I told myself, if I can go to Koma Hills, I should be able to make it to the destination the driver in my dream was referring to (Chronicles of Ma Funmi, series 5).
As early as 5:30am I was on the bus going to Jos,Plateau State. My imagination was everywhere for I didn’t know what to expect at this unknown destination but I knew that the journey was all I needed to start the next phase of my life. At around 6:00am, we set out on the journey to Jos, plateau state, Nigeria.
We stopped at Bauchi State to eat and stretch our legs and for the very first time in my life, I set my eyes on the Alumanjiri. They were looking so dirty, hungry and tattered.
I couldn’t take my eyes off them as I see them rushing for leftovers from the plates of the customers at the local eatery we visited.
While leaving the location, I gave them the roasted meat I was eating not out of passion but irritation for I couldn’t swallow anything again after setting my eyes on them.
I remember saying a short prayer “Father Lord, hope these are not the kids you were talking about in my dream? Because I don’t have the energy for this.”
Little did I know that our path will still cross. I got to Jos stranded but got settled with Winners Corpers Lodge.
I set out first thing the following morning and got to Yola in the evening. Then I realised why all northerners are dark in complexion. The temperature was 28.0 degree centigrade, very hot.
I put a call through to Pastor Kay and realised two men were waiting for me at the terminals. We set out for Koma Hills that evening and got into the community well after 8:00pm.
The road wasn’t motorable with little settlements on the way to the hills. One I can’t forget is a settlement call Caroline (sounds like that) I saw children playing and I can’t but think about what the future holds for them and how far they are to civilization.
Finally we got to Koma Hills and the kids came in their numbers shouting “NEW MA,NEW MA!!!” At first I was scared so I asked one of the men that brought me what the kids were saying and he said the kids are happy to see me, their new teacher. He further explained to me that “all their male teachers are refers to as Sirs and their female teachers as Mas.” That night, I became Ma Funmi!
Let’s meet here next week as I will be sharing my unique experience at the hills with you. Till then, keep moving, don’t stop. The journey might not make sense now but at the end looking back, you will surely smile.
Your Friend,
Ma Funmi