Before Sunset

It is 16 (sixteen) years since I got my first poem published in Tribute magazine. I somehow felt like I outgrew writing, I had found other channels to express myself, preaching is one of them. But since 2012 Surprise Segaloe has been encouraging me to write and publish, he has already published his second collection. This year Thabang by starting his letter-poetry Facebook page which I contributed to (poem: in the shade) re-ignited that desire to publish in me. This came after I felt a deep urge that I need to publish soon before my parents are taken from our site, they are both in their 80's. Starting today I am working on this collection which is inevitably dedicated to them. They gave me life, they gave me hope, they gave me direction, they did all they could to make the best out of me. Some things I may never understand, some I may ask myself, but I am truly grateful they have been this type of parents to me. I grew up with my maternal grand parents and I cherish their memories very dearly. Each day when I got from primary school, I found my grandma waiting for me under the mulberry tree which became synonymous with our home in Seshego, zone 2. She was the first person I saw when I started to understand anything about my surroundings, since she left, life was never the same, it seemed like the glitter was taken out of life, it seemed like there was an eclipse on life. The day Mama told us she is no more, is the last time I remember Mpho in his right mind, being his energetic self, since then nothing was the same again. Papa had come to fetch the three of us, Pakie being the third from our schools, only to find that Koko left a vacuum that was never to be replaced. She never left us empty, we were told her last words were, "le botxe bana Modimo a be le bona" that is enough to keep us going. She believed in prayer, I was too young to understand some of the things about her, all I knew, she gave us all her time and love, what else can one ask for in this busy world. I could have dedicated precious book to her, or to Oupa, who left when I was seven years, but I learnt that the very decision that we be there was taken by my parents believing it is for our good. For every decision they took, for every effort they made, said and unsaid, I wish to honour both my parents, it is very humbling that God graced them with long life. Long life to see this published. I am very grateful.

It is never in vain

For some reason, I find it difficult to be appreciated or to receive a "thank you", guess that is what happens when giving becomes part of you but in reality, each one of us needs to be appreciated at some point, we need to acknowledged and recognized, it is human to feel good that you make a difference although that should be handled cautiously lest pride sets in.

Since the beginning of this year, January 2014, I offered to assist one of my sons, Thabo Radzuma, at the Crossroads boys' shelter. This is the shelter that played a big role in his life, to learn more about him, please read his autobiography, "the broken egg and the big dream". This is the shelter where you find boys from all over the country and continent that will make you wonder what happened to humanity, the Cushites in particular, that we can do these to our own. As mentioned, I had been going there religiously every Monday, except on days where I could not because of other activities, mainly church related but I tried as much as I could to be there.

As usual I would tell friends and those that Lord brought that time about what I do, so it came naturally to share with Thabang, a Missionary with Capro who had been serving in Cape Town now in Pretoria before he proceeds to Botswana. He shared with the boys last week and he was sharing again this Monday, he has been quite an inspiration in many ways, he has an extra ability to listen and is very compassionate. Incidentally Monday is the day that Mmamajoro came, a long time friend from student days, our journeys have re-converged in a miraculous way, only the Lord could be credited with this, we are eagerly watching the Lord unfold His plan for our lives. Thabang brought along Queen who is also a Missionary with Capro, preparing to be married later this year and relocate to Botswana. I have known Queen for almost a year now but for some reason, have not invited her to Crossroads as yet. She has always been a Blessing to have around, with her glowing face and smile each one always feels welcome around her. No pain or anxiety is too hard for her. They came in a bit later than expected due to miscommunication concerning time and I had to go fetch them with Mmamajoro in her car, I left mine at the garage en route to the shelter, that helped us to catch up with Mmamajoro, there always seems to be so much to catch up on. Oblivious of what Queen and Thabang were caring when we picked them up we picked my car on the way, then followed each other to the shelter. What a glorious evening we had, Thabo and the boys had prepared a bonfire, this time we met around the fire, Hlogie (known as Promise), as usual rendered a few beautiful songs. At Beth-El we were visited by Lucy, also from Capro, preparing to go for training in Botswana, there is a lot of activity in Botswana lately and we really thank God for that. She was such a blessing to have. We thought we would refresh her only to find that she was the one to refresh us, I took two days' leave just to be with her and it was worth every second. We (Joel known as Calabash and Tshepho known with many names, Thum-Thum and Hinozela among others) together with Lucy went to attend the funeral of Fabulous who has been helping taking care of the assets at church (AFM Westview Family Fellowship). Joel did not go to work due to strike and Tshepho took time off, he always seems to be able to get time off anytime anyhow. So that is how we managed to have time with Lucy, in two days we were so refreshed by her, we forever thank God for His servants that He from time to time send to our humble home, they always fill us with Joy, Peace and laughter. It is thus not surprising that He has mandated us to search for a bigger place because He is extending the courts. 

Back to the service at Crossroads. We had this wonderful time around the fire. Besides the boys, there was also David, who has been a caretaker there before. Queen sang after Lucy, that is after Hlogie had sang. Then Mmamajoro said some encouraging words, before David exhorted the boys to take every word spoken to them seriously. Then Thabang shared with the boys in a very encouraging manner, although like last week he did not open the Bible, he shared from the heart and we were all encouraged. Joel and Hlolo came along as well, Tshepho was working late we picked him on the way to Agape house in Villieria. Now the greatest surprise came when we were on the way to Agape house when Queen presented the gifts she successfully managed to conceal in Mmamajoro's car, the card and the flower. I did not know how to receive them, I was dumbfounded, I did not know how to say thank you. To seal it all up, Thabang sent many flowers through whatsapp. My heart was so full of thanksgiving, not only for the flowers or the gifts, but that finally one is making a difference somewhere. There are things that we do by Faith believing that is what God wants us to do, but somehow there is wandering whether it is necessary or is making any difference at all. Somehow this gesture gave me that confirmation, that it is never in vain. We should never do things in order to be seen or applauded by the world but rather do things that will change the world and make it a better place. One day at a time, one person at time, love that one person, talk to that one person, give  hope to that one, that is all it takes. Thanks Queenie, not sure you will ever get to read this, but from the bottom of my heart, thanks Capro Pretoria, the Lord is definitely at work, let us not loose hope. Thanks for being part of us. We love you dearly, may the Lord prosper you all.