Sometimes, love leads us to make choices that seem wild or unexpected, but those very choices can shape our future in profound ways. In 2017, I made the bold decision to move to Kenya to be with a man I’d only spent a handful of days with. Despite the overwhelming doubts I had about compromising my independence, I was certain that the connection we shared was worth the leap. Here’s why I followed my heart, and how it ultimately reshaped my life.
A Chance Encounter That Sparked Something More
In October 2017, while living in Guatemala and working for an agriculture nonprofit, I attended the Forbes 30 Under 30 summit in Boston. It was there that I met Daniel, the CEO of a social enterprise in Kenya. We had an instant connection, exchanging ideas about international development and life experiences. I was intrigued by his adventurous spirit, intellect, and the fact that he spoke seven languages. Our conversations quickly became a regular part of my days, but I never imagined how much they would alter the course of my life.
A Growing Connection Across Continents
After months of daily messages and long video calls, Daniel and I began to wonder what a future together might look like. Despite the distance—he was in Kenya, and I was in Guatemala—our bond deepened. But as much as I felt drawn to him, doubts crept in. What could come of a relationship built on words and brief visits? Yet, despite my uncertainties, my feelings for him only grew stronger. The idea of meeting in person started to feel inevitable.
The First Meeting: More Than Just a Fantasy
In early 2018, Daniel came to Hong Kong while I was traveling through Asia. We spent 24 hours together, exploring the city and talking for hours. His visit confirmed what I had suspected: our connection was real, not just an idealized fantasy. We kissed on a brick wall in the streets of Mongkok, shared stories, and enjoyed the ease of being together in person. But when he left, the pain of separation was just as strong as the joy of being together. How could we keep this going when we lived so far apart?
Long-Distance Love, Real and Tangible
Despite the distance, our relationship didn’t falter. Daniel started meeting me in various locations around Asia and beyond—Hanoi, Vietnam; Boston; southern Laos. Each visit, though brief, brought us closer, and each time he left, I felt the weight of the separation. But it became clear: this wasn’t just a casual fling. Our relationship was growing, and it was time to confront the reality of our future.
The Dilemma: Pursuing Career vs. Love
Moving to Kenya to be with Daniel felt like a huge leap. I had always prided myself on my independence and my career-driven mindset. The idea of moving halfway around the world for a relationship seemed to go against everything I had stood for. But as I spent more time with Daniel, I realized that our connection was unique. He challenged me intellectually and inspired me in ways I had never experienced before. The question wasn’t whether I could move to Kenya—it was whether I could let go of my fears and take a chance on something that felt right.
A Life-Altering Proposal
In Vietnam, during a visit to the island of Phu Quoc, Daniel handed me a birthday gift: a book filled with words for emotions in different languages. It was a thoughtful and intimate gesture, showing how well he understood me. But what followed was even more surprising. He revealed a Photoshopped plane ticket to Nairobi with my name on it. “Come visit,” he said with a smile. It was a bold invitation, but one that made me realize I was ready to take the plunge.
Making the Decision to Move
As I sat outside the airport in Vietnam, I reflected on the unlikely chain of events that had brought Daniel and me together—how we’d met in Boston, how our paths had crossed despite living on opposite sides of the world. The improbability of it all felt almost like fate. I knew that this wasn’t a decision I could make lightly, but in my heart, I felt it was the right one. “OK,” I said to myself, smiling at the absurdity and beauty of it all. “I’ll move to Kenya.”
Finding Balance Between Love and Independence
Moving to Nairobi didn’t mean abandoning my dreams or career. In fact, it opened new doors for me. While I initially worried about compromising my autonomy, I found that a strong partnership doesn’t mean losing yourself. Daniel’s intellectual curiosity and drive inspired me to pursue new goals, and being with him made me a more confident, grounded version of myself. Despite the initial fear, I found a fulfilling career as a journalist, something I had never imagined before.
Conclusion: The Power of Taking Risks in Love
Looking back on the decision to move to Kenya, I realize that sometimes love requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. It’s not about giving up who you are but about embracing the potential for growth and adventure. Daniel and I have built a life together, one that continues to challenge and inspire me every day. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. In the end, true love doesn’t just complement your life—it enhances it.
This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.