Featured Image Credit: SWNS
Topics: US News, Sex and Relationships
Dominic Smithers
A woman who travelled 9,000 miles to marry a Maasai tribesman 30 years her junior says she 'couldn't be happier'. Check out their story:
Deborah Babu, from California, was on holiday with her daughter back in 2017 when she met Saitoty Babu walking along a beach in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The pair were enjoying a stroll when they bumped into two Maasai, one of whom was Saitoty, 30, selling souvenirs.
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Despite saying no to the items they were flogging, 60-year-old Deborah posed for a photo with them and the pair got chatting.
And as they say, the rest is history; the pair struck up a friendship and kept in touch, with Saitoty even accompanying them to the next destination of their trip.
After she returned to the States, Saitoty asked Deborah for her hand in marriage, and despite initial concerns over the age gap, Deborah's kids encouraged her to go for it if that was what she wanted.
Deborah returned to Tanzania in December that year and Saitoty officially got down on one knee.
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In June 2018, they had a traditional Maasai wedding before making their union legal in July this year.
Deborah now goes by her Maasai name Nashipai and lives with Saitoty and his family in Tanzania.
Speaking about her whirlwind romance, the retired police officer said: "I never expected to find a husband and marry someone so much younger than me but he is the kindest and most caring man.
"When he first brought up marrying me I thought he was crazy.
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"But my children and family said I shouldn’t care about the age gap as I’d been alone long enough and deserved to be happy.
"It’s a very different life here in Tanzania but I’m happy."
However, with it being a fairly surprising turn of events, sadly, Deborah says, some people haven't supported their relationship.
But she blocks their negativity out and says she couldn't be happier.
"Saitoty has been accused of only being with me for a green card which hurts because I know how little his desire is to live in America," she explains.
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"People ask if I adopted him or that I’m his grandma which can make Saitoty upset. We just like to focus on us and our happiness."
And it's safe to say that the feeling is mutual, with Saitoty being on cloud nine.
The cattle farmer said: “First time I saw her I felt like I’d seen an angel. We laughed together and took a photo and she just melted my heart.
“She’s beautiful and kind and she supports me."
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Adding: "Having a wife is a big step for me. I’m proud of our marriage."
Good luck to them both!