Uche and I met under the most unique of circumstances- in Nigeria on a medical mission. Now, being in Nigeria isn't especially strange for Uche, but for me, that's a world away from home's comforts and normalcies. The last thing I was thinking about was finding a husband! So, of course, that's what happens...
Uche and I both agree we fell in love instantly. We didn't know where it would go, what would happen or how it would continue, but after we started talking, it was impossible to consider our lives without each other in them. From April 28th, 2008 to November 29th, 2008, we talked. And talked. And talked... until our calling cards ran out, until we fell asleep, until I had to go back into work, etc. We dated over the telephone! We told each other life stories, shared habits and preferences, and said, "I love you", almost a billion times, in a million different ways.
I visited Nigeria again in November and December of 2008, which is when Uchenna proposed. From the moment I arrived back on U.S. soil, all of our prayers and energy were focused on getting Uche to me in Oregon. We had to wait almost exactly one year before we would see each other again...
And on December 5th, 2009, I found myself standing at the end of a staircase in the Seattle/Tacoma Airport, waiting for the man God had set aside for me.
Our wedding was a small, somewhat impromptu, ceremony involving our close family and friends. Someday, Uchenna and I hope to renew our vows in a more traditional setting like a church or chapel, but for now we need to come together with our loved ones and celebrate!
Our reception is for all of us. It's for some of you to come meet Uchenna or me for the first time, maybe greet us as a married couple for the first time, and to celebrate our lifetime commitments to one another. It's also for Uche and I to dance, laugh, and toast ourselves and our family and friends in joy over our lives together and in preparation for our ups and downs as we walk down the road God created for us and our future. We need to look each one of you in the eye and say, "Thank you", for praying for us, for listening to our worries and for being so supportive during the 20 months it took to bring Uche to Portland, Oregon.
It's simple, really. Since Uchenna arrived in the U.S., I have been working or sick! Other than camping with friends, we haven't had time to walk away from everyday life and be a married couple enjoying ourselves. And Uche needs to see Vegas.
From Las Vegas, there are so many activities to take on- we are eager to take a helicopter ride over and into the Grand Canyon, we can't wait to play the penny slots, see a Cirque de Soleil show, and dance away in a club made entirely of ice! If time and funds allow it, we also look forward to the short drive to Los Angeles- and maybe a day at Disneyland!! But, honestly, even if we just walk up and down the Strip, as long as we are together, our honeymoon will be a complete success.
Thank you. Each of you. You have all been an integral part of bringing Uchenna and I together. Never will we forget the support. Some of you were there from the very beginning, some of you were amazed at the crazy chances that we took, and all of you just wanted our happiness. Neither of us would've faired so well during the agonizing months of waiting, working, and praying if you had not been there. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
