Love's Guiding Light

Based on True Story

It was a journey that started with a dream. A dream of a life devoted to God, a dream of becoming a Catholic nun. My name is Mutheu Alice, but many call me Alicia. I hail from Kitui town, a proud Kamba. My faith as a Catholic Christian has always been my guiding light, shaping my path and filling my heart with purpose.

But there was another dream that nestled quietly within me, waiting to be discovered. A dream of a different kind, one that whispered of healing and bringing joy to others. I longed to become a doctor, to extend my hand to the sick and watch as their faces brightened with hope. The desire burned within me, fueled by a deep-rooted kindness that flowed through my veins.

As the firstborn daughter and the only sister to five brothers, I held a special place in my family. They affectionately called me their second mother, a title I wore proudly. My heart overflowed with love for them, and I nurtured them with care and tenderness. They were my joy, my strength, and my inspiration.

In 2016, shortly after finishing my studies for Form Four, I went to a youth conference that was held in a little church hall. I had no idea at the time that this particular occurrence would herald the beginning of a significant new phase in my life. There, I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Dennis, a young guy whose whole presence exuded warmth and friendliness. Instantly, we were pulled toward one another because of the similarities in our core principles and views.

Love entered my heart like a gentle breeze, bringing with it emotions I had never known before. But it also brought turmoil. How could I reconcile this newfound love with my unwavering desire to become a nun? Conflicted and uncertain, I wavered between the dreams that tugged at my heart.

After some time had passed, in the year 2019, Dennis enlisted in the military, beginning a journey that would put our love to the ultimate test. The obstacles of physical separation and emotional unpredictability came close to destroying our relationship, yet the steadfastness of our love prevailed. We clung to each other and refused to let go, maintaining our connection via loving letters and brief encounters.

As I pursued my medical studies, the realization dawned upon me that healing the sick and bringing joy to their lives aligned with my deepest desires. A revelation unfolded within me, as the dream of becoming a nun slowly faded, replaced by the understanding that my purpose lay in the realm of medicine. Love had reshaped my path, guiding me towards a new calling.

Together, Dennis and I weathered the storms that life hurled at us. Our love grew stronger, fortified by the trials we faced. We became an inspiration to those around us, proof that love can overcome all obstacles and forge a path where none seemed to exist.

As I put on my white coat and got ready to begin my career as a doctor, I gazed around at the many shades of blue that were there. Blue happens to be my absolute favorite color. It was a representation of the breadth of my feelings for Dennis—feelings that had brought me to this point in time. I had a sense of appreciation in my heart and a grin on my face as I realized that love was the one who led me down this road and that I was standing precisely where I was supposed to be.