A Friendship That Led All the Way to My Wedding
Kenyan student Lilian tells us about the remarkable bond she shares with host Katherine and how a HOST UK Weekend Stay in Hampshire led to a wedding in Kenya.
‘When I first visited Katherine and Alex’s home through HOST UK in 2013, I never imagined that a simple placement would grow into such a meaningful and lifelong bond,’ Lilian recalls. ‘On 28th June 2025, one of the most touching and unforgettable moments of my wedding was welcoming Katherine, someone I now view as my godmother, to my home in Kenya.
Having her present at my wedding felt like receiving a blessing from someone who has supported me in ways far beyond the expectations of the programme. Katherine travelled all the way from the UK not just as a guest, but as a true part of my story: someone who has encouraged me, guided me, and celebrated with me through some of life’s most important milestones, including attending both my graduations in the UK, (MSc & PhD), and my baptism.
Seeing her embrace our traditions, meet my family, learn our customs, and dance with us filled my heart with joy. She truly enjoyed the local traditions and entertainment, and she blended into our celebrations with such warmth and love that my relatives immediately understood why she means so much to me.’
Because of HOST, I gained not only cultural exchange, but a godmother.
‘After the wedding, she stayed with my family in Kenya: our own Kenyan version of HOST. They travelled together, cooked together, and she experienced everyday Kenyan life with them. It was absolutely incredible to see how naturally she fitted into our world.
It is rare in life to find a friend who becomes family, and rarer still for that friendship to begin with something as simple as a weekend visit. But that is exactly what happened. Because of HOST, I gained not only cultural exchange, but a godmother: someone whose kindness and presence have enriched my life in ways I will always treasure.
Thank you, HOST, for creating a connection that blossomed into a bond strong enough to cross continents and to stand with me on one of the most important days of my life.’
