It’s 1AM. You are at the airport braving the chilly Nairobi weather waiting for your pen pal to touch down.

This all started with a simple inbox on Facebook saying “Hi, I think you are cool and I kinda like your smile.” You didn’t expect much of it. The online feminist battalion had convinced you no one meets anyone online anymore and only fuckboys slide into strangers’ inboxes.

You were actually shocked she replied and with a little bit of sauce. The next three months were you basically breaking down the half-truths and myths of what Africa is and is not.

One day, she comments on your photo with a lot more personal touch than before. You start chatting and flirting. Skype calls became your thing. Out of the blue she says she is coming to Kenya. She wants to see you and be with you because there is something about you and how you talk that gives her too much joy. She has this huge crush on you and wants to see where it leads.

You are shocked, stammer a little but manage a weak okay. The next few months are used up in planning for the activities you will do, the places you will visit, foods you will try out and concerts to attend. The run up to today has been nothing short of amazing.

The plane touches down, you are there roses in your hand and expectation written all over your face. You spot her in her sundress adorning a pretty smile you’ve never seen before. Your heart starts to beat faster, you are lost for words and so is she. The hug, tight and warm says it all. She feels like home, a home that has evaded you on your own continent.