An Unlikely Romance: Love from Another Land

Since I was a teenager, I dreamed of finding a wonderful man to be my husband and my partner for everything. I thought I would be married by 25 and busy enjoying the good life with my love. =

Things didn’t work out that way.

I’m obese, terribly shy, and socially awkward. That combination doesn’t exactly lend itself to easy romance. Plus, I was resolved only to marry someone who shared my religion; I couldn’t imagine forming a deep attachment with someone who didn’t share my deepest values.

By the time I turned 28, I was pretty dejected about my single status. I know singleness had tons of perks, but I was having a hard time seeing those through my fog of single-girl-loneliness.

That was when all craziness broke loose.

A Desperate Move Makes Me Sick

In August of 2019, I met an outgoing young man from Haiti who had moved to the U.S. a few years previously. After we talked for a bit, he told me that he would like to introduce me to his friend. Unbeknownst to me, he had already sent a picture of me to his friend, and his friend expressed interest. I agreed without asking too many questions. I still don’t know what I was thinking. I got the man’s phone number (let’s call him Billy), and I sent him a message on WhatsApp.

That was how I ended up in a long-distance relationship with a man who lives in Haiti. I found him to be delightful in practically every way. He is kind, sweet, intelligent, hardworking, patient, and an active member of my religious faith. To sweeten the deal, I found him to be downright handsome. His smile is infectious, and his laughter could make a boulder smile.

Still, I didn’t appreciate the good thing I had right away. A thousand doubts swirled around in my head. “Is he scamming me? Does he just want a visa to come to the U.S.? Is he really who he says he is? What will my family think?” To make the situation worse, I had some very well-meaning friends go into red alert on my behalf. To say the least, they were displeased. They were concerned about my physical, mental, and spiritual health.

I was in fits. My stomach was in knots, and I could hardly get a bite down without feeling queasy. I barely slept.

I was so caught up in a storm of doubts that I didn’t enjoy those beautiful first days of our relationship.

I Realize the Truth

After about a month and a half of being in contact with Billy, I had a breakthrough moment. I was already convinced that I liked him, and I was convinced of his honesty and good intentions. But the last of my doubts melted away when I went on vacation to visit my parents.

There, away from the drama and stress of everyday life, I had time to think. I had time to talk with old friends and family who offered support and encouragement rather than doubt and worry.

It dawned on me that I was head down hill in love with Billy (I know the standard phrase is head over heels, but trust me — with us, it’s head down hill).

I made arrangements to visit him in Haiti.

Meeting My Love

Just a few months after meeting Billy for the first time, I packed my bags and made the trip to the Pearl of the Caribbean — Haiti. As soon as I stepped off the plane and that tropical air hit my face, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness filled me. Fortunately, I was too exhausted after a sleepless night to be terrified.

After I was admitted into the country, I walked out of the airport down a long, shaded walkway. People lined the walkway, waiting to greet their friends and family members who had just arrived. I scanned the faces around me, searching for Billy. He spotted me first. He called my name, a sharp and joyful cry that cut through the noise around me. My head swiveled in his direction, and there he was.

Our first hug was awkward — beyond awkward. I was busy holding my luggage, self-conscious about how sweaty I was, and dying for a drink of water. But it was a precious hug that is indelibly imprinted on my memory.

He escorted me to a rusty mini-bus that would take us to his hometown. That was the bumpiest car ride of my life. I clung to the narrow bench I was sitting on for dear life as the mini-bus bounced over broken streets, navigated around pedestrians and animals, and carried us away from Port au Prince. All along the way, Billy smiled at me. I smiled back. We talked. We confirmed our love for each other. And I knew, despite how much my rear end ached from the bumpy car ride, that I had made the right choice.

My Time in Haiti

I spent two weeks in Haiti. During that time, Billy and his family treated me like a queen. We ate fish on the beach, held hands while we did volunteer work together, watched movies on my tablet during power outages, and basked in the happy glow of new love.

Less than a week into my trip, he asked me to marry him. I knew the proposal was coming. After all, I had brought the ring! I didn’t hesitate for one second to agree to be his bride. Because he is delightful, kind, caring, and everything. He’s everything.

My Time Away from My Love

I filed for a fiancé visa for him after I got home from Haiti. That was early in 2020. We are still waiting. COVID-19 is still keeping us apart, and sometimes it is torture. But sometimes I’m okay with it because I finally found the love of my life, and he is worth waiting a million years for.