It’s a warm Saturday evening…I’m walking to the trading center dressed like the day is cold; a scarf and an unusually buggy trouser. All this, in the quest for a few supper “supplies”. With my head lost in so much thought, in my right hand, I had a few paper notes, in the other, coins.Cyclers cycling; recklessly, I must say and drivers beeping horns at me and I, well… not even bothered about the noise.
Just as I approach half way of the journey (to), I come across a fairly old man looking to be in his early eighties, holding a thick stick: I don’t know what it is meant for but it most certainly is not for support. He’s dressed in old tired filthy clothing.
My heart is inclined to greet this fellow but my mind argues and just like that, my lips remain shut with a guilty conscience haunting my soul.
As I walk past him holding my head in the air, trying to push back the guilt from getting to me, he calls, “Muwala” (Luganda for the word girl)…at first, I ignore trying to avoid him thinking he’s mentally disturbed and wants money.
“Muwala,” he calls again this time round, my conscience pricks me hard and I immediately force a smile, turn slightly toward him to reply with my simple ABC Luganda, “Wanji.”(Yes please)
“Mukama mulungi!”(God is good!) he said
Trying to hold back my embarrassment but somehow, the smile turns to a genuine one… I reply, “Enaku zona!”(All the time)
Now,at this moment, I’m searching my mind for a familiar face but none pops up. The conversation still goes on, “Oli bulungi?” (Are you fine?) He asked
“iye, ndi bulungi”(Yes, I am fine)
After a pause of about thirty seconds, he says with a smile that isn’t so wide but spelt out love and its scent fills the atmosphere, “Mukama akuwerere”
My mind goes blank… at this point, I don’t know what to say so I open my mouth and the word comes out feeling so raw, “Neyanziza”(I am grateful)
“Gamba amina,”(say amen) he compelled.
“Amina”
I stand for another twenty seconds waiting on him to continue the conversation but he instead says with a smile, “Weyongere ekubo lyo, nyabo.” (You can continue your journey,miss)
I felt so blessed I had to thank him again before I went on to run my errands.
After a minute of walking ahead, I looked back and the old man was no where to be seen.
Mukama akuwerere ~may the Lord provide for you
What a blessing!
What do you think… was he an angel of the Lord?
Share your thoughts 😊
It’d be lovely to hear from you!
PS;
This is an actual happening
Saturday, 3rd July, 2021
This story first featured on Words That Breathe, a blog that focuses on Inspirational content.
For more, stories like this, visit https://wordsthatbreathe200168394.wordpress.com/2021/07/04/the-beauty-with-strangers/
