Engagement Story

Before I start, I would like to give a little preface to the story. In African culture, the guy has to give a dowry to the girl's family before he can marry her. But, in my case, Nic didn't have to do that because that's not part of the American culture. And plus, how could I send 6 goats to my parents' house in America? But, I did warn him that instead of a dowry, he did have to call my parents and receive their blessing. My dad was going to be out of town starting last Monday for the next 2 weeks. So, meaning, Nic had to call him before he left. Sunday night Nic made the comment, “Oh, yah, your dad is leaving tomorrow.” He said it in a way that made me think he hadn't talked to my dad yet. So, I wasn't anticipating an engagement yet.

Nic and I were invited to a special dinner on Thursday night, November 25th, for Liza Mucheru-Wisner, one of the 4 finalist in Donald Trump's 'The Apprentice' show. She's Kenyan but married to an American and lives in TX and she happened to be in town for the week. It was at a really nice and classy golf course called Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya. I had just finished having Thanksgiving lunch at one of my coworker's home. After that I met Nic in town to go to this other dinner. When we got there, we got a tour of the golf course and hung out with some of Nic's friends while we waited for Liza to arrive. Finally she did, along with lots of other people. There were many speeches and presentations. Then, we ate. We just relaxed and took it easy.

Around 11pm people were leaving. I was getting tired, so when we were one of the last people there, we finally decided to leave. On our way out, we walked over to a pond in the center of the golf course. He started telling me how much he loved me and how important I was to him. It was very sweet. But, in the middle of his talk, his friend called and asked him where we were. Nic told him we were next to the pond. The guy said he hoped we weren't on the grass. Nic said we were and asked if that was a problem. The friend said yes because if the guards saw us, we could get in trouble (golf clubs have so many strict rules). We then walked over to a different grassy area where the guards couldn't see us. There was a tree in the middle and Nic started talking about the tree (the poor guy was nervous). At one point, I was standing between Nic and the tree. Then Nic pointed at the tree and asked, “What in the world is that tree trying to grow?” So I turned around and said, “Well, flowers, of course.” But, I was thinking, “What is wrong with this man?” When I turned back around Nic was on one knee and he said, “Jen, I have a question to ask you.” He pulled out a box and opened it. I started laughing out of nervousness and because I was still thinking his comment about the tree was so funny and random. He then asked, “Jen, will you marry me?” I kissed him and of course said, “Yes.” He proceeded to tell me sweet things. I was in a bit of a daze because I couldn't believe this was finally happening to me. I never thought this day would actually come for me. So, it feels a bit like I'm dreaming.

We then took pictures. I did have a panic moment and asked Nic if he had called my parents. He said yes, that he had called them earlier in November (2 weeks earlier to be exact and he played it off so I wouldn't suspect). He proceeded to tell me about his conversation with them. My dad asked him a bunch of important questions and Nic successfully passed. Then, Dad asked him what he was going to do if I said no (you must know that my father is a jokester). Nic said he would have to go to Plan B, but he wasn't sure what that would be. So, Dad told him to make sure and give me lots of chocolate and then I would for sure say yes (when I was a kid, in our family photos I wouldn't smile unless they gave me chocolate). So, anyways, my parents gave him their blessing.

When we got to the car, first thing he did was opened the door for me. Then, when he got in he held my hand and prayed. He thanked God for our relationship, our engagement, for him not making a complete fool of himself, and that we would have a godly future. I was AMAZED!!! I was so distracted by the engagement, that I didn't even think about praying and thanking God. When Nic prayed, I was so thankful to God that He gave me a man like Nic. That was my favorite part about the whole engagement. After praying together, Nic handed me a plastic bag full of really yummy dark chocolate (my favorite). I thought it was a bit strange, but at this point it was midnight and now the 26th, so I figured it was for my birthday. I didn't know yet what my dad had told him about the chocolate. When I got home, I called my mom to tell her what happened. I couldn't call my dad because he was in another country without communication. So, when I told my mom the story, she busted out laughing when I told her about the chocolate. Then, she proceeded to tell me that Dad had told Nic to get me lots of chocolate. When I asked Nic why he got me the chocolate, he said that he had to be sure that I would say yes. So, he had to do what my dad said since my dad is a wise man.

It turns out that Nic had wanted to wait until midnight to propose so that it would have officially been my birthday. But, ends up he proposed 30 minutes before my 30th birthday. So, he was still pleased with that. It was a very sweet proposal.