To the world, I may appear a wanderer
Ever going back and forth, no meaningful
Destination in mind. And like a sheep
I can’t defend or vindicate myself lest I be
Slaughtered by the slander of know-it-alls
So in quietness, I hold my peace, I follow
That is all that’s required of sheep like me.
Watch the Master, follow the Shepherd;
Wherever He leads, we go
Whatever He says, we do
And in His care, we wear contentment.

I love traveling around the world. Majority of the times, it is fun. Some others, it is wearying. One of the memorable trips where I saw the face of God through the kindness of others was when I travelled to Cape Town in South Africa. Before that particular trip, I shared with my boss that I would have liked to spend a day in Johannesburg which was only a transit point for arrival and departure. Any change would have attracted additional charges which after having paid for changes prior to then, I was unwilling to explore. God’s favor followed me every step of that trip.

It was agreed between me and the facility where I was to lodge, that I will be picked up from the Airport and returned there too, at the end of my vacation. I didn’t have to wait. As I exited the arrival wing of the Airport, there was a smiling face I’ve never met, holding out my name. After greeting and introductions, I was supposed to go check in and get some rest but no. I was too itchy to commence my adventures.

With the help of my kind host, who manages the facility, we picked out all the places I wanted to visit, and firmed up logistics accordingly. The gentleman and workers went out of their way to make my stay memorable, and I was able to do all the tours I wanted to. The return trip was however different. I missed my flight because the transit time was too short. It was the same carrier and the flights were as scheduled except that as they claimed, the transit time should be no less than 2 hours. Anything less is illegal and the airline would not bear the cost.

I was therefore charged some outrageous price to change my schedule that day despite the fact that I wasn’t at fault. Nobody was ready to listen or at least consider. Every effort to reach my travel agent so they could sort out the issue failed woefully. I considered all kinds of options including buying a one-way ticket back which was equally ridiculously priced. I didn’t have cash on me, having given away the balance of the money on me but I had enough on my card. Eventually, it was obvious that I would be spending the day in Johannesburg – I remembered the desire I had expressed to my boss prior to the trip.

I was more concerned about the costs associated with getting me home but God said to go have fun in Johannesburg and return to the Airport tomorrow. When I returned the next day, I joined a queue of travelers. The Holy Spirit inspired me to go to a specific counter where an older gentleman was in attendance but it turned out a different counter opened up at my turn. As I made to approach the free counter, the lady in attendance apologized that she needed to take care of something else and directed me toward the older man my heart had earlier been stirred to go to. When I explained the situation to this older gentleman, he shocked me with an unusual kindness I had not noticed with the airline attendants.

He confirmed that it happens but there was no need to worry. He reassured me that they will get me home safely that day. Immediately, he reissued me another ticket on the next flight, confirmed check in time and location, and wished me well. I asked what the cost of the change was and he said, “Don’t worry, it’s obvious from your ticket that it wasn’t your fault. You already lost a day, you don’t have to lose anymore.” Dazed, I stood there, starring, trying to comprehend the miracle that just took place. I recollect mentioning to him how much I was charged the previous day. He asked by who and I said one of the lady attendants. He shook his head in disappointment and told me not to worry, I was free to go.

I refused to walk away. I just moved out of the way so he could attend to others. Nevertheless, I hung around the exit so he couldn’t get out without passing me. He looked my way a couple of times and inquired if everything was okay and I say, “Yes, I’m waiting for you.” He eventually came out of his booth, toward me and I jumped on him and gave him this overwhelming hug. I don’t even remember what his name was but that was the face of an angel, the heart of a saint, sent from above, especially for me. Thereafter, I remembered that I was hungry and went happily in search of food.

I walked into this luscious restaurant and had my pick of food and drink. I got to the counter to pay only to realize that my brand new card won’t cooperate. I had given away almost all the local currency I had. In fact, the Manager of the facility where I lodged had taken some money out of the lot I left for the attendants and said, “You never know, just keep something.” That was all I had and it wasn’t enough to pay for my meal and drink. I had money on the card but it was inaccessible. I had a plate of already served food that could not be returned. I was in trouble so far from home with no known face anywhere around.

The cashier and I were at loss of what to do. A lady walked up to the counter with her own food and drink, while I was talking to the Lord in my heart or was it in my head on how best to deal with the situation. She inquired what the matter was and I explained the situation. She asked the cashier to charge hers and mine to her card and smiled away. For the second time in how many minutes, I was dazed once again. When I recovered, I walked by her table to say thanks once again but she said, “It is nothing, don’t worry.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes, but it was real! I sat quietly and thankfully in a corner, appreciating God who reaches through nations and peoples, to work wonders for those who look up to Him. It could only have been God! I remembered the words that say be careful what you do to others because someone might do it to you. It works both ways, for good and for bad. I cannot count how many times I have done similar things for people, known and unknown, but it was so touching that someone I didn’t know, without my asking, did it graciously for me and walked away like it was nothing. I blessed God who has allowed me to enjoy such adventures, finished my meal and got ready for home.

When things go normal, there is really nothing much we can do or learn. However, it is in those times when things don’t go as expected, and those are the times we hate, yet those are the times that God steps out with faces known or known, and does amazing things that leaves us wondering, “What a God! He indeed is everywhere. He indeed is the Master of the universe!” May this Master of the universe, who rescued me from troubles my agents and my card could not, be there for you, holding your hand, lifting you up with every help that you need, when challenges come your way, amen.

Glory!