I never imagined that sitting on a park bench in Toronto, chatting with my best friend, would one day lead me to the heart of Eswatini. Yet here I am, less than a month away from marrying Chloe Maxwell—the love of my life and my closest friend since our university days. But this story is about so much more than just our relationship; it’s about how that journey led me to Project Canaan and the incredible work being done by Heart for Africa. Let me take you along for the ride.
From Friendship to Family: My Journey with Chloe
Picture this: it’s a cold, wintry night in December of 2015, and I’m a desert-born kid from Dubai, totally unprepared for Canadian winters. A friend invited me over to hang out, and I was freezing because, guess what? I didn’t even own a winter jacket at the time (rookie mistake, right?). That night, I ended up at a house where I met Chloe—someone who would quickly become my best friend.
From that moment, Chloe and I were inseparable. We spent hours talking about life, the world, and everything in between. Some of my favorite memories with Chloe have been just sitting on random park benches in Brock University or Toronto for what felt like forever—lost in conversation. Those conversations would last 5+ hours. Those are the memories that will forever be etched in my heart.
I never thought those chats would lead to where we are today. Back then, we were just two university students navigating life as Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Thank you, Chloe, for adding that term to my vocabulary, lol. Chloe, raised all over the world, and me, from Dubai with Pakistani roots, shared similar experiences and challenges. But here we are now, not only about to get married, but also to become part of something much bigger—something that’s been deeply rooted in Chloe’s life: Heart for Africa.
The Impact of Heart for Africa: Witnessing Change Firsthand
Fast forward to December 2022, and I’m driving through the gates of Project Canaan for the very first time. To be honest, hearing about Project Canaan from Chloe over the years had already given me an idea of how special it was. But nothing—absolutely nothing—compares to actually being there in person.
Visiting the community was something I’ll never forget. Having grown up in Dubai, which is a city of hustle and bustle, a true melting pot of cultures and a place that breeds ambition, but also being Pakistani and knowing the harsh realities of poverty from my family visits to Pakistan, this experience hit home for me. It took me back to when my uncles would show me the streets of Pakistan, where kids lived in dire conditions. It always made me wonder: What if that had been me? My family, generationally, have worked so hard to ensure I had a different life, and seeing Project Canaan felt like coming full circle. The sustainable model of Project Canaan really resonated with me. It’s not just about giving temporary relief; it’s about building a future. The impact goes beyond just feeding the children. It’s about creating jobs, providing education, and rebuilding an entire economy through HOPE. I could see the direct results of this work on the ground, and it left an imprint on me that I’ll carry forever.
A Full Circle Moment: Asking for Chloe’s Hand at Project Canaan
I have to say, my first visit to Project Canaan will always hold a special place in my heart, not only because I got to see the incredible work being done, but also because it was during this visit that I asked Ian and Janine for their blessing to marry Chloe.
Imagine this: standing in a place that Chloe and her family had poured their hearts into, surrounded by the kids whose lives were being changed by Project Canaan, and there I was, on Ian and Janine’s rooftop patio, overlooking the property about to ask for their blessing. It was an unforgettable moment that brought everything full circle. What started as two friends talking on a bench about life had now become something so much more meaningful—connected to this beautiful mission of hope, love, and care.
Heart for Africa and Our Future: A Shared Vision
As Chloe and I step into this new chapter of our lives, we know Heart for Africa will always be a part of it. We’ve been brainstorming ideas about how to bring Heart for Africa’s mission to Dubai—yup, that’s a little sneak peek into our future plans! We want to share the story of Heart for Africa with people in the Middle East, and continue supporting Project Canaan from wherever we are.
Our commitment to Heart for Africa isn’t just a “someday” thing. It’s a now thing. We want to play whatever part we can in the incredible work already being done and help Project Canaan grow even more in the years to come.
Returning Home: Project Canaan as a Place of Belonging
In just a few short weeks, I’ll be returning to Eswatini—not just to visit Project Canaan, but to marry Chloe. To say I’m excited is an understatement. There’s something about Project Canaan that feels like home to me now. I’ve met the kids, I’ve seen the joy on their faces, and I can’t wait to go back and experience it all over again—but this time, with the added joy of celebrating our wedding with the very community that has come to mean so much to me.
What makes this even more special is that we get to share this day with Chloe’s brothers and sisters at Project Canaan. These kids, who have already captured my heart, will be there with us as we start this new chapter. Their love and energy is contagious, and knowing they’ll be part of such a big moment in our lives fills me with so much joy. They are now part of my family, and having them by our side as we celebrate is truly the greatest blessing.
It’s going to be a TCK wedding to remember—Eswatini one day, Dubai the next! And I can’t think of a better way to kick off this new chapter of our lives than by sharing it with the people we love and the children who’ve touched our hearts.
Conclusion: A Life of Purpose, Love, and HOPE
Heart for Africa has found a permanent place in my heart, just like it has in Chloe’s. The love, hope, and care I experienced at Project Canaan is something I want to share with the world. I’m beyond excited for the future, both in terms of my marriage to Chloe and our involvement in Heart for Africa’s mission. This journey has taught me so much about love, purpose, and giving back—and I can’t wait for more opportunities to support this amazing work.
To everyone reading this, thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us. Whether you’ve supported Heart for Africa for years or you’re just hearing about it for the first time, know that the work being done here is changing lives—and I’m honored to be a part of it.
Asad Akhtar, Heart for Africa Volunteer and soon-to-be husband of Chloe Maxwell 🥰