah. That was very important. For her. To let her know. That I'm not staying with him. In this place. He arranged for me. To stay with your lady friends. Yeah. At Canada. When I get there. And the friend was so kind enough. Bless your heart. Girl. You know. We're grateful. Yeah. God bless you. So she was so kind enough. To let me stay with. You know. Stay at her place. When I come to Canada. And my mom. You know. I told her. She can talk to her. She can talk to whoever she wanted to. And also. In Arizona. At my church. You know. I let one of my leaders know. An elder and his wife. I just also get that guidance. And mentorship. That you know. And the accountability part. The accountability part. Yeah. And funny enough. You know. They had a similar story. Where they were long distance. And you know. She had to stay at a friend's place. So you know. Talking to people about it. Especially when you want to do it the right way. Helps. And talking to people. Who mean well for you. In the church. Or in the body of Christ. Because advice from you know. The body of Christ. Versus in the world. It's gonna look different. Trust me. It's never the same. You know. So I'm glad I spoke to the elder and his wife. And you know. They shared their testimony. Of how they try to make it work. And do things the right way. And they spoke to my mom as well. And my mom. She spoke to a few pastors. You know. Every pastor she knew. Yeah. And let them know that I'm doing this and that. And that she wants them to talk to me. Talk to you about it. Yeah. Give me advice. And I give her. Absolutely. I would have done even more. You know. Book my own ticket. You know. Yeah. So I understand. She was trying to do the right thing. And spoke to the pastors. And they gave me their advice. Yeah. And yeah. So all this time. I'm letting him know the. You know. My side of the story. He's also making arrangements. On my side. Yeah. On your side. Busy preparing for my arrival. And making sure everything is good. Right. And talking to my mom as well. So we wanted everyone. And I started talking to your mom as well. He started to talk to my mom regularly. And like letting her know. Just for her to know like. You know. Take it easy. She's going to be taken care of. You know. And all that. So I think. Actually. If one day I was coming from work. And I was still just looking for this passport. Marked your passport. Yeah. And I decided to go fast. About this passport. Because I'm like. Where has it gone to? What's holding it? Wherever it is. Guys. I finished. I think I passed LA. I think we're doing it. Then I passed with the church anyways. Right. And this was just part of the prayer point. And towards the end of the class. I just told God like. I need to find. I have to find this passport. Lo and behold guys. Where I found this passport. I think blindness had. You know. Taken over my eyes. Because it was. It was somewhere you could easily find. It was. You know. We had just moved. So there was a lot of like boxes and stuff. Platter boxes around. Okay. So it was one of those stuff. You know. And I was able to find it. Able to get the ET and stuff. So there was a bit resistance. With that. But in all of that. Even though there was some resistance. I must say that. I still had the peace of God. That you know. I wasn't doing anything wrong. You know what I mean? So I think that's also worth mentioning. Because God speaks. You know. And if you involve him. What I learned from the experience. Is that he will let you know. Like you know. If you want him involved. And you tell him. That I want you involved in the process. Like he's not gonna back out on you. He's gonna be there with you. And he wants to be part of it. Which is very important. You know. We have our own logic. Ways to reason with things. And assumptions. But ultimately. God wants to be involved. In every piece of our lives. Right. Yeah. So anyways. Yeah. Booked the ticket. I was coming to see him. I think it was in July. In July of 2017. I had a friend who was just getting married. So after the wedding. We were going to. Yeah. Awesome. Yeah. All right. So now. We have purchased the plane ticket. We got the day. Everything. July. July comes. When. 2017. And we're going to finally meet. We have been talking online this whole time. And honestly. I couldn't wait. Same here. I actually couldn't wait. Because we've been talking on the phone. We've been video calling each other. And yeah. It just felt like. We have to see each other now. This is the time we have to see each other. If we want to make this serious. We want to take it to the next level of friendship. So I felt like this was the right time. For us to meet each other. And yeah. So when she was coming. I was excited. Yeah. I'm sure she was excited too. But yeah. I was super pumped up. Yeah. To finally meet her in person. So I must mention. Before we continue. What really went down. Okay. We're spilling all of it to you guys. All of it. And it's for a reason. Ultimately, we want you to learn from this. Yeah. I mean. That's our experience. But we feel like. You know. When God is involved. There are certain things that stand out. Yeah. And those are the things that we want to also point out. With this experience that we share. Okay. So now is the day. That I'm leaving Arizona. Flying to Canada. I'm going to Saskatchewan. Where Dan was in Canada. And I had a super. No. It wasn't a super early flight. I think it was like 9 a.m. Or something. 9 a.m. flight. But then. Because it was an international flight. I have to mention that. Where I was taking the flight was. Like two hours drive. Away from my place. From where you are. Yeah. Obviously you want to get the cheap ticket or whatever. Anyways. It was two hours away. From where I was leaving. So I had to take a shuttle. To the airport. So do the math. I have to be there at the airport. Three hours before. And just to be safe. I made sure to. You know that. I was leaving the house. At least four hours. Just in case anything happens. Four hours prior. Yes. You wanted to be super safe. Okay. I have my mom's blessing. She's. You know. Like. Telling me. Call me. Everything happens. Call me. You know. She sends me off. I go to the shuttle. You know. I think she drops me off at the shuttle station. And all that. I go to take the shuttle. And. Almost to the airport. Which is. You know. Again. It's two hours away. Almost to the airport. Have this thought. That crossed my mind. That my passport. And guys. International flight. Of course you need your passport. But. I have to mention also. I hadn't taken an international flight for a long time. All the flights I had been taking up to this point. Were internal. There were. Domestic flights. They were not international. So. It didn't occur to my mind. That I will need my passport. This passport. I'm telling you. But this time. I didn't want to see it. Anyway. So. The thought crossed my mind. But I'm like. Hey. God forbid. Because I know I left the passport. For whatever reason. How could I. Like. It didn't make sense. Make it make sense. It didn't make sense. So. I left my passport guys. I knew I didn't have it. We're almost getting to the airport. Oh no. And so. We get there. And. I'm like praying that. Lord. I hope these people let me in without my passport. I just have my ID. My driver's license. And. I go and I'm like. Yeah. They're like. Passport please. I'm like. I have my ID. My driver's license. They're like. No ma'am. We need to see your passport. Hey. I'm like. Okay. It wasn't funny then right? It was not funny. We're laughing now. It was not funny. So. I'm like. Oh. Okay. Are you sure? Like. I can't go with my ID. They're like. Ma'am. It's an international flight. You need your passport. I'm like. Okay. So. I had a picture of my passport. In my phone. I'm like. I have the picture. Can you take it? Then I know. We need to see it. Physically. Hey. Now I am nervous. I'm like. I can't miss this flight. We've been counting down. Since how we're gonna see each other. We were so excited for this day. I was like. I'm not missing this flight. Oh my god. Immediately. I'm starting to think. I'm like. Okay. I'll get back to you. I tell the flight or whatever. The lady at the desk. I'm gonna get back to you. So. I go start making phone calls. I call my mom. I'm like. Hey. I don't have my passport. Like. You're kidding me. So. Like. How can I get it there? And. I call my brother. Everybody's at work guys. Or nobody. You got things to do. Like. It's the morning. People got things to do. So. I was like. Okay. I. Who can I call? So I call one of my friends. And she finally said. Somebody finally said. She could come. Bless her heart. She said she could come. Mind you. It's about two hours away. Two hours away. From the airport. So. Right. Yeah. So I was like. Please. Like. I will give you anything. Like. Please. God bless you. Thank you. Please. Go get it from my house. My mom will have it ready for you. And all of that stuff. She goes. Gets my passport. And she. Starts to drive. I'm like. Stay with her on the phone. Try to keep her company. You know. Just. Right. I'll be there. And then. The time is clicking guys. Time is going. By the time. You know. Remember. I've been trying to reach people. And all that. The three hour bracket was up. You know. Now we're down to like. Less. Almost less than an hour. At this point. Like. I was nervous. I didn't. Did I. Did I call you this time? Yeah. You did tell me about it. At that time. So. I was also like. Just praying that. Well. This friend will get it to her. Just in time. So she can make it right. Hey. Thank God. You did this one thing for me. You know how you make all the promises. That God delivers. Hey. Just so she doesn't miss her flight. Look. I'm a college student. I don't have money like that. If I cancel this flight. Maybe it might not happen. You know. But just like. This thing gotta happen. Okay. Finally. She gets to the airport. And. By the time that she's getting to the airport. The lady at the desk is like. Ma'am. I gotta close the gate. You know. I can't let you in. You know. If you don't bring the passport. In like. Five minutes. I'm like. I will get it to you. I'm pleading with her. She's just here. She's like. I'm like. She's here. You know. And my friend was at the airport. She finally got there. And she's like. She kept missing the terminal. She missed it once. She missed it twice. I'm like. Lord. This is not like a drama series. This should actually be a movie. Yeah. It should be a movie scene. We should have had a camera crew. Because. It was. I was hot. She kept missing the airport. And you know. At the airport. It was a huge airport. If you know like. Sky Harbor. Huge airport. Like. You have to go. All the way around. If you miss the terminal. There's no U-turn. You have to go around the airport. So. I was like. Lord. Please. Please let her come through. So. She. You know. I think the third time. She got it. Like. You know. I was trying to stand outside. To let her know. I'm also trying to tell the. The death. You know. She's here. Please don't close the gate. So. I go. Get the. Passport. From my friend. I hug her. I'm like. Lord bless you. God bless you. I go to the desk. And I. Tell. I give to the lady. Thank God. And. She took it. It was a miracle. When I finally sat in that plane. Hey. Felt different. It's like. I've worked for this. This is the time. Now I gotta help Marianne escape. Hey. I was thanking God. That it's finally here. And I was just. That's interesting. Yeah. What I get from this is that. You know like. Times when. God has something for you. Like you know. The enemy tries to bring. These obstacles. Sometimes you know. And that's the thing. Yeah. You're right. Sometimes like. Okay. And that. Back then like. You know. I don't have a discernment like now. But. Looking back like. You know. I could have easily said like. Hey. Or is this. Is this God trying to tell me that. He's not the one for me. You know. This is a sign. That God is trying to tell me. And that's where discernment comes in. But. At that time. Yeah. At that time. But. I always check with the Holy Spirit. Whether he's like. Giving me a go ahead. And he was giving me a go ahead. So it was kind of like. What was going through that time. I knew. Then it means that. Something else going on in his spirit. You know. Yeah. Now looking back in retrospect. You know. The enemy may have known like. This is the will of God. You know. Two. Christian. People coming together. Definitely divinely orchestrated. It's the will of God. You know. God. Desires for. You know. Us to. Marry. Yes. Come together in marriage. There's a scripture that says like. How can two people. You know. Come together. Unless they agree. And you have to be. Evenly yoked. You know. And yeah. Also to mention. Because. Some young people don't know this. And for. A lot of us like. Some of us. We're privileged to have mentors. And people to tell us good things. So that we don't make a mistake. So. Absolutely. If you're a Christian gal. And. You desire for the will of God. To be done in your life. This is very important. That the person that you marry. Has to be a Christian like yourself. For some reason. God gave me this faith that. You know. It's going to happen. Like it's going to work out. It's going to be fine. Right. Anyway. So we're talking this whole time. You know. I had a layover. Letting know. Getting here now. And when I got there. He wasn't there yet. So I told him I'm here. He said okay. We're on our way. We'll see you there soon. Because I let him know. Like my arrival time. And all that. So he was anticipating. And all that. Yeah. So I was just getting my people ready. At that point as well. Yeah. I had a few friends. Very great friends. They helped me. Drive me to the airport. Like you know. Get him his stuff. So yeah. We were doing all the background arrangements. When we're being done. Like you know. Just to get her comfortable. When she comes in. So yeah. I make my way to the airport. Once she lets me know she's arrived. Yeah. And it wasn't too far. Like from the city center. Where I live in Saskatchewan. It was 20 minutes drive. 15 minutes drive. So yeah. It wasn't much of a drive. So we headed to the airport. And to go meet each other. For the first time. Finally. Right. So yeah. We were really like. I had all these questions. I'm like. How does he smell? How does he walk? You know. Because we've been talking for a long time. Yeah. We've been talking for a long time right now. But yeah. We have seen each other. It's different. Yeah. So we'll get there. We'll get how like. Our first impression. How we finally saw each other. But you know. We had only seen each other. On the phone. You know. And yeah. We were just wondering. How we are in real life. In person. And so. So I was waiting. Yeah. For you. By the entrance. Like I could see outside. I could see. I could see through the window. I couldn't see her. But she could see me. So I could see through the parking area. And then you finally arrived with your friends. And I could see you walking. I'm like okay. That's how I walk. What do you mean? I have. I'll take a note. You know. Okay. You notice everything. And at that time yeah. You've been waiting for so long. You notice everything. So I was like okay. That's how it was. And then you finally go through the doors. And I was so nervous. I was like oh my god. I hope he doesn't turn around. She looked like. She looked so nervous. I was trying to calm her down. Like she looked so nervous. Just when I saw her. You could just tell that she's nervous. I kept telling her hey. I couldn't even make eye contact guys. I would just glance at him. And look away. I was so nervous. Oh my god. It was unreal. But yeah. So my first impression of him. When I met her in person. Like for the first time. So we yeah. We hugged each other. Like obviously we hugged each other. Like hey. Nice to meet you. You said welcome to Canada. I told her yeah. Welcome to Canada. Wow you remember everything. I was like welcome to Canada. Like you know and all that. And yeah. Man she. She was exactly the person I was talking to over the phone. And even more. Like in person. She had this beautiful personality. She looked so gorgeous. You know like the glory of God was just radiating from her. Honestly. I think it was an over delivery. Her mannerisms. Everything. Like you know was just sweet. And yeah. It was very exciting. And yeah lovely. I would say the same too. When I finally saw you. It was an over delivery as well. It was just this something about you. That you know. It made me feel immediately like safe. That I was in good hands. That this felt right. You know. And just to say too like. You know when you're used to being disappointed in the past. Maybe from like guys you talk to. And then you just. For him I kept looking for red flags. But every time I get green flags. You know. I know. The first time. I'm like Lord. This is you. You're funny. I'm humbled by that. Yeah. I kept seeing like. Green flags you know. So that's something also to that. So we. Yeah so. After meeting Adeokor. We head to. We head to the friend's house. And she had a very. I mean warm welcome. My friend had asked me prior to this. Like you know what kind of food does she eat? Does she have any allergies? Like those kind of stuff. I was like. Yo calm down. She's gonna eat everything. She wears she wears. She wears shirts with. Like the people of our culture as well. So she's okay. Like just give her. What you have. Like just like okay awesome. So how was your first day? And from there like. Yeah what happened? Yeah so it was great. You know we had the food. It was a little. I remember there was some pepper in it. Spicy. Yeah it was spicy. But like I said. It felt right with you. You know just sitting next to you. I remember feeling you know safe. And like this feels good. You know. And I was so grateful to God. I was like hey. We even took a selfie. I think that selfie was pathetic. Like you know. We took a selfie. And I said first selfie. I remember on my snapchat. And I kept it. I don't know like. Yeah. You know there's something with God. You know when you walk with him. He just you know. Shows you. You do some things with him. Like you know. It's just your. It's your own intuition. But it's not like just directly. Anyway so. After that first day. I think the next day. We have planned. So we had an itinerary for the visit. Just before that. So prior to her coming. I had made this itinerary. And also because I was a student. Remember I was still doing my master's. And though it was vacation for other people. It wasn't vacation for me. I was still doing my research. So I had to make up this itinerary. Where we go into exciting places. That's where I mean. Around like you know sightseeing. Like and all of that. So yeah. I had this itinerary. And we took those like you know. Days one by day. One by one. Like one day at a time. Going to different places. And I think it was during that time. That we actually like bonded more. Yeah. In person. Right. And yeah. Mind you at this time. We are still friends. Like. He still friend zoned me. All this time. He hadn't made any suggestion. I'm gonna marry you. I'm gonna ditch you. He didn't tell me anything. We are still friends. He didn't ask me out. Guys relax. Yeah but yeah. He was very. The one thing I would say. That obviously I knew. There was something more he wanted. It was very persistent. And made sure that I knew. It was me that he was interested in. Without saying it. You know. He was like more of. He was more of action. He would always text me first thing in the morning. You know call me. And you know. And even while we're there. He made sure I was comfortable. He made sure that you know. I was taken care of. You know. He really took care of me. Wow. So yeah. So during the next day. Like you had. I usually went to school in the mornings. I went to do research. Whatever I had to do. Right. During the day. And I think late afternoon. Towards the evening. You just go hang out. At times we just asked. At times with some friends. Yeah just. Mostly us yeah. Mostly asked. Like go sightseeing or somewhere. I think we went bowling with my friends. Oh yeah. That's the time we went bowling. Just to you know. Miserize ourselves more. Get to know each other better. I think it was a great time. And I think. Yeah we had a great time. It was. It wasn't until the last day. Not the day. But I think the day before you left. The day before the last day. Yeah. So the day before the last day that I left. He finally asked me out. Officially. Officially I was like hey. I think you know. We've met each other now. And we can take this a notch higher. Like you know. So I think she was expecting that question way before. But I just had to take my time. I was like finally. I just had to take my time you know. Because I wanted to be. Sure about this whole thing you know. Dating right. And doing it the right way. So yeah. I asked her out. And yeah she accepted it. So we took it a notch higher. And we started dating from there. And but it won't be long after this. She has to still go back you know. Though we are dating. Right. Long distance. She has to go back to. And I was. That was one thing I was like. I was really asking God. Why he has to be in Canada. Why not in the United States. Why didn't you let him have a scholarship in the United States. Where I was. Good question. In Arizona. Or I don't know. Even somewhere closer you know. But God. I think now in retrospect. Looking back you know. God divinely put things exactly where they should be. Because he sees things you know. In the end you know. He knows the end from the beginning. Yeah it's not like us. Like being the moment. We just seem to a people. Or like a people you know. Right. And I think looking back. You can tell that. There was a purpose of us being in Canada. Like me having to come to Canada. Like you know. The people who have come into our lives. The people God has used like you know. To impact our lives. We also impacting or like you know. Helping others in Canada. I think it's just mind-blowing. So it's looking back. We say that it's just the will of God. It was just God's plan. That like I be in Canada. While she is in the States. It wasn't an ideal situation. But God had you know. A greater purpose in all of this. Exactly. Right. That's a story for another day. But yeah. Because we went from U.S. and Canada. And Canada U.S. But it's like every season. It was exactly where we were supposed to be. Even though in that moment. Sometimes we're like. Sometimes we question why. Why are we here? We preferred it to be this way. But then you know. The thing with God is. You have to just trust him. And you know obey. Right. He might not reveal everything to you. At that time. He doesn't do that. Yes. But he just requires us to trust him. And trust and obedience. And obey with. So yeah. I had to go back the next day. Now it's official. We're dating. So yeah. And yeah. I had to send it off at the airport. The following day. I was so sad. Yeah. We're both so sad. We had fun. And that's another thing. Like with Christian dating. We're trying to do things the right way. Obviously with the. According to the will of God. It was clear on our boundaries. And stuff like that. Like you know. We didn't want to. For example. Have sex before marriage. So it was good to finally. Have a guy that understands. As a lady. You know what I mean. You know. Having a guy that understands. I know. You know. Some guys will tell them. That you know. I'm sorry. This is right. And then they're like. It's not fair. Or like. They will say something. That's like. You know. Make you feel bad. For your decision. But what I've learned too. Is that God rewards you. When you stand for him. And you stand for his word. You know. And yeah. Stand your ground girl. Stand it. You know. And not to say that. We're sticks and stones. We don't feel anything. We do feel. But it's not always easy. Choosing the right thing to do. Or God's way. As a matter of fact. That's great. And I think yeah. It was a great time. I know. We had to say our goodbyes. We headed to the airport. I went back to Arizona. Back to my wife. Was going back to school. Yeah. I was still in school. So but just that. Like seeing her leave. I was sad. Yeah. But I had to get back to my studies. Quickly. So after that time. Yeah. We kept talking more. Like you know. Checking on each other every day. What else? Yeah. No. We didn't do things. Yeah. And that's another thing about long distance. Long distance. It's not easy. I kept asking God like. Why? Why you let me date long distance? And I actually didn't want to. Yeah. It's not an easy. Preferably. If you're anyone. And where I was. So that I could see him. If I needed a hug. But at the same time. You know. I was like. God help me to stay. In your will. And all that. So anyway. I think. Now. We're glad it was long distance. I think would have been difficult. But yeah. We dated for a long distance. We went back to our lives. So yeah. Oh sorry. About the long distance. So. You know. It was like. We wanted to see each other. A lot of times. And we couldn't. Because of the distance. Yeah. You know. Like going out on dates. And stuff like that. We just couldn't. Yeah. But we tried to make it work. Yeah. We tried to like. Watch movies. On the online. Yeah. I think there was this Netflix. Netflix party or something. Parody that you could watch as a group. Or as a like. Yeah. Two or more people could watch it. Two of us. Yeah. Try to like do it. Yes. Honestly. We spoke every day. Yeah. I think we did well. On video calling. To stay in touch every day. Video calling. Very important. Yeah. Because. Yeah. That's definitely what. Depth is going. And. The grace of God obviously. Yeah. So yeah. But there was one thing. That we missed. Anyway. We'll drop the tea later. Fast forward. Yeah. We have been dating. Talking. Like everything was going rosy. I was all the fun. This part is not a fun bit. But like. But we have to bring it up. Because. We need to bring it up. Because. It's not our story alone. It's also for you guys. Yeah. To learn from it. Exactly. And to put out there. That you want to be happy. But there's somebody. Who doesn't want to be happy for you. That's the enemy. Satan doesn't want us. Especially when you're in the will of God. He doesn't want you to enjoy. Enjoy. What God has for you. The blessings. And. It's a lot of tea guys. It's too heavy to keep it in this video. So. We'll have to share it in the next video. For you guys. Unfortunately. We broke up.