The next day being Sunday, we were all busy preparing for church service. Sundays were always special in my family because they allowed us to bond as we focused on our faith. I had already ironed my clothes, as well as my mum's, dad's, and my siblings'. It was my routine, and I found joy in helping my family prepare for such important days. God had been so faithful to us, and I felt it was necessary to put Him first in all I did.
I was the first to get ready for service. My mum was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, and the aroma of the meal filled the house. It was a very popular dish, one that always brought smiles to our faces. While waiting for the food to get ready, we all sat around talking and laughing. My dad, as always, took the opportunity to share some wisdom with us. He spoke about the importance of putting God first in everything we do. He turned to me with a gentle smile and said, "The journey ahead of you is tough, but with God leading the way, you can achieve your dreams and goals."
His words resonated deeply with me. I knew he believed in me, and that gave me the courage to keep pushing forward. A few minutes later, breakfast was ready. We each went to collect our portion, and the room was filled with the sound of happy chatter as we ate. You could hardly tell that we came from a poor background because of the love and happiness that filled our home. Some days, we had little to eat due to the family's financial struggles, but you would never know unless someone told you. The joy we shared was enough to mask our challenges.
After breakfast, we headed to church. The atmosphere at church was always uplifting. The praise and worship session was filled with energy, and the prayers brought a sense of peace to everyone present. The sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows added to the beauty of the small stone church.
It was a special thanksgiving service, and among the choir was Faith, a girl I admired deeply. She was light-skinned, with an angelic voice that could captivate anyone. Faith was known for her ability to lead praise sessions, and she did it with so much passion and grace. As she sang, I couldn't help but admire her even more. Among all my peers, she was the one who believed in me the most. She always told me that one day I would become a professional footballer, and her words gave me hope.
I had always been focused on my dreams, but I couldn't deny the feelings I had for Faith. She was the only girl who had ever made me feel this way. As she led the congregation in dancing and singing during the thanksgiving session, I felt a mix of admiration and gratitude for her presence in my life.
When the service ended, I mustered the courage to walk up to her. I complimented her on how beautifully she had handled the praise session. We had a good conversation, and as always, she had something insightful to say. She reminded me of my passion for football but also encouraged me to consider getting a basic education. She said, "I know you want to be a professional footballer, and I believe in you. But it's important to have an education. It will help you read, write, and defend yourself in life."
Her words struck a chord in me. I couldn't stop thinking about them even after I got home. Education had never been a priority for me because of our financial struggles, but Faith's advice made me realize how important it was.
Later that evening, I shared Faith's advice with my parents. Their reaction was heartbreaking. They looked disappointed in themselves for not being able to fund my education. We had a long and emotional conversation about our situation. Despite the sadness, we came up with a solution: I would attend a local evening lesson. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
I felt a sense of relief and excitement at the thought of going back to learn. I imagined myself being able to read, write, and hold conversations with my peers confidently. However, I knew it wouldn't be easy. The evening lessons would clash with my football training, and I would have to make sacrifices. But I was ready for the challenge.
This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I was determined to balance my passion for football with my pursuit of education. It was a difficult path, but I believed it was the right one. With Faith's encouragement, my parents' support, and God's guidance, I was prepared for the journey ahead.
As the days went by, I began attending the evening lessons. The first few sessions were challenging, but I was eager to learn. The lessons were held in a small classroom with wooden desks and a chalkboard. The teacher was kind and patient, and I found myself slowly regaining the ability to read and write.
Balancing the lessons with football training was tough, but I managed to make it work. My mornings were dedicated to training, and my evenings were spent in the classroom. I often came home exhausted, but the thought of improving myself kept me going.
Faith continued to be a source of inspiration for me. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I remembered her words and the belief she had in me. She would occasionally check on me to see how I was doing, and her encouragement meant the world to me.
My parents also played a significant role in my journey. They made sacrifices to ensure I could attend the lessons, even when it wasn't easy for them. Their love and support reminded me that I wasn't alone in this journey.
Over time, I began to see the results of my hard work. I could read signs, write simple sentences, and even help my younger siblings with their homework. These small victories gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivated me to keep pushing forward.
Looking back, I realized how much my life had changed since that Sunday morning. What started as a simple conversation with Faith had turned into a life-changing decision. I had gained not only knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose.
The journey ahead was still long, but I was no longer afraid. With God by my side, the love of my family, and the encouragement of a special friend, I knew I could overcome any obstacle. My dreams of becoming a professional footballer were still alive, but now they were accompanied by a newfound appreciation for education and personal growth.
That Sunday taught me a valuable lesson: no matter how tough life gets, there is always a way forward if you have faith, determination, and the support of those who believe in you. It was the beginning of a brighter future, and I was ready to embrace it.