Julius and Martha (Style Me)

In January we had the privilege of traveling to Uganda to visit some of our dear friends that live there.

Traveling is one of my favorite things in the world, every six months or so I get travel hangry. Meaning, I get grouchy unless I step foot inside an airplane.

Going to different places, and meeting new people is such a wonderful thing. It’s even more special when I get to photograph those people, and capture a little of their story.

It was such an honor to meet Julius and Martha, and to hear their story. They are such incredible people.

Julius is a worship leader and a pastor, and Martha owns a bridal boutique downtown. I did not have to chance to visit her shop, but I am determined to go there the next time I’m in Uganda.

Their love story is probably the most darling one I’ve ever heard in my entire life. It’s like a real life fairy tale, with a bit of a Cinderella twist. (Who doesn’t love a modern Cinderella?)

Also hearing people’s Love Stories is actually my favorite thing in the whole wide world.

Julius and Martha’s was no different.

They met at a Bible Study. (That’s a pretty good start, right?)

As they studied the word together, they became better and better friends.

Julius was a popular worship leader, admired by all the Christian ladies. Many asked the question, who will Julius marry? All the girls dreamed of it being them. Everybody knew that whoever it was would be popular, and known by the community around her.

Martha was a beautiful soul. One that was rarely noticed, only those that took the time to get to know her knew what a gem she was. She was a beauty for sure, but the quiet kind, not the obvious. She was also an outsider, she had moved away from her family, to the little town of Masaka.

As Julius and Martha spent time together, Martha grew to really admire Julius. She was frustrated with herself, because she didn’t want to be like every other girl, but she couldn’t shake her feelings for him. She kept herself safe by assuming he didn’t like her.

And Julius?

Well, he was one of those independent types. You know the kind that desperately need a women to calm them down, but don’t know it.

But he couldn’t help but think about Martha all. the. time.

Still, he pushed his feelings for her aside, and continued on his life,

Until one day…

Martha left town to be with her family in Kampala. It was no big deal at first, but the longer she was gone, the more Julius’ heart ached to see her again.

Finally Julius was convicted, he was in love with Martha!

Finally, finally after many months, Martha decided to come back.

On her bus ride home, she called Julius to tell him. Julius was Ecstatic! Martha was coming home! He would proclaim his love to her tonight!

“Are you hungry?” He asked.

Martha indeed was very hungry. “Yes!” She told him.

“Ok,” Julius said, and hung up.

Martha was a little confused, but she assumed he was going to bring her food at her house.

At her apartment, she waited and waited for him to come, but he didn’t. It was getting late, and Martha was getting hungrier and hungrier by the minute.

Julius, on the other hand was waiting for her at his house. He had quickly prepared a delicious Ugandan meal for her, and assumed she understood to come there.

Finally at about nine, Martha called him.

Upon realized his mistake, Julius quickly gathered up his things, and his food, grabbed his bike and headed out the door.

Nothing would stop him from seeing Martha.

He pedaled across town as fast as he possibly could, when he arrived at her apartment, the took the bike and carried up all the flights of stairs. He showed up at her door dripping sweat and breathing hard.

Martha wasn’t sure if she was more excited to see Julius or the food. (A girl’s gotta eat you know!)

They had a wonderful evening catching up and reconnecting.

Thus was the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

It did take Julius a week or so to tell her he actually liked her. (This isn’t a movie you know)

And much to the dismay and horror of all the popular girls, the sweet and beautiful soul won again. Not through manipulation, but by just being who she was. There is so much value in that.

The End.

Ladies, be beautiful and comfortable with who you are. Pursue the Lord with everything you have, and love on those around you. Trust me, this will get you far!

Julius and Martha, thank you, thank you for allowing me to capture a little part of your lives. Thank you for sharing your story with me and for befriending me!

I can’t wait to come visit you again, and Martha, I want to see your shop!

xoxo

-Ash