I can't believe this day has come. This Saturday is your wedding day and I couldn't be happier for you as you embark on the next stage of your life with the man you love. I reminisce on our journeys during the YALI training and later in Accra. I reminisce all the nights I saw you conversing lately with him in the corridor, all the night we were doing crazy things with the +237 team; all the nights, you with Steph and Melanie, spend in my room to prepare the Mixtape for your dancing performance (Although it never happened 😊).

I know you got caught up in the planning, timing and stress that your wedding day holds. Knowing you, you've probably glanced in the mirror a thousand times, checking your lipstick and all the "nyanga" things you like doing before going out. I hope you know that there's not a thing you could do to look any more beautiful than you do right now. (even without wigs 😊)

However, this friendship we share will inevitably change after this weekend. How could it not? Today you are finally getting married! There are so many things that are running through my mind that I want to tell you before you start this new adventure in your life. But here are a few things I want you to remember.

First, you can always count on me, even though I'm not in Cameroon actually. You are certainly changing your last name but you can't get rid of me that easily ()! By God's Grace, I will be there for you when you find out you are pregnant, and when that sweet little baby is born (I hope it will be a girl 😊 ). I will be there for you during the ups and downs, like I have been during our last movie: "Peruvian's Race against the Clock". I do not know what is ahead for you, but I do know that whenever possible, I will be there to cheer or cry with you!

I am so sad for not been able to witness this special day. I was sad as I couldn't see you exchanging your vows… But thanks to Stephany, our special reporter, I have been able to live watch your body and radiant face dancing at the rhythm of the music with your Husband. I saw a whirlwind of pictures, flowers, emotions, and most importantly, JOY. But…don't get lost in the craziness of the day; remember to enjoy and appreciate these moments that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Although I wasn't physically in attendance, I was spiritually part of your day and always will be. But before you walk down that aisle, I want you to know one thing—even though you're wrapped up in this wonderful man's love, and will be for an eternity, I want you not to forget your first husband: JESUS. He married you since you were still a child and even loved you even before you were born. So keep on walking with HIM. He knows you better than anyone and as He is not jealous, HE will never deceive you but rather help you to keep your marriage stronger. This is what He says to you :

• "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5)

For being who you are, you deserve every drop of happiness and the best in this world and I believe you have found it in Mr. *Bijotat . I hope he fills your days with unbelievable happiness. Marriage won't be easy, but I know with the Grace of the Lord, you will work through all the difficulties. You are a strong woman but you need to develop your resiliency and planning skills (based on our short experience here in Ghana 😊). God made you extra special and made your husband especially for you, a man who I know is worthy thanks to *Garba (Mr. Spoke Man 😊)

Carelle, I know Bijotat will become your best friend. I hope he adores every part of you, bad breath an all. And I hope he listens to you without judgement or interruption. Remember that a perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other. Learn from other people, but don't feel the need to compare your life or your marriage to anyone else's. God's plan for your life is masterfully unique.

Everyone you love is celebrating with you as you embark on your greatest adventure yet. We are all so proud of you. I'm proud of you, happy for you, and also jealous of you (😊). And I hope this day is everything you imagined.

To Mr. Bijotat, your husband

Dear Bijotat, you have won the diamond medal, the heart of my friend Carelle, now Mrs. Bijotat. You have won over my heart, and the hearts of all her friends (Yalians and Obosso Team) and family. We give her away to you, knowing that today you have married one of the most wonderful women in the entire world. May you cherish her, the way we all have. May you overcome any challenge, your future faces not with your own strength but with the strength of GOD. I don't need to tell you everything wonderful about her, because I know you already know all these things. The last time, you came to visit her in Accra, I saw the way you looked at her, and I saw the way she smiled, looking back to you. I knew on that day you were the one. Even travelling to Ghana was already demonstrating that you were in love, the real kind of love. She has finally found her prince charming. You've found the place your soul calls HOME. As the Bible says:

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her" (Proverbs 31:10).

I wish you both nothing but joy and happiness and days filled with the presence of GOD. I hope you continue to grow to know each other and learn to work together to find a solution to the many obstacles that life will throw your way. I look forward to the next milestones we encounter.

May the Lord be With You!

Your friend, Ngnaoussi Elongué

* Name have been changed to preserve their identity.