The
first time we met was in a town in Cameroon called Bamenda.
I saw Jacky on the stage singing with her friends, together
they formed a group called the Nightingales. They were known
for their angelic voices and the devotion they have for
our beloved Faith. Since I was visiting from a small city
called Limbe, to attend an institute session in Bamenda,
Jacky and I didn’t have the time to introduce ourselves,
besides, we were still teenagers. My first impression about
the girl who will eventually be my wife was that, she was
beautiful both in and out. I saw in her the spirit of a
true friend and one that you can easily trust. After that
conference, I hurried back to Limbe. Following my “A Level,”
I decided to continue my education at the University of
Dschang, while Jacky moved to the capital of Cameroon to
study computer sciences at the University of Yaounde. Occasionally
we would meet during conferences and institutes, but these
encounters were always brief.
I
remember once in Cameroon when Jacky was asked to visit
the Bahá’í friends in Dschang, for consultation on youth
activities. That created an opportunity for us to get to
know more about each other. I took advantage of this, and
decided to walk her to the bus station, to make sure she
got a safe ride back home. Though, for the most part, we
shared experiences about the Faith, neither of us knew how
or where our conversation would eventually lead us. I had
really wished to spend more time with her, but due to our
various locations and the distance between us, we only met
like once or twice a year. Up to this day, I still have
memories of those eventful days as a Bahá’í youth in Limbe,
because everything we did served as a foundation for our
relationship today.
Again,
Jacky and I had another encounter, in which I remember asking
her to bring some fried chicken for me from her home. Without
hesitation, she promised to come along with some fried chicken.
The next day, I asked Jacky, “where is my chicken”? She
replied, “I forgot, sorry”. Well, I really didn’t want any
chicken; I was just trying to get her attention. The following
week, I left for school. She left for school as well, this
time to the University of Buea, where she majored in Economics.
A few years
after that, I traveled to the USA. Jacky also completed
her degree in Buea and graduated with honors. She then got
a job with the Standard Chartered Bank in Cameroon and stayed
there for about a year before traveling abroad to the Bahá’í
World Centre, where she served the Faith for another two
years. All this time, I lost touch with her. Life in America
was like a dream. I didn’t know what to expect. At this
point in time, I am grateful for not only being able to
leave a normal life, but also to have found the woman of
my life. All this was made possible by friends that are
so dear to me, who forever will have a place in our hearts.
One
beautiful day during the Fast, after saying my prayers,
I decided to ask a friend of mine about Jacky. He gave a
very encouraging response and asked if I needed her phone
number. I said, “Wait”. I was wondering what I’d tell her;
where I’d been. I let a few days go by when, finally, I
made up my mine to call her. Though I was a little nervous
at first, I was hoping for the best. She and I had short
conversations which only increased my curiosity and my desire
to make more calls. At some point, like the girl I used
to know, she became concerned and was ready to listen to
what I had in mind. Slowly, we kept the ball rolling and
not long after that, I asked her to permit me to get to
know her better. She accepted. I became the happiest man
on the planet. When her term of service ended, she traveled
down to Africa, where she visited my family to introduce
herself. My mum said she is “Young and beautiful” which
of course was not surprising to me.
Jacky
finally obtained her visa to further her education in the
State of Oklahoma. I left Dallas to Oklahoma, to welcome
Jacky as she arrived at the Will Rogers airport. That was
in July 2004. Since then, we have been able to carry our
relationship to a higher level. Together, we informed our
parents about our intentions of becoming husband and wife.
My family then visited Jacky’s parents; they got together
and celebrated the traditional “knock door” (engagement
party).
I
will conclude by saying, “Life with Jacky has only made
me become a better person”. Again, special thanks, for all
the support and encouragement from family members and friends.
We continue to ask for your prayers as we look forward to
a new life as husband and wife. You are most welcome to
join us to celebrate our wedding on January 6, 2006
Aaron
Ashu Ashu