Brian & Hellen met in Kenya in March of 2006. Hellen was then the Music Director at New City Nairobi, Brian the Missions/Disaster Response Coordinator for New City Chattanooga.
In June 2006 Brian returned to Kenya with a team, and he and Hellen began dating. They quickly realized their interest was long term, and began meeting with her pastor, Joe Muutuki, immediately.
On December 25 - yes Christmas night - Hellen left Kenya for the first time to make the long flight to the US. In January of 2007 Brian travelled the other way (with a team to Ethiopia, but made a slight detour) to ask her parents permission to ask her permission...
February 3, 2007. Brian is lost, driving in circles. Hellen is frustrated, wanting to know where they are going. It's very cold out. Finally he pulls off by a small overlook on Missionary Ridge, leading her to a bench there. On his knees he stutters out some Swahili Bible verses : "Sivema huyo mtu awe peke yake, lakini apataye mke apata kitu chema." Actually he forgets the words and has to look them up - she laughs, thinking what is this guy doing. Finally he gets through it and after a few moments of silence and the repeated question Hellen says yes, Brian, I will marry you!
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