Thank You and Merry Christmas.

I woke up quite early this Christmas morning. My wife was still sleeping and I thought it was an opportunity to pray. Immediately I got on my knees, a 'video' began to play deep inside me. It was an exceptional video without so much detail about it as we usually see in movies. I love Nigerian comedy movies and always keen to see  the key actors at the start! There was nothing like that this morning but instead several quick snapshots of  several events in my life since childhood!

The  street I lived on (in the last 'room') as a child!

Mzee Francis owned that street and was so generous to offer us that room!

My High School - at a Leadership school where I was offered a scholarship after
excelling in National Tests

How  have I survived snake bites twice?!

How  lucky I was to get work to provide my personal needs at the University!

OMG!! Two people have been close to me - Johnson (I grew up with him) and Annette (my dear wife who has made adult life meaningful)

My Blessing, My family

Then came this picture of a young man who is a family head. His name is Brian. He would fit to be called Richard if the name was synonymous with 'a child head struggling to raise his siblings'! I have been in his world and I know what it means! He has gone through so much yet very thankful. Follow Their Story.  

Their only mud house recently collapsed and generous friends have committed to construction of permanent home for them. On one of my visits last week I was stunned by this young man! After I did all the measurements for the new house and got ready to drive off, I heard a sweet little voice calling 'uncle'! Uncle has become my other name and so I had to listen attentively. As I did, I saw Brian walk from the back of of their small plantation with his hands at the back. I was scared for seconds until I saw him smiling. He came close and had four avocados in his hands. He told me one was for me, another for my wife and the other two for my two children who often visit them. I pleaded with him to keep them (for  I know how much they would help them) until I saw tears roll out of his eyes! I asked him what had happened and he softly told me he wanted me to take his gifts because this is the only way he can show me that he and his young siblings are happy. It looked a huge burden to say thank you for what I only delivered! I told him some friends who he has never seen donated the house. Amidst silence, I put the avocados in the car and it was such a relief on his face! I was allowed to go but asked to return soon.

Brain and the Avocados 

I thought about Brian's gesture for a short time as I drove back home but I think I was taken up by other things. This morning, a snapshot of my encounter with Brian was fresh but as a challenge. I wondered if I had sent out enough THANK YOUs to God and all friends that have been part of my life (including work)! 

I would like to once again THANK YOU for being friends and ministry partners.  

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2016.