"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

Yes!

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the remote African village that had been working tirelessly for the past few months. The air was filled with the sounds of children laughing and playing nearby. I began to calm myself from the inside out.

Archie and I had formed a deep bond during our time in this land. We shared the triumphs and tribulations of our missionary work, leaning on each other for support through the most challenging moments. We had become not only partners in spreading the gospel but also close friends.

I walked away without giving Archie an answer. I needed to catch my breath. I was feeling both scared and insecure. I hadn't shared my mastectomy journey with Archie or anyone else other than Martha on this entire trip. The loss of my breasts was devastating especially since it's a loss that I haven't yet come to terms with.

As the evening approached, Archie found me sitting on a wooden bench under the cover of a giant baobab tree. At this point, I am still in my own head reminding myself that I am a widow. A widow who had lost her previous husband only two years before. A breastless woman with insecurities about my body and my ability to fully be comfortable in my own skin. I've built a protective wall around my heart. and my chest. I'd been afraid to love again, fearing the pain that might come with it.

Unbeknownst to me, Archie had been wrestling with his own feelings about the loss of his wife. Archie told me how he admired my strength, kindness, and unwavering faith. Over time, his feelings had deepened into something more profound, a love that he couldn't ignore and he was willing to accept all that may come with it.

As the African sky turned a brilliant shade of orange and pink, I mustered up the courage to speak, my voice tinged with nervousness, "I want to talk to you about something important."

I turned to him, with tears in my eyes. "What is it, Archie replies?"

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "I have a secret that I can't keep to myself any longer." I turned to face him fully, my attention fully focused on him. "I've come to realize that I love you, I confessed. I love you for your strength, your faith, your unwavering dedication to our mission, and, most importantly, for the incredible person you are."

"I understand if you need time to think about this," Archie stated, his eyes searching mine. "But I had to tell you how I feel." Said Archie.

I felt a mix of emotions. Just as I was about to respond, the families began to gather around the tree, curious about the unfolding scene.

As Archie reached into his pocket and produced the ring once again, he got down on one knee before Afra, " he said, his voice trembling with emotion, "I love you!" Pastor Mike and Josse' watched in anticipation, their eyes reflecting the hope and love in the air.

Afra looked down at Archie, in that moment, as the sky blazed with color and my heart raced, I knew one thing with absolute certainty: I loved Archie, and couldn't bear the thought of losing him.

"I know! I know! Archie exclaimed. But, what did he know? I simply reply: What, what do you know? Martha wanted to know how truly dedicated I was before she and James would give me their blessing to court you. I asked her not to mention it to you as I wanted to let our love progress naturally.

With tears in our eyes and a smile on my face, I whispered, "Yes, Archie. Yes, I will marry you."

Our friends erupted in joyous celebration as Pastor Mike prayed over us, Archie and I embraced beneath the baobab tree, our hearts full of love and hope for the future, ready to face the challenges of missionary work and our new life together as husband and wife.

Little did I know, everyone was preparing for our wedding; The Next Day!