Love Everlasting

by Jesse Kopp '11, '12
Published Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012

 

Bernard Londoni ’09 has been making miracles happen ever since he was a child.  Bernard first escaped the Democratic Republic of the Congo and met his girlfriend, Brigitte, in a refugee camp in Burundi. Bernard then decided to use his refugee status to study in the United States.  He landed a full scholarship here at Lynn University.  Londoni made the best of his time here, serving as Student Government Association (SGA) President. He studied international relations and graduated with Honors, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.   

 

The heart-moving story here is the love that has lasted throughout the years and across the continents.  Bernard returned to Burundi over the past two years to reunite with his girlfriend Brigitte.  He successfully applied for her to come join him in the United States on a fiancée visa.  They held a marriage ceremony as soon as she arrived in the United States and both hope to have a larger wedding celebration someday.

 

Today is Valentine’s Day and a love story like this just melts the heart.  Their love lasted over many miles and months, surviving overwhelming challenges and obstacles. Now they are finally together.  What a wonderful and inspiring Valentine’s Day miracle.