As a middle schooler reading Danielle Steel romance novels every three weeks she came out with a new one, I romanticized how married life would be. There would be hidden love notes in my briefcase (I always knew I'd be a business woman). Delivery guys would show up frequently with chocolate bouquets or singing quartets (because I don't like flowers very much). We'd drive separately to bars and hit on each other wearing our disguises. We'd go for horseback rides just before sunset. We'd take long walks on the beach and make out under the boardwalk. We'd camp out and hike over weekends. We'd go scuba diving (okay just kidding because I can't swim). More than anything in my daydreams, we were always TOGETHER. I never in a million years imagined the first year of our marriage would be spent apart.... I'm not away for work... we are separated because my country has limits on the number of "foreigners" that can come in each year.
I've been looking for ways to be romantic when you are thousands of miles apart.... it's not easy. I love to write love letters and I haven't done it very often but here is one love letter I sent to Aldo. Don't tell him I let you read it! As you read this please keep in mind:
I AM NOT KENYAN!
My Dearest Love,
I feel important to you when you keep me informed throughout the day.
I feel missed when you check on me through the day and include me in what you're doing.
It makes me feel secure and loved when you put your arm around me.
I feel desired when you touch me while we are talking.
I feel you are proud of me when we are together in public.
I feel worthy of love when you warm water for my shower.
I feel special when you plan a day for us away from the norm.
I feel like a princess when you pull a chair out for me or walk slowly so we are next to each other.
I feel like I'm your friend when you dream with me about the future or engage in a nice conversation.
I feel needed and wanted when you ask me to do something with you even when I refused before.
I feel lively and jovial when you make arrangements for me to spend time with your family.
I feel like part of your life when I get to be around you and your friends, even if they aren't the best of friends.
I feel alive and youthful when you kiss me passionately before leaving.
I feel closer to God when you request we pray together.
I feel confident about our relationship when we take time to study the Bible together.
I feel happy for you when you tell me someone has given you money.
I feel challenged and convicted when you take the time to tell me everything you are feeling.
I feel bold and courageous when you step out to do new things.
I feel happy when you take out time to fellowship on Sunday with fellow believers.
I feel on top of the world when you teach me about your culture.
I feel love and needed when you ask for help.
I feel confident following you when I know you are following god.
I feel beautiful when you compliment my looks.
I feel engaged when you talk and talk on your own.
I feel valued when you calmly listen to my feelings.
Thank you for making me feel....
Always and Forever Yours,
Mrs. Onyango
I've been looking for ways to be romantic when you are thousands of miles apart.... it's not easy. I love to write love letters and I haven't done it very often but here is one love letter I sent to Aldo. Don't tell him I let you read it! As you read this please keep in mind:
I AM NOT KENYAN!
My Dearest Love,
I feel important to you when you keep me informed throughout the day.
I feel missed when you check on me through the day and include me in what you're doing.
It makes me feel secure and loved when you put your arm around me.
I feel desired when you touch me while we are talking.
I feel you are proud of me when we are together in public.
I feel worthy of love when you warm water for my shower.
I feel special when you plan a day for us away from the norm.
I feel like a princess when you pull a chair out for me or walk slowly so we are next to each other.
I feel like I'm your friend when you dream with me about the future or engage in a nice conversation.
I feel needed and wanted when you ask me to do something with you even when I refused before.
I feel lively and jovial when you make arrangements for me to spend time with your family.
I feel like part of your life when I get to be around you and your friends, even if they aren't the best of friends.
I feel alive and youthful when you kiss me passionately before leaving.
I feel closer to God when you request we pray together.
I feel confident about our relationship when we take time to study the Bible together.
I feel happy for you when you tell me someone has given you money.
I feel challenged and convicted when you take the time to tell me everything you are feeling.
I feel bold and courageous when you step out to do new things.
I feel happy when you take out time to fellowship on Sunday with fellow believers.
I feel on top of the world when you teach me about your culture.
I feel love and needed when you ask for help.
I feel confident following you when I know you are following god.
I feel beautiful when you compliment my looks.
I feel engaged when you talk and talk on your own.
I feel valued when you calmly listen to my feelings.
Thank you for making me feel....
Always and Forever Yours,
Mrs. Onyango