Voice of an African Nation

BY JABBES MVULA - Two SUV's and a van were parked outside the gate waiting to take me and my family to the airport where I was to board the aircraft that would take me to the United States of America. The time was about 14:00 hours Zambian time on 02 January 2005 and my flight was at about 16:00 hours. There was one SUV belonging to Dr. Edgar Ngoma that I was to ride in together with my brothers. Then there was another SUV belonging to another very very dear friend of mine Paradious Sakala that was to carry my sisters, and then there was a courtesy bus belonging to The Kraal Resort owned by Dr. Ngoma, that was to carry my Mother and all her grandchildren. We call our mum the QUEEN. My friends, Dr. Ngoma and Paradious gave me a VIP escort to the airport.

We all gathered in the house as a family so that I could say my farewell words to my family and for Mum to give me her blessings. Gladys our last born led the family into singing some gospel songs. She and Monica, both my sisters are members in a choir. Judith my daughter is a Director of a children's choir. After the singing, Mum and my younger brother David led the family into prayers. They both prayed for my blessings, then after the prayers, Mum and David gave me their blessings on behalf of the family. This is what they said; "You leave your family behind, but remember to pray, and God will give you a family whereever you go. Respect everyone and live like a coward coz a coward runs away from trouble and lives a long life. Be careful with girls because Samson in the Bible was betrayed by a woman he loved - Delilah." And we took off for the airport in a convoy.

Since I came to the United States, I have had friends who have treated me like their own brother. I will mention my country folks like Samuel Sakala, Peter Mubanga, Mzenje Banda, Frackson Sakala who took good care of me when I just arrived. Let me also mention American people like Capt Lynn Bray who treated me like his own son when I worked under his department at MCC College Safety. I will always be grateful to this man. I worked with very good guys, and a great boss, Steve Corich, he stood by me when one Instructor called me a "jacka*s" for citing his car when he had parked on a fire lane. Steve Corich wrote a very strong letter in support of me until the instructor came to apologize. Among the juniors, I will single out Tyrone Rollins and LeeAnn Tinney, they greatly encouraged me when I was still burning with my dream to make a movie. Everytime we talked about my film ideas, and they always encouraged me. My pockets were always stuffed with pieces of paper where I used to write my ideas as I went along with my daily duties. I would never forget Veronica Padilla who gave me her camcoder to use on one of my school productions. Everyone supported me.

Later on I came to meet friends like Richard Watson who have been following this film project each and every step, going out of their way to support me in any way. Richard even got me a couple of the Mesa Triburne Newspaper for me to send back home to my family.

Saturday 27th May, Cyndi held a party at her home. Before the party, I had three calls, from Cyndi, Mike and Jeniece, all of them just making sure that I had transport to and from the party. Wednesday 31st June was one of those terrible days when I received bad news and I was devastated. When I called Cyndi, she was in a meeting, but just from the tone of my voice, she immediately came over home to talk to me. We talked and went out for a drive. A problem shared is a problem halved. She has never been a Mum to me like she was this time. By the time I talked to my Mum on the phone today, my heart was already at peace. I remembered the words Queen gave me, "God will give you a family." Today I was reading a letter from Margaret in Chippewa Falls, I felt so humbled with the love she just extended to me.

After talking to my Mum all the way from Zambia, I started re-collecting all these, and I realized that God has given me a family bigger and stronger than the family I left at home. THANK YOU THANK YOU AND THANK YOU GUYS.