My story.

[simplicity619]

This is long, but it's a rather unique story with a "still to be determined" ending. You really should read...maybe you could give me your thoughts and comments!

 

I am currently 20, and went on a life-changing, month-long mission trip to a little non-urbanized country in Africa last May with 15 other college students. We built an annex onto the local orphanage, and that's where I met, oh, let's call him Luke. Luke is a 25 year-old missionary in this country, and is originally from South Africa. He runs the orphanage onto which we were building. While there, Luke and I spoke some, but not too incredibly much. When we did speak, we mostly made fun of each other's accents (mine: American; his: South African).

I was there to serve God, so I wasn't even looking for romantic possibilities (also to mention I was 10,000 miles from home). But, of course, I couldn't completely ignore how cool this guy was: besides being a humble missionary, I found out he was a licensed pilot, a drummer, a marathon runner, and a rock-climber. Oh, and easy on the eyes, I suppose. Because of his rather endearing attributes, I stayed away from him, so as to not be distracted from the more important task on hand. The month-long trip eventually came to an end, and the missionaries at the orphanage drove our team in their cars to a hostel about an hour away. Since the trip was pretty much over and I didn't have to worry about distractions, I decided I could be near him and ride in his car (and so did a few of the other girls on my team, haha). We all had a really cool discussion in the car, and he shared with us his heart behind missions and how he ended up in that country and just his thoughts about God. I was fascinated and intrigued to have met such a man of God. And then Luke put in a Michael Jackson CD; which, if you asked anybody who remotely knows me, they would tell you that MJ is my favorite artist. Ever. So that sealed the deal. I then decided I would allow myself to be in love with him...at least for the duration of the car ride.

They dropped us off at the hostel, and our team said our goodbyes to the missionaries. I gathered up courage and went to say a shy goodbye to Luke (not sure if I made eye contact lol), and he gave me a friendly hug just like he did with everybody else. As they drove off, I remember thinking it was funny that I didn't know his last name. But it didn't matter, because I knew I wouldn't see him again.

The remainder of my summer was home in America. It was great to be back, but I felt like my heart was in Africa. I felt such a peace while I was there, and knew God was tugging at my heart to return for a longer amount of time. Maybe even indefinitely. I fell in love with everything about it, and, being the rational person I am, I wasn't even putting Luke into the equation because that'd be silly. I decided to search all the missionaries on Facebook to get updates about the orphanage when possible (because they don't have internet there), and after finding out all their last names, I searched and found them. Luke was the first to accept my request becase he was in South Africa at the time doing pilot stuff, and therefore had internet. So I decided it wouldn't hurt to check his relationship status, for I was sure he'd have a girlfriend. How could he not? Well, he didn't. I "creeped" him for a bit, but decided not to send him a message or write on his wall. Because what's the point, right?

A few days later, he sent me a private message, asking how life was, post-Africa. I was very surprised considering we weren't buds or anything, and I didn't know if he was just sending me a one-time message, or if this was intended to be a stream of messages. So I gave a short but friendly response, to see if he would keep it going. He did. We ended up messaging every day that summer, and the messages got longer and longer. We mostly talked about God or silly things, and I came to find out that we have the same humor. Trust me, that's rare! I found myself getting rather attached to our constant correspondence, and wondered why we were even talking that much.

We got to know each other pretty well but didn't go too deep, and at one point he told me that he has to keep his internet "relationships" (not as in romantic) surface level, especially with girls, because people assume things and then stuff gets sticky. I knew that he was trying to tell me to not think anything of our messages, and that we were just friends. No feelings were behind it. I was crushed, but kinda kicked myself for letting myself get emotionally involved, because I knew he wasn't, obviously. Well, the summer ended, and so did our correspondence, because he had to go back to the orphanage where there is no internet. I was sad, but then it was back to college. Life must go on.

The semester went well, and anytime Luke was in internet signal, he'd send me an email. He even got my number so he could text once in a while, just to say hey. I had a few guys interested in me at college, and I might have been interested in them too, but I still would think of Luke. It didn't make sense, and I prayed to God to just get Luke out of my mind! It always made me happy to get an email from him, but I somehow managed to get rid of my silly girlish crush.

Christmas break. He was in South Africa for the holidays, and we started up our message thread again. We even Skyped a few times, and he would wake up early to talk to me. Our time zones made it almost impossible for us both to catch each other at reasonable times. I was trying to not get involved this time around, but I sensed something different with him, too...

He sent me a Christmas card in the mail, and a little beaded elephant, because they are my favorite. It was so sweet, and in the card, he called me "dear" and put "Love, Luke" at the end. I was giddy, but cautious, assuming those terms of endearment were just general South African things to say to friends. One Skype session, he told me that his mountain climbing trip to Nepal in June got cancelled, and that he might come to the US instead to visit some friends. I told him he had better stop by our state and visit "all of us". He said he would love to do that, and I offered him our guest bedroom. He accepted. I knew, though, that he'd just be seeing me. During the summer, I don't live in my college town. I live in my hometown. I told him that, and he said that was fine, with a smiley face.

A day later, I'm going crazy, wondering if this is still just a friend thing. If he's coming to see me in June, that'll be great, but are we just friends? I didn't want to bring it up, because I'm super traditional, and I believe that the guy should initiate important conversations such as that. Just when I thought I couldn't hold in the questions any longer, he sends me a message, telling me that he, for whatever reason, has found himself liking me as more than a mere Facebook friend. "I should be honest," he said. "I know that we live literally across the world, you have tons of friends, and 95% of our communication has been virtual. But I still find myself thinking about you. You can tell me I'm being ridiculous. I just needed to get that out there, considering I'm seeing you in June. Slap me into reality, please." Needless to say, I returned the sentiment.

That was in January, and it is now May 7, and he arrives here in less than a month. He's staying for an entire month with me at my family's house. Keeping in contact has been so hard, because he has been at the orphanage for the past four months. We don't even have what other couples have: internet. All he has is a mere satellite phone, which is reserved for emergencies. Not even being able to hear his voice has got me going crazy, but I'm glad that I even know him. I don't even know if we're a "couple" or if he's my "boyfriend", but we like each other a lot..I've never felt this way about someone. We are able to swap emails about every two weeks when he goes to get supplies, and that's all we have. I have my doubts and fears that once we are actually face to face, he won't like me.

He understands me, and I understand him. We've guarded our hearts since last June when we first started corresponding, but now we can finally maybe let our hearts go and see what happens. I can't wait to actually get to know him. I am hoping we fall in love, and all questions are answered about my future. Since I feel called back to Africa, it would be nice to know he's the one for me. Then knowing what I do after graduation won't be a mystery.

He's a fantastic person, and someone I could love forever. I'm so inexperienced with love, but that's okay. I don't know about his past, but I don't care. He loves God and loves serving people. I'm praying his time here determines a lot of things.

I'll keep you all updated. Thank you for reading.

[madjac74]

This is a great story. I have a short attention span and yet I read this entire thing mostly because you are an excellent writer. This sounds like a story of two people who truly care about one another and can overcome everything to keep each other in their lives. I think this story is destined for greatness and hope you keep us updated.

 

I think the most important thing i can relate to in your story is how amazing it is despite the distance and the lack of physical contact, to have someone that completely makes your day just to hear from. A person who having an hour phone conversation with puts you on cloud 9 for several days after and you long for the next one. Its almost like a drug to talk to this person.

 

I think its rare to find people like this in life. I have really great friends I can go a long time without hearing from, but to find someone who you want to share everything with like a best friend and be physically attracted to them is really a once in a lifetime chance.

[Treetops1969]

This is a beautiful story and made me smile:)

 

I spent many years living in Africa doing development work and met my husband there. He was out there doing similar work. We met in a remote part of the country. I was hitchhiking and had been on the side of the road for 2 days when he came along! We got married out there had out first child there.

 

Your story invoked all those memories for me. The fact that you met whilst doing something fantastic for others that you truly believe in will stand you in good stead. Relationships are much more pure I find without all the modern distractions that we have in the developed world.

 

Unfortunately, my husband and I broke up when we came home to live. Our relationship came under massive strain from outside influences that we were not used to. We still have a great connection and friendship though and our 2 children bond us for life.

 

I wish you all the best. I think you know that he loves you as much as you love him. Trust your heart. And give my love to Africa when you return. x

[SincereOnlineGuy]

Your sentiments are very fair, even though to realize all of your wishes would make you feel as though you should 'pinch' yourself.

 

I recommend focusing on the various surroundings in your "home town" (is it?) which you will show him over time.

 

I certainly think it is fair to say that there is romantic interest on both sides, but it sounds as if you're going to turn yourself (further) into a ball of nerves if you don't find a diversion for your mind.

 

I'm impressed that you get to host him there for a month... but it may well be a very educational experience for everyone in your household.

 

So focus on the planning of the outdoor activities and take your mind off of the (EXCITEMENT) in your heart!!

[simplicity619]

madjac74, thank you for reading it and providing your input! I'm glad you could relate. I'll for sure keep you all updated.

 

Treetops1969, wow. It's crazy that our stories are kinda similar. You were on the side of the road for 2 days? That sounds terrifying... But what a great way to meet each other. I'm glad you two are still friends through it all. That's an interesting point you made about the massive strain of outside influences. I have never thought about that. Thank you for sharing! The part of Africa I went to was absolutely beautiful. I'll give it some love for you!

 

SincereOnlineGuy, I definitely have been a bundle of nerves. Mostly because of my insecurities. But I have a deep faith, so knowing that everything happens for a reason is causing me to have peace about the entire situation. But that doesn't mean that my doubts don't creep up once in a while! I have absolutely been trying to just focus on planning what we'll do while we're here. I just want everything to be perfect for him. The house, the food, the activities... And I know that's not plausible... Haha. I just take everything I do very seriously; like, if I do or say something, I mean it. So, I am pretty much expecting our situation to be black or white by the time he leaves: no gray areas. Is that unrealisitic?