Distance did not stop Cydnee and Lumuli from falling in love. This is their #LOVEINTHEBOI story

How did you two meet?

We met in Kenya in 1999 - we were just friends after my 7 week stay in Kenya and he was one of the students who joined us with the program I was with. We wrote snail mail for over three years and then he wrote me and said “Even though you’re the furthest, you’re the closest to my heart”. I mean - how in the world can a girl say no to that? We talked for the first time on the phone over three years after we’d first met.

Describe Your First Date

First date? Well - that’s a bit difficult since we’d only spent time together on three separate occasions. But the first time I saw him after the initial trip to Kenya, I went to see him in England while he was working with students - while there, we walked to castles, met his friends and host family, toured London, read books, got to know each other - for 2 weeks! We planned for the next 3 week visit six months later in England again, and that’s when we got engaged!

What advice do you have for those looking for love in Boise?

Don’t get stuck on the nuances and habits and ideologies of the person you’re dating. All of that stuff changes. Pay attention to the character - that usually stays the same and will show itself early on in the relationship.

Where is your favorite place to go (or thing to do) together as a couple?

We are homebodies. We feel blessed to live in a beautiful home with a comfortable bed and a hot tub right outside our bedroom. Give us some wine and Netflix and we’re good to go.

Thank you Cydnee and Lumuli for sharing your #LoveInTheBOI story with me. You can follow Cyndee at @ashkiphoto.