POSTAL CARD

POSTAL CARD
WELCOME TO EUROPE

LIST OF CHAPTERS

CHAPTER ONE: the departure.
CHAPTER TWO: The arrival.
CHAPTER TREE: The job.
CHAPTER FOUR: The toys division.
CHAPTER FIVE: The meeting with the priest.
CHAPTER SIX: The parcels.
CHAPTER SEVEN: The distribution.
CHAPTER EIGHT: Celebration.
CHAPTER NINE: Postal Card.
CHAPTER TEN: Traditional food.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Long days.
CHAPTER TWELVE: Samba's cure.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Resurrection.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Who killed Samba?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Samba's burial.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Life without a brakes
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: The cultures clashes
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: The reunion.

NOTE: NOT IMPORTANT
Names to be used as surnames, places and all the missing name�s: Kanana, Tobiyala, Mayanga, Mamedu, Mungu, Nyembo, Nyamena, Omba, Oscar, Bongani, Zozo, Punyaka, Tico Tico, Dinha, Phiri, Qaxaso, Qumbosa, Juma, Ilungile,
Other: Ren�, Gilbert, Fabien, Jumeau, Jacques, Jude, Luc, Daniel, Jeremie, Bienvenue, Esther, Mary.
Names in Europe: Benoit, Laurant, Samuel, Jean Claude, Claudine and Bernadette and Augustine( women), Pierre, Pontier, Jean Marie, Jacque Paul, Samson, Henry, Philemon.

CHAPTER ONE: THE DEPARTURE
NOTE TCHA TCHA CAN BE WRITE TOO AS TSHA TSHA
Independence, Tcha Tcha (Tsha Tsha)
what a beautiful day.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
Here we are.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
We are free now.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
around the world.
from north to south, Tcha Tcha
no more slavery.
From west to east, Tcha Tcha
let celebrate.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
no more war
woman and men, Tcha Tcha
beautiful day.
America, Africa, Tcha Tcha
no more cry.
Europe, Asia, Tcha Tcha
no more inequality.
black and white, Tcha Tcha
we are together as one
Asian, Indian, Tcha Tcha
Uhuru(freedom) has arrived.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
no more apartheid.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
no more discriminations
Independence, Tcha Tcha
justice for everybody
Independence, Tcha Tcha
different colours one people.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
the coming of Uhuru.
Independence, Tcha Tcha
beautiful day.

It was the most popular anthem of that a new era. As the songs was sing all the corner of the country. They long waited day has arrived.

It was just when the Congo got independence from Belgium and many African's countries got they independence, because of the need in the country to have more educated people to take responsibility of affairs and fill the vacuum left by the colonists that many young people got bursary to go and study in Europe.
Shabani was one of them. Shabani�s mother was against the departure of his son to Europe, fearing the revenge of European�some whom where chased leaving behind all the belonging and country their have chosen as their adoptive land. As a woman in Africa she didn�t have power over her husband to stop the departure of her son Shabani. Shabani's fianc�e was also against his departure because she felt without the presence of Shabani her relationship with Shabani's mother could worsen. Shabani refused to take mother�s friend daughter that was chosen by Shabani�s mother as fianc�e. People of the community were against some were concern about his safety. But Shabani's father was for his departure, it was him and locals priests who pushed Shabani to accept and take this opportunity. Shabani�s father was one of the fewer parents who had completed 4 years of school in the community and was well respected in the all community. Shabani Zoao after completed secondary school was chosen with other 3 others students from different communities in Africa to go in Europe to complete their tertiary school. Shabani was the first man to have a matrix certificate in the village Kilambe. Those tree students were from different neighbouring village in the same district of Banza about 200 miles away from the capital city.
Londi, the community leader approached Samba's Shabani father their sat at the back of Shabani father's traditional house in a temperature of more than 38 degree. Most of the houses were built with the Thatcher and bricks. The community leader in his late sixties wearing a traditional hat told Samba Shabani's father: "Samba, we have been all concern about your decision to let Shabani go to Europe. I know that he is your son."

Shabani was son Samba, he is also son of the community and Londi's son according to their tradition. Don�t forget that he was a friend Londi's children. They grew him up and Londi saw them developing and some how they all contributed in his life.

Samba lighted the local cigar, cough and answered to the concern man: "I respect your concern but I will never stop my son from further studies."
Samba remembered when priest were recruiting people for school his parents were against him going to school. Today they come with their letters, pictures and magazines asking for the explanation. If Samba had an opportunity like my son I could further my studies. He studied the highest school level in that school of 4 years only.
In this community were more than 90 % were illiterate. Shabani was lucky to study 12 years in a period when Africa had few schools. Many villages had no schools. They had to walk miles to attend schools. Thank that in the district of Banza the Catholic Church built many school and the priests were managing the rural schools.
The old man shaken by Samba answer stood up moved his chair toward Samba: "I understand what you are saying. Knowing to read and write it is what is important, what do you want more?"
The unchangeable man answered: "I want my son to be clever enough�who knows he may be able to makes also airplane?"
"I tell you that Whites will never show, reveal secret to your to your son."

Londi believed that Europeans have to the Magic stuff of European that belong only to them even a simple mechanism to make bicycle or razor are kept to them self. Magic stuff was the interpretation of the new technology. For them for example airplane was still view as the flying way of the European using human blood to operate. Human who dies from accident...
Londi told his country man: "Stop dreaming my brother"
Samba the semi literate man had another idea: "I still believe that white people are not so bad as you think."

He reminded his country man that before the arrival of white people we use to wear animals skins and trees leaves for him it was bad way to protect the body from weather and private part while many African do not see any bad doing in wearing in the traditional way. Few people still loves the old ancestor�s traditional style of wearing clothes.

Londi was scared that the chassed colonists still have fresh memories of leaving our country: beaten, insulted, humiliated�
When the country got the independence many people wanted to revenge the people who brought civilization in the land. For many they even misunderstood the independence. For many, independence was taking away all the things that belonged to the Europeans. It was a misery for many colonists has the lost in matter of days all the effort they invested over many years.
Many colonists were forced to leave the land and the post overnight. And Londi like many people feared that the European will revenge for the humiliation and things they lost in the land they loved. Very few European were left in the country. Some of the colonist who were still on the continents were priests.

Shabani's father was quiet educated and know what is going on in the world better than many friend: "They were just a minority of European in this land. The majority of Europeans never wanted to live their comfortable life to come and struggle in African with mosquitoes, unfamiliar whether, with uncivilized people"
"Which minority are you talking about. They were many Europeans in our land. They are very few in their and most of them were here."
Samba shook his head: "I have been in touch with priests I have seen in the film, there are many even more whites people in the world than Africans. I saw very a big market with many white people as bees."
The Europeans were just a minority on the continents. In some area like in the district of Banza the Europeans didn't even make the 0,01 % of the population. In some big town they only made about the 1% of the total population. But they had the best position in the land. It was a big disappointment for many African who thought that after the independence they will all have the best job. Just to realize that nothing changed. Only very few African and a small percentage of the African did get those opportunities. For the majority of the population nothing changed.
Many trouble was coming just after the independence, come new challenges the tribal conflict and the birth of the new dictators. The one who had the opportunity to have a better post will hire people from his clans and his best friend regardless they qualification. The new generals, officers and dignitaries some of them couldn't even read properly.
They had also very few choices as many people were not educated yet too. The majority of people who celebrated the independence�s day were disappointed and many were regretting the departure of many colonists. Only thousand people benefited from the independence while millions didn't benefit.

Londi and many villagers believed and had the impression that at school white are giving some stuff to blind you the student because they were not thinking the traditional way anymore. To let forget the reason. It why our ancestors told us that if you want to be stupid goes to school.

Samba was still determined to let his son to further his studies. They were few under construction universities on the continent. They only way to further the studies was to go overseas: "Look, I will never change your mind. I have been visiting with the priest for a long time. I don�t believe that that the will to lie me"

In that period all the priests were whites and very few African were studying and few of them graduated already. Samba was a very dedicated Catholic Church follower and one of his son was in seminary studying to become one of few African priest. The old man warned him: "Man they will decapitate and fry Shabani and eat him with bread and soup." He blamed Samba for supporting his son's departure to Europe. "How can you be able to know what will happen to your son and also they don�t eat Pap as us. I always see them eating bread and soup. Tell me how a black man may live on soup and bread? This is an insult to our ancestors."
Pap was the most eaten food eats in African cooked with maize and Cassava mill. Samba disagreed: "He will get use to them as a human: Blacks and White are all human. We use to have some cannibal tribe in Africa". This practice was one of the most difficult to eradicate for the colonist. It only by continually preaching and the reinforcement of the law that few cannibal tribes that existed in the land had give up those practices. "but in Europe there are no cannibal there."

"Man" Londi warned Samba "if a White hears you talking like this: white and black are equal and both human. Man, they will put for life in jail and even killed"

They believed that in Europe they jail people who don�t speak properly English or people who don't speak properly French, Spanish and Portuguese. They believed that it was an insult to compare the two races and they viewed white were superior to African because the colonization were white and brought the new technology in Africa. But very few African were aware that all the races were the equal.
Samba was one of the few people who had access to the information in a village where Television were not existent only few people had radio.

The all country was relying on the national radio station broadcasting from the capital of the country Kinshasa 200 miles away:
"I have been visiting priests for more than 20 years" Samba said "I have seen many priests coming and going don�t tell me about facts that don�t exist."

Londi, the old leader of the community who never go to church didn't have trust in Samba: "You are protecting your friends Priest who always gives you some clothes and salt."

The priest used to give many villagers clothes and other gift. They surnamed the church as a place where to get goods in the villager. The villager conservative refused to be part of the church even thought the priests used to give them gifts.
"We will never find a final conclusion." Samba said "You have your opinion that I respect try also to respect mine."
The man warned him: "I agree with you, we will never get a final conclusion .As I said Shabani is your son and son of the community to. If something bad happen to your son you and your local priests will be punished severely. I will take community as my witness."

The night before the departure of Shabani. The father called a family meeting some where even from far as 100 km who came to say good bye and wish him good luck. Every body wanted to talk to him, Shabani didn�t have enough time to chart to his fianc�e Payo. The mother kept telling the daughter in law that she hated: "Shabani will get married to a white woman you will see and I will be having colored grand children. They will send us a walking house (walking house mean car) and a bicycle. I will be going to the farm riding my bicycle."

It was part of the culture to come and wish and bless the man who is leaving. It was an event that every body from an extended family members has to be there. Especially Shabani was traveling to a country of White. Many people didn't know where was Europe, some believed that it was next to heaven because people used airplanes.

The ceremony taking place outside Samba's main house. Where lived his first wife.
It was a luxury to have a bicycle that time in Africa.
As time was going very quiet they decide to call every body to the family meeting around a fire set in the middle night. Everybody had to talk and gives his wishes.
Thando, the elder of the family who was 90 years old, most of them didn�t know exactly his age. He was trembling speaking shaking all his body: "Shabani my great grand son we are all happy to be part of your blessing. In the name of our God and ancestor, I want to wish you all the best. may God bless you may in everything you touch turn success. You are the proud of all the family. May the name Shabani Zoao name of our great lieutenant be fruit of success."
He took some water slowly with his shaking hand drank and gave the same glass to Shabani and the rest of water to Shabani to drink. Then come the turn of Tamaya one of Shabani's uncle to bless the student: "Shabani blood Zoao of ancestors that flow in the family vein be the best among the best. May God and ancestors protect you in this long journey. I crash all bad spirit who may come on your way. Zoao blood of this family be blessed in your journey. You must return and join the ancestor in the land of birth (die).

After the pray he asked the student not to forget them. For Tamaya he wanted the best that you find in the land of white and he promised to bless him more. He demanded too some clothes that he will find in that land. He wanted to see his family's members wearing clothes like priests. It is very difficult to have clothes here that place. He confessed to have only 2 pants that he got 6 years back when his daughter was married.

Clothes were still a luxury in many African villages in the sixties. The priests were one of the people wearing nice clothes. They didn't care about labels of clothes but care only of a any clothes to wear. They didn't care much about shoes.
Bicycle was one of the biggest fortunes in the land. It helps them to travel and collect their farming products. A man having a bicycle was viewed to be very rich.

Some few curious neignbours where watching the family ceremony at midnight outside Samba's first wife house.
Another member of the family took the opportunity to bless him and asked what they expect from Samba: "Shabani, you have made us proud. May God and ancestors bless you in all your work. Never turn to be a stranger to your family remembers us in all you will be doing. Don�t forget to send us some clothes as your uncle said, the family blood is in your vein .We have one common blood. Don�t forget the community who has contributed to your success. We plead you to keep respecting everybody as respect is the foundation of our culture. We will daily miss you, don�t forget I am asking you a small radio like the one priests have."
The priests were like the most envied people in this community.
The mother was not allowed to talk as other women too. The entire night was full of blessing by different members of the community and family's members. Everybody was asking for clothes and bicycles. In Africa the neighbours and people from the extended family include friends were all part of the family.

The father took a turn; he was the last one to talk in public. Samba advised his son in public for his better understanding: "My son, I had a chance to go to school for few years I could have studied further if I had the opportunity. My son I beg you not to forget our culture. Don�t take someone else wife, don�t even touch someone else thing, money and wife are the devil of this World don�t forget your family that you are leaving behind. Work hard don�t let the bad habit to take you. Remember to pray every day of your life, don�t forget the church morning service and specially the Sunday service. I have been fighting with your mother, fianc�e and people in the community to convince them that going to White country was best for you and family not forgetting your community. I beg you not to let your personal desire take control of you"
The morning, every body wakes up early. The father conducted the praying session where some of the elders of the family didn�t attend because they did not believe in Jesus Christ they were still link 100% to they ancestors. Neighbors come also to say good bye, it was one of the sad moment when every women were crying. The father looked his son couldn�t hold back the tears for while to avoid further stress he went to wept in the bathroom, He comes back pretending to be in control. Many didn�t know if they may see each other again. The fianc�e lost appetite the day before couldn�t hold her tears also. She was worried how she be living with her mother in law as the one who calmed them was leaving, and didn't know when to see him again.
Bernard the priest arrived with the car to fetch him:
The mother approaches her son and said her wish in secret: "Get married to a white woman."
She gave him a parcel of local food to eat in the plane and not forgetting the local food Pap (food cooked with maize powder).
Everybody looked desperately the car leaving.

The young man who was leaving Kilambe arrived in the capital city Kinshasa and didn't have a chance to visit that capital central city. The priest who was driving him takes him straight to the airport.
He had a chance to see from the car window the building left by colonist in Kinshasa. He saw only the city in the pictures from the magazines and geographical book. He visited Kinshasa twelve times he had many relatives but all of them were living in the poor suburbs of the city called townships. It was the first time to see the modern side of the city. A big city home to about 3 millions peoples.

Shabani saw from far the airplanes parked in the airplanes. He was amazed to see many planes. He was the first man from his family to travel from his family. A big accomplishment for the man who went to school. For sometime he felt happy that the sacrifice has paid of.

After 3 hours of formalities at the airport he entered the waiting room accompany by Father Bernard the priest helping him to travel. It wasn't easy to travel by airplane that time. He had to pass about 12 barriers were they were controlling him, checking him. He had to show many papers: identity, vaccine's card more than 6 vaccines card include Polio. Then he had to show shi schools reports of all those years, he had to show his baptism card, and photocopy his parent document.
He was feeling already tired, he had very few hours of sleep. When he wanted to catch the sleep in the morning father Bernard hooted for him to rush into his car.
Bernard the priest helped him a lot in the formalities and he was the one who helped him to get a scholarship too. They were 4 students from the villages close to Kilambe to fly for Europe but he didn't have a time to see his tree colleagues. They were also accompanied by their guardian and the priests.
Just after the independence of Congo many Belgians flew back to Europe, the few European left were the priest and missionaries and few businessmen.

Shabani when heard that his plane was ready. He took a small bag he had of about 10 kilos. He didn't bring clothes because he knew that he will get more clothes in Europe. He had his document and food given by his mother.
Shabani rushed into the plane as in the local buses and went to sit in the front seat. After less than 5 minutes a tall, strong and giant man come claimed the seat. Without any hesitation he left the chair and went to sit to another seat. After the big man come now a rude lady come to claim the seat: "Man?" He said "Are you mad? What are you doing on my seat?"
Shabani couldn�t understand what was going on. Coincidence all the two people who claimed their seat where as most the passengers in that plane. He said to himself: "All those white passengers are racist and don't want me in this plane? I was the first to find those seats but they want me to travel standing up for the 9 hours flight. They don�t want me to sit."

He said that things have changed now they were all equal, they were independent now. For him they were definitely bad peoples, they don�t want to admit that things have changed. He decided and said to himself: "Any way why must we discuss and get in trouble because of seat? Like in the bus when there is no seat available we seat on the floors. I will seat on the floor, any way we will all reach our destination sitting on floor or on the seat."
He said that if he takes another seat another man will claim it.
Every body were looking at him like a stranger and were scared to approach him, they didn�t know why he decided to sit on the floor. His future colleagues who come little bit late were at the back seats. Lucky for him a co-pilot on his way met a man standing with his bag in the plane's corridor.
The co-pilot asked him: "Can I help you young man?"
"I am tired" He complained "every seat I take peoples are coming to claim them. In buses we seat on empty seat that we find. It doesn�t matter if you leave your seat and go to the toilet and someone else can take the seat�You don�t have to reclaim it again sir but here it turn that I don�t deserve to have a seat"
The co-pilot couldn't get what the man was trying to explain for the example of local buses: "Man we cannot allow you traveling standing with your bag in the corridor. It never happen in ours planes even in others companies �Can I see your ticket? Even in the bus traveling long distance there are seat numbers."
Shabani gave him his plane ticked and the co-pilot look at the ticked and told him: "My friend they didn�t forget a seat for you. You are number 54 go and seat there next to that young lady"
The man saw his seat number:
"Oh!" he was pleased at last "I thought the were no seat number thank you for your help"

He took his small bag and went to sit next to the young and lovely lady. He didn�t need a bag of clothes because clothes were imported from Europe where he was going. And he give all his clothes to his brothers and friends. He had only many books and important documents only in that bag.
The young lady greeted him but he didn�t response�he started analyses again: "Here she starting now if I talk to her another man will come here and claim that I am talking to his wife. And they may even beat me up. I haven�t reach my destination"
The poor lady was very disappointed and in fact she was interested in Shabani and wished to chart with him. She was wondering what was going on.
When the hostess warned to put the security belt on: "Mes dames et messieurs attachez vos ceintures." (Lady and gentlemen put on your securities belts)
Shabani started making his pant's belt tight. The lady next to him did again another move helping him to put on the security belt. This time he thank her and they started talking eventually Shabani apologized for the early incident.
When he saw the hostess passing with plates�He opened his bag and pull out a red plastic bag with the local food. The local food called Fubwa, with cooked and spiced smoked fish. It had a very strong smell and unusual smell for the others passengers. He thought it was eating time. The man who was in front of him went to complain to the plane personals of strange smell. He even gave to the lovely lady some food. The hostess come and took away the food. The lady next to her explained to him that is was not allowed to bring home food as the airplane personals will definitely bring enough food for all.
As when the reached the North African part of the continent in the desert. They airplane did a sudden brusque movement in the air holes. He look at the plane's roof and couldn�t keep his calm as he thought that the plane was going down he cried and screamed in is native languages. Sending panic wave in the plane�Many people started praying in different positions. A Muslim behind him quick lied down on his small carpet praying for what he taught could be his last split second of his life.
He end up even vomiting �The lady next to her lost the cool for a while before holding him. Scandal, as hostess comes to the rescue this time even his colleagues who were far away were so unhappy.
One of neighbour asked him: "Man are you O.K, What is happening to?"
One of the plane waitresses come too: "Are you crazy?" He complained "You are the only one who keeps doing the strange things, if only I knew I couldn�t allow you to travel in our company�s plane"
Another passenger added: "He is the only one to come with rotten food into the airplane, the only one to sit in the corridors now He is sending alert's wave when we are safely traveling"
Another African passenger comes from the back to shut at Zoao: "You could have stayed in you country, instead of acting like a man from the planet Mars"
One of his colleagues Kalamu who were sitting at the back come also to shut at him: "Brother! My brother!" He screamed "what are you doing? You are making us really fools. Not only we but also how race and country? How they may respect us with this kinds of behavior?'
Then few minutes later, he started vomiting. The allergic for the first time airplane traveler. The European next door even helped him with hostess to clean the mess while many passengers were fed up with him.

No one wanted to even talk to him no more for the deadly wave of panic he send until their reach their destination.
The young lady gave him her address and contact number and he gave him the school address too.

CHAPTER TWO: THE ARRIVAL

It was winter in Brussels Europe when the four students: Kalamu, Matonge, Limete and Shabani arrived�They didn�t have cold clothes they temperature had dropped to minus 5 degree. Every time they were speaking some wave of cold air were coming out of their mouths like smoking. One of the lady who worked at the airport felt pity she called the Red Cross agents to come and help the before the arrival of their care taker. They had a big problem coming from a tropical hot country straight in full winter in Europe. One of the student even said that he was even more than ready to return back home. But the others said that it was too early to take such us decision while others challenges are ahead of them.
The Red Cross personnel went in a military depot and took some clothes used in the Second World War two. Those clothes were big as the red didn�t have their size. The clothes were very big only walking. They started walking like if they were pushing their legs.
They had the impression that they were smoking each time they were breathing in the cold whether they never experienced. They couldn�t feel they hand before they were given the world two oversize clothes and boot and glove.
Bruce the caretaker arrived when the Red Cross agent finished to dress belt were holding the pants. The gloves were far bigger to their hands, the jackets were just out of this world and the boots were not only big but also very heavy that changed their way of them.
When they arrived to the new home. Shabani decided to have a shower before he goes to sleep. When entering the shower he finds two tabs. Hot and cold he decides because of the weather to open the hot tab without mixing. He was seriously burnt by hot water the caretaker had to come to his rescue and shown him how to mix cold water and cold water.
The next day at school rumor started circulating of the arrival of new student from Africa.
In those days blacks were very rare in Europe many of young people never had a chance to see or meet blacks. They only see blacks in pictures, movies�They started talking about African in one of they breaks: "I had that we will be receiving new students from Africa they are blacks."
"How do the blacks look like?"
"I heard that they are human as we are the big difference is their skin is black in color. They have red blood like us."
Another man disagreed because when he was young he heard many stories about what could be have been black: "I heard that they are cousin to monkeys their live with animals, wear animal skin and plants leaves"
"They must have tails that they are hiding" the other students suspected.
"I think they are dirty I can imagine if you don�t have a bath for many years your skin will eventually turn black."
This student had a clear clue: "My parents who were in Africa said they were the same as us but they are not so developed us we are."
"I met by accident in a bus a black man who was sitting in the front seat he was lovely" the woman student said.
"I heard that they don�t eat the same food as us."

Many people were wondering and were anxious to meet the new heroes from Africa. Just when they were about to join their classes room the head master announced that their new colleagues have arrived and may come the following days. He beg them to bring some gifts to welcome their news friends. He explains them that they are not different to them.

Bruce was in charge of looking after the newcomer. He was single and his early thirties. He has been working as caretaker for the past seven years. He used to look after 5 Chinese students who has graduate and left the house. The house was big with two living rooms, 5 bedrooms and other facilities. He was living in that house two. He was employed by the Belgians government to look after the foreigner students. It was him who looks for colleges for the students and at the same time was their guardian. The students were sharing two rooms, two students per room.
He was assignment to feed and drive the students to schools.
Bruce the caretaker cooked a special meal for the newcomer: soup with babies� chickens. He noticed that they didn�t eat with appetite instead they eat lot bread and decide next time not to come up with the same formula.

Bruce the man who was in charge of looking after the African's students in Europe called them in the dinning rooms. They were sitting on the 8 sit dinning room tables. The dinning room had two big cupboard with plates, cup and glasses into eat. At the wall was the picture of the Belgian king Bauduin and the Congolese independence leader Lumumba.
He called them to give them some instructions: "I welcome you it is a pleasure to interact with you�with time you get used to me and I will know you better."

He wanted to tell you that they Africans students were already one week late. The school has already opened. To catch up they will have to join the school tomorrow morning. Bruce had a small bag with him, he opened and gave them each a watch. The watch was a luxury in Africa. They have studied how to read the watch at school but no one had a chance to have one. He told them while the students were struggle to wear the watches: "I am giving all of you watches �Please try your best to wake up early and by 6h00 o�clock get ready�By 7h00 I will drop you to your school".

Around 5h00 of a student Kalamu wakes up he looked outside it was dark he went back to sleep.
Around 5h20 another student Matonge wakes up looked outside it was still dark he says that probably the watch was wrong.
Around 6h00 Shabani wakes up. It was still very dark outside, he says to himself that his not a good idea to wake up others students because outside still dark�
In fact the watches were right it is just they haven�t experience this winter phenomenon were in winter the night is long than days as in the central Africa they don�t really experience winter. The caretaker comes around five to seven find them sleeping: " I don�t understand how can you be late for your first day at school. How can you sleep until 7h00�I gave you watches and insisted that the classes are staring at 8h00�What time are you going to be ready�I am the one who will be blamed"
"No" Said the talkative Shabani, "I thought that my watch was wrong because it was still very dark outside."
The angry Bruce couldn't believe what the new students have just done for their first school day in Europe said: "How all watches may be wrong the same time?"
The student apologized "Excuse us�I am asking for forgiveness"
To avoid a bad reputation the caretaker refuse to send them at school looked an excuse to give.
At school everybody was anxious they looked the time going without seeing the new colleagues. Disaster as the student kept asking the head master when are they new colleagues coming? He kept telling them that they are arriving soon.
Disaster, as many were holding gifts, flowers and cakes.
Around 11 hours the head master decided to phone the caretaker. The caretaker apologized on behalf of African students that one of the students was sick and they decided to come the next day together. Everybody at school was so disappointed they thought that may be the head master is playing with their emotions.

This time the caretaker decided to cook big chickens as meal.
He noticed that the Africans students eat with appetite. He even asked them why they eat with appetite eating even the bones?
The talkative Shabani responded immediately: "In Africa we eat chicken bones the other part of the chicken like meat we give to dogs and animals"

The next day the caretaker made sure for no further disaster, he went to wakes them up at around 6h00. He was amazed to see them ready and were waiting for him. He accepts this time yesterday apology. When they arrived at school they find people coming with gift and flowers except cakes as some of the students were not convince of their arrival.

The African students were not much impress with the college building a two floor white building with old style model while most of the big school were build with a new style. It look like the ordinary university in Africa. They were sadness by the cold weather of the continent from the street to their college they had the impression that people were like mourning, all wearing big jackets and gloves with something on their head to protect them from the cold weather.
Immediately Samson the head master took them in his office. The head master office was full of big book and notes every where. Bruce was sitting while the others students were standing watching him. Shabani loved his bears. He had a moustache. Shabani loved moustache but didn't have a lot bear yet to make that kind of moustache. "I don�t know how to explain my feeling to receive you. Samson said "You made a story to be the first students from Africa I have student from every continent: Asia, America as far as Australia�But yesterday I kept telling your colleagues here as the return of Jesus: coming soon and very soon but haven't arrived since then. I understand that you are born again I apologize I know that Jesus will come one day I meant we have been waiting for you for a long time. I will talk to you later. Your colleagues are waiting for you outside. I will call you to give you books and other necessary things for classes"

After Samson the head master has finished to talk no one was able to respond or comment. Bruce refused to talk for his students. Then the talkative Shabani took courage commented briefly: "It is a like dream coming true and we don�t want to wake up. We really wanted to come in this Continent, to experience life here and taking the opportunity to study to be able to bring back the knowledge to build our communities and our lovely Country."

Some of the students couldn�t hide they joy but few were very reserved. They give them seats in the classroom. Shabani new neighbor was a young boy who may be 5 years younger than Shabani but the most curious and very active. He stared wondering in is head: "Here is the opportunity to know a black man�Yesterday many were wondering that black are duty�they are whites covered with dust�some said they are human as we are�but someone said they are monkeys cousin they may have tails that there are hiding�If I asked him he may get upset"

Many confusing theories were flowing in the young man mind�As it was warm in the classroom with the heater Shabani and compatriots didn�t wore the jacket and gloves to allow them to be more comfortable in writing. When the talkative Shabani was busy listen to the teacher�s speech The young man gently rubbed Shabani's hand he didn�t notice any dust�he couldn�t believe as he tried for the second time but no dust at all�he kept thinking how to satisfy his curious: "But there is no dust at all�but they look 100% humans but why an human can be so dark�? If they were dirty they could be stinking but I don�t smell any strange smell? What is this phenomenon�?"

As many ideas were coming he had one of the African students asking for toilet direction. It was not Shabani this time but his compatriot. They young man followed the African student to the toilet. Carefully he looked at the toilet key�s hole but he could see properly but didn�t see the tail.

With time passing so fast they become very popular in the new community and schools they interacted so fast finding new friends. They met a big challenge, to get extract money to meet their need. You know in Africa families are big, many are from polygamy family with brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, half sisters, half brothers, uncles, Aunts, fianc�es, cousins and parents� to look after. Every body back home where expected something from them as clothes and many things where still luxury. They find themselves pressurized to find a way of making extract money in the weekend and holidays.
The caretaker who was impressed by those African students due they African respect and discipline become their best friends. Everything that he was telling them they were doing. They never complained of anything they learned to live with what they had. They were always early to school, they always listen to school's instructions and rules. They took school work very seriously. The caretaker advised them to find a job that may suit the studies schedules.

CHAPTER THREE : JOBS

Back home in Kilambe Shabani fianc�e Payo had more trouble than ever with her mother. Remember that Shabani didn�t took the fianc�e that her mother gave him, she was daughter to her mother�s best friend. This really was a big insult to her and African custom. Even Shabani was still back home they had many fights. It is Shabani who used to come down the two parties. Everything that Shabani fianc�e was doing was bad. Shabani�s mother never eats food cooked by Shabani�s fianc�e. Now that Shabani was away the troubles become worst. She couldn�t go back to her home, doing that was against the African custom. She supposed to live with her future�s husband family until the wedding and join her husband. It is also a way of looking after her to avoid misconduct and temptation of cheating.

No one couldn�t take her side even Shabani's sisters took their mother side. Who really could rescue the poor girl? Shabani father had a very busy schedule: going to the farm, church activities, teaching some elders to write and read also teaching French, Apart those activities they were many traditional festivities, funerals, burials and marriages to attend. He is the only one who could come down the fire as the chief supreme of the family. Shabani's brothers were here and there busy: going to schools and playing soccer that was becoming very popular. In they freed time they also help the father in the farm. They were not much aware of the dispute but they knew that their mother didn�t like their sister in law.
In those days the were no need for woman to go to school as they were only waiting for marriage, life for woman was to go sometime to farm, domestic work but the big achievement was to get married. Some could even go to marriage at 13 years old. A man also had to get married quickly, Shabani who was 19 years was in a big pressure to get married, they gave him many women before by her mother and members of the family that he rejected. I thing that he took her current fianc�e because of the family's pressure. Shabani's father was some kind of semi civilized didn�t pressure at all his son. I believe the reason behind Shabani getting a fianc�e it is because they started calling him: dead. Dead mean impotent in the community. Impotent is the biggest insults that exist in the continent. For African a man is the one who have kids, the more kids you have they richer you are considerate. Many men ended up to having many wives and children.
They also said that if you die very young you die forever because you don�t have a progenitor.

Back to Europe. The caretaker find a job for one student, he was so disappointed because he wanted all four to work the same time at the same place because they become as a family. Going together in the same school, living together in the same house, eating together the same food. A brusque sudden separation could be hard to cop with but still it was not a full time separation still they lived together, study together. It is only in the weekend that one may have to go and be away for 8 hours for two days.
The caretaker took the opportunity to tell them the new in their supper time:
- Dear friends I have a good news and bad news the same time.
He noticed that they were not exited at all and asks: "Why I am telling you good news and bad news you are not exited?"

The students were worry about the sad new when Bruce talked about good and bad news, they didn�t care about good news but they were worried about bad news, they all have left big families at home. Bad news may the lost of one of the family's member?

Kalamu asked Bruce: "Who has died?"
Bruce apologized after Kalamu remark: "I am sorry about talking about bad news let put this way it is not definitely death. I say I am sorry for touching an emotional subject without knowing."

He explained that he meant bad that he may call temporary bad news. He wished to have a job for every body but I just a job for one. He didn�t know whom to give the job all depend on their own student�s choice. He told the students to discuss and see if they have to take it or leave it. If they want to take it, they must agree together who will take it.

Bruce advice was to take it. It is difficult to have a job those days, especially a part time job. One of student may take it, once they find a job for 4 people the one who will take this job may leave it and join the others. He insisted: "It is much easier to find a full time job than part time job that suit your school time table."
Kalamu suggested: "No, let this chance pass by."
Matonge the elder student immediately contradicted his colleagues: "You must be really and totally mad; the caretaker who has spent time to look for us a job is stupid? It is the way we African must thank him?"

Matonge told Kalamu that Bruce the caretaker who lives in this city for a long time and many years told them that it is very difficult to have job, especially part time job. Matonge and others students have left big families at home�more than 100 people as you know in the African culture cousins and sons of friends of uncles, neighbors�all are member part of the family. If they let this chance passing by and when they will get a job for 3 people they must let pass by too. He insisted: "You must apologize to the caretaker"
Kalamu who was against admitted his mistake and apologized to the caretaker.
Bruce was deeply touched by the extreme humility of the Africans students. They were not shy to apologize or thank him for his good doing. Something he hasn't experience a lot in Europe where many people don't like to admit that they are wrong. Everybody wanted to be right in Europe.
Another student Limete said: "Caretaker" he nodded "I apologize on behalf of my brother, thank you for the sacrifice you made for us. You made a lot of sacrifice for us, I understood my colleague for seeing let leave this opportunity."

It was because of his love for all of them that Kalamu refused to see one of them work while others are still jobless. They become stick together as glue and he is difficult to let go one of them go. They were a now big family include Bruce. Bruce is the fifth members, one like one part of the body if one of us is sick or not here we feel something is missing. Limete insisted that they will take this offer.
The caretaker said: "I am not angry" he explained "I understand more than you the situation, it is why I said good and bad news. I didn�t know that you will be upset about bad news. Let really talk about serious stuff."

It amazing to see the most Shabani the talkative man in their group not talking today, Bruce emphasize that may be he will talk later. The students told him early how they all have big families back home. He advised the students: "You all have more than hundred people to look after, but I may tell you to start looking at the closest members in your families and your closest friends to be your priority it is impossible to help an all village even the king here is not able to do that." He was astonished to see how the students care about all the people they knew and met in life. "You have to set priority in life" It was impossible truly speaking to look after almost the entire village as students only: relatives, neighbours, teachers, ex drop out school colleagues and many more. He advised them. �Even the richest man on earth has they priorities. They don't assist everybody"

If the king was unable to help everybody what about the Africans? They were only simple student. Now the matter was who will take that job? He suggested that the old one and the one who is married and have fianc�e. Bruce thought that the one who have fianc�e and kids will be the priority because he need more money than all of student.

Limete immediately suggested: "Let give to Shabani."
Kalamu responded and disagreed: "Why Shabani, every thing Shabani. Shabani he is not the older one in the group?"
Limete tried to justify his answer:

He said Shabani, because he is from a poor family. The elder in their group Matonge group need also money but he is married with one kid but he is the son of a big dignitary in his of the village and in their country. Matonge said that he knows that his family need clothes too but Shabani's family need more. His fathers still a poor farmer who teaches the elder to read and write too at the church as a volunteer. Limete himself self, his mother and his father are all teachers at least they have an income.
Kalamu the student who disagree have a white blood in your vein even thought he looks black. He reminded Kalamu not to forget that his grand father is from Portugal and he have many uncles who are business men.
Matonge the elder in the student group said: "I am so touch: Yes let give to Shabani he need more money than we."

Amount all the student, one was still not convinced that Shabani qualified to have a job: "I am against of giving the job to Shabani."

Kalamu said all the students need money, he insisted that Shabani fianc�e is only pregnant but he was 23 years old had two kids with different women even though he wasn't married, he said that he need money than Shabani. He said not to mention about businessmen uncles because they don�t look after him.
His grand father have left them since many years, they don�t even know where he is. The only thing that reminds them of him is the only curly hair they have in their family.

Matonge the elder who was 24 years old and was the caretaker choice to have a job refused to take the offer wanted Shabani to have the job and Limete 21 years old supported Shabani for the job. Only the coloured Kalamu 23 years old was decided to have the job.

Bruce laughed when Kalamu finished to talk and told him: "If your uncles didn�t look after you why to look after them" He explained "It is a good reason to subtract them in your caring list that means you are automatically disqualified for this job. Out of you hundred people in your family eighty are already subtracted: your strange uncles and their children."
Bruce who was learning the African's culture said that they other 3 students have uncles who contributed in their studies and life and it is also a condition for them to help them and help their children.
Limete backed the caretaker: "But what the matter with you? we two admit that Shabani is the man that need more money than us. Please be understandable is family is poor and her fianc�e is pregnant."

Kalamu was unhappy responded: "Shabani must not be the king here because of pregnancy of is fianc�e. Any way who told him to make the woman pregnant while not married"

Matonge the elder responded gain, while Shabani was quiet watching them: "I see that you still not satisfy now I am talking as a big brother to all of you. We are African and respect is our culture."
Matonge was called also Matonga. His real name was Matonge but on his identity book they did a mistake in writing his name as Matonga. So he used both names.
Matonge decided to give the job to Shabani like it or not. He made understand his colleagues understand how can you ask why Shabani slept with the lady without being married?
First in their with Shabani case, Shabani's mother doesn�t like Shabani�s wife the only way to change her mind is to make the woman pregnant may be her mother may change her mind.
Secondly it was for their cultural reasons, in some of family they want to test first the woman's fertility if she may bear children before accepting her into the family.
Ironically the man who started this Shabani's problem forgot himself that he has 2 children may be more in the village without even taking their mothers as fianc�es.
Matonge reminded him: "You take advantage with your little light complexion and curly hairs to makes women pregnant in the community. Remember you may ended up like your grand father leaving children all over the World."

The final decision was taken Shabani Zoao got the first job.

The following weekend the caretaker took the Shabani Zoao to the job. Daniel, the manager thought that the student was white as blacks were very rare in Europe that time. He called a side the caretaker while Shabani was still admiring the big supermarket. He saw many trucks parked with goods. He saw many employees coming in and out of the shop. It was his first time to see a super market. The only place he saw many employees in his country was the factories: "I thought the student was like all the students, European�you know business is business work is work. I have to keep a good record."

Daniel, the manager fear that many customers never met a black in this generation how they may react. To avoid many troubles for his sake, keep customers satisfied and sell flowing in the super market, he said: "I think my friend go and bring us the usual students."

Bruce the caretaker even forgot that he was living with people of different race. He didn't see any difference with the African. It why he never even mentioned about race in the first place. "Listen try to understand me, I took the student who need the most money than others."

Bruce tried to relate a small story on Shabani biography. He said that he having 2 months Europe, he is from a very poor country leaving behind his poor family that needs his support, his future wife his pregnant. Bruce begged to hire him and see if the sells goes down to not hesitate to fire him or contact Bruce if you cannot tell Shabani face to face. Bruce insisted: "I promised you he is a hard worker. I have 4 students all from Africa and only one of them his coloured, Kalamu."

Daniel knew that African are hard worker, he had the story how the African from America Island build the railway train in England and also worker in the physical construction site in Europe. "Yes I know that naturally Africans are hard workers from the reports I heard from Africa. Let try something different"
"Thank you for the understanding" Bruce said.
Just before the caretaker leave the supermarket, the manager also who never meet a black man before asked the caretaker. Before he asked this question he touched his hairs, touched his noise hesitated but decided to ask him: "Tell me I am curious. Do black people wash? What do they eat?"
"They are like us" Bruce explained "The wash and eat the same food we eat but they have their traditional food in Africa if they eat it we can it. Consider them like Chinese and Indian with a different culture to European."

Bruce boosted Shabani CV before leaving, he told the manager that he was impressed with they disciplines and they respect they give to every body. They are following his instructions. He repeated that he has other tree African in his hostel. They wake up early as 5h 00 instead of 6h00; they are very clean with all their belonging. They help him with everything and the garden too.

"Where and how you met them?" Daniel asked.

Bruce told the manager that they were send you by their new government to study and get experience to build their country now that they are independent, they are the next ministers and authorities of their countries.

The manager had many question in his mind and for him Bruce has the answer: "Tell me, are there clever?"
"I am telling you that there hard workers, they are also hard worker at school"

Bruce added on his comments that since he got the African in his house, the property is very clean. At their spare time they clean the house and especially my garden. His house looks lovely now. They work without waiting for his instructions.

Daniel had a chance to get all the information possible now that he met someone to tell him all about Africans: "You are tell me what I need to hear, I am now sure to have a good worker I will try to explain to other workers of the surprise that is coming tomorrow."

Daniel, the manager decided to tell Bruce to bring the next day Sunday at 8 o'clock, may be to show him direction so Shabani may catch the train and he has to start immediately at 8 o�clock to work. He told the caretaker that he won�t show him the assignment yet, he has to think which department will suit him. He insisted: "I will keep a big surprise for tomorrow, you don�t have to drop him again tomorrow?"
"I know that he is a very clever man," He said with all confidence "I will direct him and I will take the morning train so I may attend the early morning service church service."

When Bruce thought that it was over so he can leave, he heard again the manager asking him another question: "Tell me do they pray also?"
"Of course." Bruce explained "They told me that many prays they ancestors in Africa and many have converted to Christianity even to Muslim religion"

They have been colonized by Belgium, most of them are Christian and very dedicated believer but many still also believer in their traditional religion too. "Thank you for this surprise" Daniel said "I will revenge to my employees this surprise tomorrow."

Before the caretaker leave the manager he indirectly ask for vacancy for his 3 remaining students, he wanted them to work at the same place as their live in the same house: "I forget something that I had in my mind, please let me know in case of vacancies so I may bring others 3 men in future, trust me they are hard and very hard worker."
"I am sorry to let you know that we are full at the moment, no vacancies presently but I heard from our head office that they may open 2 branches, I hope that they may open in our city."

It will be always a problem if those branches are opened in other cities, it will be difficult for your students to travel far from their respective school. He hoped they may open branches around but he heard and had had the feeling that the new branches may be opened far from their cities. Most of the vacancies are full time job; they always have very few part time jobs. He was afraid also that he doesn�t even know when they may open those branches. Anyway there is no guaranty to hire the other now even if some vacancies may in the near future, It will still considering employing them if he is impressed by the one student from Africa he was hiring now. He said again: "Thank you for bringing me a new student."
"I am the one to thank you for putting you in a difficult situation where you may be in trouble with other workers and your bosses, you took a life time risk but I am sure that you will be impressed not disappointed."
Bruce joined the waiting Shabani outside and left the super market.
The manager told Shabani to come the next day Sunday early at around 7h30 in the morning. On their way back the caretaker showed They direction to take in the coming day.
As usually Zoao wake up early in the morning, left are friends sleeping as it was Sunday. They caretaker gave him some transport money. He walked to the train's station, they were very few people on the street. He went to by train ticket. He made sure not doing again a tragedy in catching the wrong train and may be lost in process. Bruce wrote on a peace of paper the direction. At the train station he met a woman who was selling ticket. He greeted her: "Bonjour(In English hello) can I have a single return ticket to"
She responded:
"Ah, bonjour"
She looked the man who greeted her, it was a black man that she always dreamed of meeting and become very friendly to him, She shown her the direction: the train station to get off�He almost missed his train as they charted for a long time with the ticket seller. In the train very few people were over looked him but didn�t talk to him. Shabani and colleagues got used to people reactions, it become a habit. All the people seem to avoid him accept one small kid who was 5 years or more. When the kid saw him sitting alone on the bench he approached him in greeting: "Hello are you?"
"Hello"
"What is your name?"
"My name is Shabani."
The mother of the kid tried to stop him from going to Shabani but she was shy of others passenger's reaction. She kept saying with a small voice in French: "Viens ici ,viens ici" in English: come here, come here
The kid kept saying: "No, no Mommy."
He sat next to Shabani and charted: "My name is George and you?"
"My name is Shabani."
"Can you buy me some sweets and chocolates, and big big gun." the kids asked.
"I will buy you" Shabani promised "I will by a big chocolate and big gun�What is the name of your mother."

"My mommy's name�s Georgette and my father name is Pierre." the kid explained and The young boy asked him too: "What is you mommy�s name and your fathers name?"
"My mother's name is Tumba and my father�s name is Samba." He explained "There are very old now, very big"
"You mean very tall than you, very tall than my father, my father is very big" The kid explained.
Unfortunately the young man and her mother were getting off at the train stop before Shabani�s stop. But the young man refused to follow her mother. Her mother came and took by force: "Viens ici, viens ici" She added: "I say come here you don�t want to understand" then she turned to Shabani "good bye Shabani."
"Good bye." At least he has met someone taking to me while other passengers had a different reaction. Many shown sign of curiosity and other shown sign of fear...
He couldn�t understand why kid loved him, He even recalled that they were approached one days in the park with his 3 colleagues by children who really enjoyed their companionship.
When he arrived at work. He finds the manager who welcomed him, the others workers come shortly. The others workers didn�t know who he was as kept wondering: "Who is this man?"
"What is doing here?"
"May be he is a visitor."
"I never see a black man before?"
"I had a chance of interacting with them, when I went to visit my uncle in Cameroon for two months." he was the only man in this group of employee who had seen a black man before and was in the good position to explain about the new race in Europe.
"Do you think he is a new worker who may join us?"
"I don�t think so" He doubted.
They wondered what was he doing in this office, this morning? If he was a customer he couldn�t be here at this back door especially at this time. No one knew that he is the new colleague.

It is a new World everything was possible, they remembered that they were very few Chinese when we were growing up but now you may see them all over the cities. "This is a surprise."
While they were still wondering the Daniel the manager called them. Hundred of part time students gathered at the meeting next to the manager office. All wearing blue uniforms they listened the manager saying: "Good morning every body" the manager said "I have the pleasure to welcome a new friend from far. His name is Shabani from Central Africa precisely Congo. He is here to help us in our supermarket"

He told them that the new comer in the company is a student who is here in Europe to study and will be coming to help us in the weekend. This is a surprised he kept from them since yesterday when they were all busy inside the shop. Daniel the manager said that it is a wonderful experience to meet friend from every part of the World may be one day we will be working with people from every part of the world: India, Chinese, Australia,�Why not America also. They were living in a new civilized World. He pleaded them to help him in showing him the work. He insisted: "Don�t take advantage that because is new and leave to him a big part of the work. I will be coming as usually to check you performance"

Daniel knew all the tricks of leaving to a new comer a big task. He knew all the trick employees were doing on the ground. He knew how they were cheating and waste time in the warehouse. He told them: "Remember" he said "I was a simple worker like you�I repeat, don�t forget that I was a simple worker as you when I started, I know all your tricks"
Daniel before being promoted worked in the warehouse for ten years, and then he was promoted to a supervisor before being promoted to the manager.
And then he turn and told the newcomer: "My friend don�t hesitate to ask questions to your colleagues don�t feel inferior to them�You are all equal every body were new like you�if you experience some difficulties that you colleagues may not handle I am here to help you�today I will send you at stationary department. Have a great day"
They went in the super market. At the stationary section he was working with two part time students. They met a big surprise too to work with a man from so far. They had the opportunity to ask many questions while they were busy working: "What is your name again?"
"My name is Shabani."
"Shabani, don�t you have a middle name?"
"My middle name may be very difficult to remember for you. It is Zoao Samba."
"What is the meaning of those names?"

Shabani's laughed and said: "Warrior."

Every names in Africa has a meaning. Each name has a history.
Shabani means warrior in their traditional Language. Zoao mean peaceful water and Samba his father�s name meaning �the called�, it is an local historic name. They called in their local village Kilambe in the early year of the establishment of their ancestor that have been a kind of diseases that appeared and killed many people, the traditional doctors tried without success to cure the disease. But after many prays from local citizens to the ancestor, God started responding through dreams to some people in the village giving them some formula to cure the disease. In those dreamed God told them to mix specific plants together and cooking them and letting them dry and then drink for a specific period. The people who had the capacity to dream were called the called and many become successful doctors in the area.

"What a interesting story?" the colleague commented.

In Africa they believe in God also before the arrival of colonists we were praying the same God but we go through ancestors to contact them as the Catholic attend God through Maria. They new the 10 commandments before the arrival of colonists. They knew that Killing, Cheating, stilling, lying... were sin. The big different with Christians they used a long routine with many unnecessary rituals to be heard by God.
"Do you mean now that every body in Africa is Christian today?"
"No" Shabani said "there are many who still believing in ancestors but the Christian is growing very fast. It is not easy to go through many symbols to be heard by God." The he asked two to the curious colleagues "But you asked me my name but what are your names?"
"My Name is Jacque and his name is Paul."
"Tell me also the meaning of your names too?" Shabani insisted
The two colleagues laughed and one of them responded: "We are laughing because we don�t know. May be Paul is from the Bible, We are not genus like you to explain the origin of our names"

All names in Africa have a signification, sometime God talk to African throw dream before a child is born which name to give. If they do not obey the child may get sick and die. In their culture every death has a physical meaning. May be is a punishment from ancestors or may be from jealous people called Witch. They don�t believe in natural death unless the decease was very old and in that case his death becomes a celebration.

Many thought that Africa is only one continent one country. Few were aware that the Continent is too big we have more than 50 countries traced by colonists, Africa is big three times than Europe. For many the African were still living with animal as they asked Shabani "We heard that in Africa you are living with animals; Lions, Elephant, Snakes?"
"No" Shabani responded.

The animals are living far from big cities; the cities in Africa are getting big and modernize like here. May be in rural areas the animals still lives near villagers but not in the villages but they are some isolate event were some animals may come especially in the night. Human have their habitation: Towns and Villagers. Animals have also their habitation: forest.
"Do you eat some animals?"
"Yes we eat some wild animals and some that we raise such us: Chickens, Cow, Pork, Antelope ...and some few animal in the forest, it is not always easy to catch them."
Shabani went far explaining that they eat some monkeys, crocodile too. It was very strange to the Europeans.

"Now, that most of the countries in Africa are independent, do you still have European there?"
"Yes."

Many have returned here but still very few like most of the priests still white. My brothers is one of the few black in a seminary, I hope soon I will have a priest's brother. Priests are very respected in Africa. More respected than doctors or politicians.
"Were you curious to see White in Africa as we are curious to see blacks here?"
"Yes"

When White come first everybody were curious now they are not curious. The only thing still exist to day African are thinking that white still superior to black because they brought technology and civilization. All the people think that all white are rich. It is true because, Shabani never see a white begging for money or working as a simple ordinary worker in Africa all are bosses and high ranked in every posts. Shabani was sure since the existing of Congo there is never be a white beggar or homeless. He was very shocked and touched to see Whites beggar, homeless and white doing ordinary work here. He will shock my family back home when I will write to them and tell them what he sees here.

"I think, I must go to Africa" one colleague said "may be I will have a good life and fulfilled my dreams.'
"Even today white are more respected than blacks that is mean a chance of fulfilling your dream are possible."
"Tell us about your traditional medicine?"
"It is helpful too."

Many people go today to modern medicine. Today the African goes first to modern medicine and then when they are not cured they return to their traditional medicine. But when the colonists were entering they used first the traditional stuff when it fail to cure we go to modern medicine. Many people still contact often witch doctor every time we need some kind of luck or prosperity.
"Did you see also a witch doctor for be luck?"
"How can I see a poor man to ask for prosperity?" Shabani explained "If the stuff he may give me could make me rich why is not rich? Most of the Witch doctor are very poor, may be they are doing business"
"I read in the news papers many troubles that you are fighting among you after the colonists left?"
"Yes, there are plenty of troubles."

I think the main reason is to replace the vacant posts and positions left by the colonists. It is why Shabani and countrymen were sent to Europe to upgrade our knowledge. Others problems is that the authority are still link to their tribes: they hire people from their tribe, families, friends�whom sometime are not qualify for the job, it is about who you know than what you know. The unhappiness of part of the population are the factor of fighting�The new rulers want to rule for life, they want to make a democratic ruler ship a kingdom one, when they dies their children, relatives and friend take over. They make the country fortune as their private fortunes.
"Those people who are not happy may be the government policies why they may sit together with government and start talking?"
"No way. It is not easy."

Shabani told his colleagues that to sit down and talk is about negotiating and be heard. What the use of talking with mouths when you won�t be heard. The best way to be heard there is to take gun. Talking with guns is the only way to be heard actually, he hope in future African may able to hear without fighting. "We heard also some same genre of conflicts I know that things will be fine one days."
Shabani recalled his differences with his father and his family's member: "I think, that some people think ahead of other. Many people didn't know the consequence of prematurely asking for independence."

Shabani was positive for a better future but it may tale long maybe, he recalled when he fought with his father Samba when he told him that they were not ready for the independence, they shouldn't be independent now they has a lot to do and learn. They rushed things; they were not well prepared enough. His fathers almost slap him. He said they were beaten maltreated by colonists. As a new part of the generation he understands, he learns that is every situation you have good and bad sides.
"At your age you father still slap you?" one colleague was astonished to learn. "Me my father or my brother or any one can�t touch me, I will call the police"
"It is strange in your culture." Shabani explained "In our culture is normal because we respect our elders. Respect is the foundation of our culture."
"That is mean you may abuse your wife." he suspected "Are you married?"

Not really, in Africa they understand as human been sometime they may loose control. In Africa culture is respect, abuse is not respect. In all things too much is bad if you abuse you will see neighbors, friends, family intervening�But Shabani couldn't believe what he hear in Europe. For educating your own children you may ended up in jail as a abuse? Sometime kids and wife listen better only by those small and gentile claps he explained.
The all laughed as one of Shabani colleagues told him: "I cannot let you married my sister if she wants to. Can you imagine how different the cultures are. For us abuse is a serious crime here�I think you beat your wife if you are married but I think your are too young to be married"
"We have a different view of what is abuse in Europe and Africa."

Abuses exist in the African culture when you beat too much. The Africa know that people listen sometime with little touches specially kid to have a good education, the Africans ancestors noticed that people with some little touches peoples listen!
Some women complain if you don�t beat her. If a man does not hit her that is mean is not much interest in her. Shabani had the same problem, he was not yet married but have left a pregnant fianc�e. She went and complained to every body: her parents, my parents, her friends and my best friend that I don�t love her! Because Shabani was talking with the mouth only? She wanted to be touched with gentle slap, when Shabani started to touch her she become so lovely, the parents become happy they were complaining saying also that his fianc�e was dominating Shabani. He remembered when he slapped her for the first time his future wife, his father told him in the morning: well done boy "�A true man must take control of the woman she may dominate on you�She was happy to telling the next days to in the morning my man loves me, he slapped me yesterday."
They laughed for a long time before going for launch. They couldn't believe that a woman can love sometime to be beaten. The two European couldn't leave Shabani as they even went to sit with him at the launch time at the same table to ask him many questions: "No one intervened to solve the matter when you beat your love one?"
"Why to intervene!"

It was not abused in African tradition, it was not too much. Payo Shabani's fianc�e liked and even told her friends: "my man had beaten me I told you�" In our culture some time slapping are called spices of love. You cannot eat sugar every day of your life you have to mix, sugar in tea and salt plus others in meat! Beating can show how your care. How you are interested, concerned and show attention by beating. If you don't slap in Africa your wife she will complain.
"What a strange believe" the European colleague explained "I even heard by my Granny's friend who was in Africa for 20 years that in some tribe in Africa man and wife don�t talk in bed"
"Yes, in some tribe but not our tribe"

In others they don�t allow woman to talk with man in bed time because in that time men are weak and may accept all the woman talking, it may be lies and bad advises�Woman have strange tricks they wait for the bedding time to tell you for example: "your mother insulted me to day, your brother stilled meat to day" and the man who want to make love to your woman will satisfy her need in the morning by punishing your family such as chasing from your house your own family members. All because of the woman! Family are all for us. Shabani concluded: "You must be able to balance all parties to satisfy the woman and the same time to satisfy the family"
'I am scared my friend don�t try to beat woman here even your future wife will join you here. Those practices are good in your country." he warned him. "Here even your neighbor will call the police when he may hear your wife or your kid crying."
"I am aware of the situation. It is strange here, I have been in this country for 2 months. I don�t know even the name of my neighbors. Back home neighbors are like part of the family we interact easily with neighbors living as a family."

Europeans have had a lot of Africa and they were blessed with the arrival of the true African. A man close to his culture a man from a rural area was able to explain their culture.

At the end of they day, the manager was impress with Shabani�s work and he speed understanding of the job. He was not impressed of the stationary sell, nothing have change but this was not an alarming situation. The colleagues and manager of Shabani had an impression that he didn�t care about a lot about breaks at work, they had the impression that he wanted to work every time continually without experiencing fatigue. The others colleagues of Shabani Zoao started charting on their way back home: "You see, African don�t get tired, they are very strong."
"There are energetic"
"Naturally African are good in physically work that intellectual work. Look most of the sport men are black. Look in athletics, boxing�The only sport that African are weaker is precision sport like tennis, golf"
Another give his point of view: "I thing it is because they country is situated at high altitude."
"I thing that African are used to work hard work in the farms�many still don�t have access in modern material"
"I think also black skin is stronger than other race."
"I think because really they are living in hard environment."
Another disagrees: "Still, I am sure that they are the same as us. Shabani wanted only to impress the manager to be given a permanent post."
"No way man, he is a student too. He is colleagues in the weekend only, he doesn�t need really a permanent job�Not need for him to make an impression to be hired on permanent basis."
"May be he inherited the courage from ancestor."
For many African they were exposed to hardship since they childhood when in Europe the children were exposed to toys. From they children hood they were taught to go to accompany they parents to they farm, fishing, hunting and even building. They were taught to multi tasks. Women were taught to cook at the early age. As seven years they were able to cook dinner for the family and even take care of their young brothers and sisters. They were exposed to be responsible at the early age. Even those who were attending school had very few times to rest as they had to mix the school and the usual works.
It was a subject on Shabani then turn to different races as many kept some how wondering on the origin of different races: "Anyway let talk about the origin of races." one students stated "I used to wonder where the different races are from those and languages?"
"Races are from evolution" one of the students responded

They studied at school in their early years. They have been a lot of changes in the World through different period�He took many years in the evolution of this World .They was one creature only in the passed with many years the evolution started changing until we have today Monkeys, Man�In fact in evolution monkey is the nearest man relative.

One disagreed as gave his point of view: "You are going through much confusion, you mean in the comings year human also will change in your evolution."

He said that if human are from animals? What about plant and other thing as rock if they go far he will mention some others planet include the sun. They all studied those things but as mature man they have to analyze the theories, there were many theories in the World?
"Call me whatever you like I have a perfect understanding of the nature." he defended himself.

He decided to give his own explanation nicely to his colleagues! According to his understanding before they were some kind of thing that he cannot explain the name that existed with time that objects exploded in the nature. Some of the things from that object turned to be planets, others turned to be one plant other turned to be an animal�After the change of the nature, weather, different transformation the plants gave birth to others plants you know that plants are different kind of animals too. They need food too like: water, air to breath, rich soil to eat like animal�And the other side that one animal give birth to different animals those animals also gave birth to other kinds of animal. Man is also an animal. Man and monkey have one direct ancestors it why the look alike. When it comes to differences races it the water that changes, those races that went to the north changed to White because of the cold weather, those who went in the central part of the world where burned progressively by the sun and the skin become black.
"What about Asian, Chinese?" he wondered.
"Chinese were changed by the weather they find there."
This man gave the spiritual side of the evolution: "I don�t believe 100% in your long theory but is more understandably."

But he believes in God. God created every things my reason of seeing this is that if evolution existed the man come from transformation that mean the future generation will change the will not have the same physiology as we are. That is mean may be with the interaction they will be having in future Human-birds for example. Human with wings to fly? If people mean that man may turn into half birds with wings too to fly. If evolution exist this may be possible.
"Any thing is possible."
"This is ridiculous man"

As a Christian he respects your opinion. But man everything was created by only God: may be diversification of races of races was from the things that Noah�s children build when God destroyed at his fall come the diversification of races and languages. "May be I don�t really know" he said.�

"You claim to be a Christian but still not able to explain the wonder�s of this World. I am a Christian too like you are. I think we will never have a solution at this problem because we have different opinion, let respect our opinions."

CHAPTER FOUR : TOY DIVISION

The following weekend the manager decides to turn in different divisions Shabani so he may have a general idea of all departments. He sent him to the clothing department. At the end of the days the sells were slightly high, this was a good sign. The next weekend Shabani was sent to the toy department.
The kids were so interested in him, they kept demanding they parents to buy toys and many didn�t want to leave the toys department. One of the kid who was accompanied by his father stop and said to his father: "Look daddy that man over there."
"Let go."
"Do you see that man?"
"Yes" the kid said "we all see me."
"Let go near there please." the kid was curious.
"He is a man like every body" The father said.
The kid was attracted to meet Shabani Zoao, while the father had very little time in the shop.
They went next him and the kid straight away started talking to Shabani:

"Hello �How are you?" The kids greeted Shabani Zoao.
Zoao was happy to see the kids interested in him. The kids were not shy to express they sentiments.

"What is your name?"
"My name is Shabani."
The kids were very much interested in him not only his physical look attracted them even the name was different to the usual one. They were even interested to what the man was selling the toys. They kept convincing they parents not to only meet Shabani but to buy too the toys that he was selling.

Shabani was surrender by many kids and for the kids being around Shabani who was friendly too helped them to even interact with others kids.
The father of the kid intervenes, urged his son to leave the shop: "I told you that we don�t have enough time, you will come to chart and talk next week."
The children become so friendly to him. As they were so curious. And other kid who was about 5 years old was with is family when he stopped at the toy section and talked to Zoao:

For many kids Shabani was only a man that they used to see in the growing film industry. For some he was a man who appeared in the television. Some were not shy to even asked him question like: "You look like someone I saw in the movie?"
"May be."
"Do you live in the movie?"
The man didn't know what the kid meant but tried to satisfy the client: "Yes" he often admitted "I live in the movie." and urged the kids "You must come in our T.V tonight."

"Yes" admitted the kid "I will come in your T.V you must wait for me"

The kids wanted the man in movie some time to kill the bad cowboys. Shabani loved children too. He often dreamed of having many children like most of the Africans back home. He knew how to talk and please the children. They were a very easy creature to talk too.
Most of the conversations were endless as the children wanted to know everything and the parents had to intervene to stop the conversations.
The kids were very honest and could easily asked him question like "Why you look different to everybody?"
When they parents wanted to leave the shop most of the kids were like "No" they complained "Mommy we haven�t finish the conversation."
"We will come next weekend because you are going tomorrow at school."
"No, Mommy you always said that we will come and never come back. I know you."
"This time' the parents often defended themselves "I promise you that this time that we will come back, I take your father as witness."
They had to take the child by force while the kid was crying. The parents had to come down the children in buying the chocolate. Still the kid wanted to return to Shabani: "Daddy let go back to the toy department."
"Why again?"
"To see that man."
"Again?"
Shabani wasn't even expecting to be friended to children when he was sent at the toys division. And Daniel the manager had no idea that Shabani could have attracted many kids at that department. It was by a pure accident or coincidence.
The parents had to force they child to go "Enough now don�t let me to be rude now you must understand. A good boy understand once when the parents talk to him"

The young man had the impression that everybody looked alike. The only saw blacks in the movies and photos: in the magazines now it was they opportunity to see an African alive. Now come another young boy who is little bit mature, a ten years old boy who was alone. He took the opportunity to ask some questions to satisfy his curious while searching a toy:
In few months the name Shabani was a very popular name among the kids. Many could bring him some cake that they mother cooks. For many Shabani wear black make up as Shabani often told them when they asked him such question. "Are you black or you wear black make up?"
"I am black by skin but citizen of the world."
They wonderedd if Shabani's parents, brothers, sisters, you uncle and all your family blacks? as he often responded with proud "Yes we are all blacks: my nieces, parents, cousin and the all family."
Once a 10 years boy asked him how he could turn too to a black man. He answered him: "If you want to be black you must stand always in the sun and your skin will turn black. Not immediately after many days, even years."

Shabani got sometime nervous, talking the all day. Especially he got tired thinking a lot about which thing to talk to kid of different ages. Really hectic day but happy that the day is over. He knew that the following day he will send to another section. But his plan was different to his manager�s plan. When manager come in his patrolling moment find many kids talking to Shabani, he didn�t pay attention to their conversion as he was rushing to other daily occupation. At the end of the day, the manager got surprise with a all time record in the shop. The toy�s daily money receipt surpassed all the departments receipt. This was a record, good for the shop and good for him. Shabani was about to leave when the manager called him: "I am sorry for calling you" he justified himself "I know that you are very tired and you are rushing to catch you train that you may miss�Don�t worry, I will give you a lift today. I have been so impressed for your work and from today your place is guaranteed."
Shabani didn't know whether the sell were dropped or improved because he never had the previous money records:
"Thank you for the opportunity" Shabani was pleased to hear those words from the manager himself who doubted to hire him when approached by Bruce, Shabani's caretaker "I really appreciate your offer."
"Wait I haven�t finish" Daniel said "I was so impressed also with your work at the toy department, I want to keep you there."

But Daniel wanted Shabani to get a general knowledge of all the departments before getting a permanent department? Now he mind was set. What Shabani took as fun talking and chatting to kids had boosted the sell in this department without any acknowledgement.
The manager didn't want to reveal why he want the man to remain at the toy section: "I want to keep you for a while there and then I will send you in the other departments."
"I am anxious to know the other departments first"
"I will give you a good offer." Daniel promised "I will pay you not as a beginner but as all temporary workers if you want I may give more bonuses. Today I will pay you double."
The man didn't know why the boss was so kind: "Why boss?"
"I just welcome you, I never welcome you before."
"Thank you for the opportunity".
As an African man Shabani was raised to thank anybody and anytime. He was raised and taught to respect people around him and wasn't shy to often say thank you.
The manager had faith in Africans now: "Tell to your other home boy not to look for others jobs. We always get vacancies every month"

Many workers go to others jobs, some resign for unknown raisons, some get sick and never get back. Tell them there are on my priority lists. Do you think there are hard worker too?
"The all work hard" he defended his colleagues.
"Don�t forget to tell them."
Shabani took the opportunity to ask Daniel if for example he get sick or was busy with his assignment, could he send one of his home boy to work on his behalf just for one or two days?
"Of course" Daniel responded "why not! There are your friends as much I respect you, I respect them too for your sake and sake of the company, I won�t allow any shortage of the stuff."
Shabani was expecting to get sick anytime. They used to get sick time to time in the rural environment in Africa. Where the water was taken straight from the rivers without any chemical to clean it. And with various insects stink them time to time. And with some improper hygienic facilities.

But they realized that in Europe, they were not getting that sick much. They realized that many Africans die from disease in Africa while many European dies from accident in Europe. It was a blessing to reach even 20 years in Africa. One third of the children used to die from the infants disease in they land. Once you succeed to survive all those disease as an infant, you are lucky to live longer as the body builds a strong resistance against the tropical disease.
They had finds different disease to Africans disease. While in they home country the people dies more often of malaria, typhoid,...In Europe they had much complicated disease such us, many formed of cancers...The only form of cancer they knew was the prostate cancer.

"Before we go" Daniel said "I have an offer for you do you mind to be employed as a permanent stuff?"

There is a big and huge advantage of being permanent. They will have a contract it will be difficult to be fired, they will work more and earn more: 5 days a week and you will rest in the weekend. If someone works as a permanent employee in the weekend he gets double salary. He will be having live and sick live. They are more advantage to be permanent. As a permanent Shabani will be able to send a lot of money and gifts his family in Africa.
The student was not expecting this kind of offer but had another thing in the mind: "Thank you for your suggestion, I cannot take it, we were sent here by our government in collaboration with your government to come and study."

It will be a big disaster for their country. They were the first group to be sent Europe. If they misconduct they will destroy the chances of others to be sent Europe to study. The Belgian government and Congolese government won�t sponsor the coming generation. Beside, they have some good and guaranteed post back home; they must make some sacrifices today for a better tomorrow. Any way if he works permanently, I won�t be able to study, he will loose his study visas and may not get a work permit visa because he was sent to study in Europe. School is more important also money it why he accepted to work as a casual. If he doesn�t study what he will tell to my family and friends if he returns home? May be he will tell them how he caring boxes for 10 years in Europe while other friends will be doctors.
"I get your point" Daniel accepted the refusal "it was just a suggestion."

Meanwhile in Africa relationship was deteriorating between his fianc�e and his mother, Shabani has gone for 2 months now they haven�t got news. Shabani�s uncles and other members of the family kept asking where are their things asked to Shabani. The father Christophe went to see the local priest and wrote a letter to Shabani.

To Shabani Zoao Samba.

I am very disturbed writing you this letter. How are you? How are your Studying? How did you settle there? We are all fine except your last brother from my third wife was little bit sick with malaria. We managed to heal him with our traditional plants. He is now well, yesterday I saw him playing with is friends.
My son I am the only one who can understand you. I know it is not easy, you don�t have money. Try your best to send some clothes to the elder of the family, I am scared that he may die soon. You know that is almost 90 years? Any thing can happen from now before he join the ancestor, send him old stuff so you will be blessed for all your life. Your blessing is our blessing, I insist don�t loose our culture, You know that a man without culture is a dead walking man.
I beg you please don�t get bad influences, don�t try to have the bad habit of smoking or drinking. I don�t drink, I don�t smoke you know it very well. Every day that you wake up put in your head that you left your family and friend very far. You are there to study. Keep praying as usual. Every day I put you in my pray.
I wanted to forget, our neighbor�s uncle was eaten by a lion. According to the traditional version, he was punished by ancestors for having sex with is niece. It happened in the bush next to Zimeya village were he went to hunt springboks. They come to rescue him but it was late, he died later from wound in the priest's hospital. Her niece is very sick, she will die from her sin too.

Life is very short, try your best to send money so I will pay to your fianc�e�s family and organize the married party here before she gives birth. Your father in law comes two weeks ago to ask for money he was very nervous. I will try to tell you what he said exactly:
"My brother, my daughter is living with you now for six months."

Payo's father said that you tested her daughter fertile to bear children before you pay the remaining money. Now she is pregnant the result of your test is positive. Remember Payo's father claimed to refuse to give my daughter to King�s son because she begged that she may die without Shabani. Shabani's father paid only two ships, now that Zoao is in the country of white people he tripled the remaining money. Shabani has to must pay now 45 francs money in cash plus two cows, 10 ships, 2 trousers for me and 2 pairs of sandals.

Samba laughed and told him to come in two months. He calmed down with 2 bottle of white�s beers (modern beer). He went back very drank singing all the ways long and screaming. Samba wrote: "Let me tell you that your father in law love beer."
The priests told him that one of them is coming in one week time.

Samba concluded: "Courage my son, I know that you feel alone. It is for your future and our family future too. Great your compatriots, your caretaker, teachers your new friends on my behalf. I stop here."
With love.

Your father Samba

When the priest Christophe arrived in Europe, He met first the caretaker and was very happy to learn that the 4 students had a good conduct as he was rushing to see his family that he haven�t see for 2 years. He didn�t want to wait to see the students who were at school. His family was100km away, he promised to return in 1 month to meet them and collect some gifts, goods for the student's families and friends.
When Shabani got the letter he was so touched luckily he was saving some money he had almost 600 francs. His colleagues who were jobless saved from their pocked money; every body had some 200 francs each. That was good enough to buy some gift. They used clothes were very cheap in Europe.

Shabani returned the following weekend at the job. He didn�t have to see the manager but only sign for the present list and time of arrival. He knew where to work, he went straight to the toys department. He had many friends most of the kids who saw him last week come, they brought other friends with them. The department becomes very busy that the manager decides to affect one more worker at that department to help him. Straight away he named Shabani temporary Toy�s department supervisor changing the current supervisor to another department. Jacque the kid who promised to return comes back: "Shabani I am here to see you, I brought two friends of mine and some cakes for you, do you like cakes."
"Thank you my friends I forgot your name again."
"My name is Jacque I told you last week." With hundred of kid that Shabani meet each weekend, it was difficult to remember each and everybody's names. Not only the kids were much interested in him but they parents too time to time end up talking to him. He even met some interesting people too. Some few European who were colonists in Africa and some few European who visited Africa too.
In a short space of time in the supermarket he even met about five European who were very happy to see an Africans in Europe. They have been in Africa as colonists and some of them even spoke they traditional language spoken in district Banza and Kilambe, Shabani's home village: Lingala and Kikongo.
It was lovely to talk a home language in a foreign land. It bring back all the souvenir of the native land and bring people much closer.
"Thank you for the cakes, how did you slept last night Jacque."
"Fine Shabani, do you like cakes?"
The man who was not used to cake tried to please the kind boy: "You got my taste, I like cakes it is my favorite food."
"My mother made them yesterday."
"That is very nice, I will eat it in my lunch time break."
"Is your mother makes cake too?"
"Yes she does but this is really my favorite."
"I will be keeping every time some food for you."

Shabani told his young fan, that is good but he must eat also because he was always foul if the young bring him every time food he won�t be able to eat at his place and his mother will get very angry.

Every weekend Shabani Zoao when he returns from works. He used to bring to his fellow students and country men the cakes and even chocolates that the kids bring to him. He noticed that European children too were like Africans. They had something in common. They were sharing like many Africans do.
Shabani has to accept all the kids thought he was. For some he was a brother of Tarzan. Some blamed him for not showing up in they Television screen as he promised. Some kids blamed him that they couldn't get his skins with the tips he has given them. But above all it was a good thing that he managed to create many fans and friends.
Some adult too could spend many minutes asking him question about his country. Some wanted to know what the change after independence benefited the Africans...
Shabani was getting tired thinking about what to say to satisfy his curiosity, he enjoyed his friendship but this to much there are over some custom too. That is mean every weekend he will be meeting those challenges? Next week I will send one of my home boy to replace for 2 days so I may attend also church service.

The managed kept coming and going. He liked the way Shabani was interacting with kids. He noticed no big improvement in food section especially meat department he decided next week to switch Shabani to the meat department before returning to the toy department. After along day for Shabani the manager told him that he will be working the coming week at the meat's department. The manager kept secret to Shabani that the sell at the toys department had improved. When Shabani heard the news he changed his mind of getting sick and decides to return next week not to find an excuse.
The 4 Africans students started collecting things to send home through the Priest. Shabani who had lot money bought a lot of clothes; he kept some money to send to his family and finalize the wedding and bought also some clothes for the new coming baby. His 3 friends spend all their money for the first time they may be able to send something home.
After few months at the toys department when Shabani went to his weekend. Daniel affected him at the meat section in the food department because one of the employees was absent. The manager was expecting really the same success experimented at the toy department. Shabani was happy and please that this time he will be not having an idea of all the departments around. The manager forgot that meat is bought by big people not kids. Shabani experienced a phenomenon he couldn�t understand, every time he touched meat people didn�t want to take it while wearing gloves. One lady come to buy some meat, Shabani a friendly man said: "Hello, can I help you?"
"No."
"I had the impression that you were interested in some of our meat." Shabani urged the client in showing him all the special meat they had for the day.
"Not at all I was just doing an eye shopping."
"Thank you."
Daniel has taught him that the clients were king. The clients come first and the clients was always right. He remembered at the first he was rude with the customers telling them that "If you don't want to buy leave" Daniel told him that kind of words may make him to be dismissed and fired on the spot but he forgave him because he was news and it was the first time to work on the supermarket.
Shabani has learnt to respect the jobs as he was told in Africa, that "work is a new parent" because it provide you with money and money will help you to survive. He needed a lot of money not for himself but for the people he knew in Africa.
A other customer come: "Hello sir can I help you."
"I need 2 kg of fresh mince meat."
He started presenting touching different kind of mince meat: "Not this one."
"This one?"
"No."
"The stock over there?"
"Thank you." The customers promptly said.
"But you said mince meat if I am mistaken?"
"No more meat" the customers excused herself "I just change my mind now I thought I had enough cash but I don't have enough cash."
Of course some people were buying but he had the impression that people were not that friendly like at the toy section. There was one think at the toys section that Shabani hated, there was a big horse statue there. And Daniel wanted him time to time to sat on that horse with a long rob and pretending to ride that unmoved horse and time to time talking like in a circus "Go, Go..."while the children has to look at him and laugh. Some will get on top too of that horse.
For sometime he felt that he was like a stupid and making himself stupid. Sometime he has to take a microphone and sings and time to time dance just to attract the customers at his toy section. The kids loved that marketing approach style. At some point this performance influenced Daniel to double his hourly salary. Europeans were not good dancer too to do that kind of performance.
Shabani never go to any school of dancing or singing but like many villagers they were singing and dancing since they childhood in all the occasion and for fan in they villages.
After a while without incident come an other custom: "Hello?" Shabani greeted the customer as Daniel taught him that it was important to greet and even smile when met the customer. "Can I help you?"
"I want 5 kg of meat."
"Can I give you this fresh meat just arrived from the butchery?"
When he went to touch the meat the man changes his mind: "Thank you for your help I am running out of my time I just remember I have a meeting to attend, see you."
Shabani was worrying what was going on? Some customer were unforgettable rude. He said to himself that "Some people deserve to be slapped"
"Thank you." the customer left while Shabani was still holding the 5 kg demanded.
Another customer come this one was more direct: "Hello."
"Hello."
"Can I help you?"
"Where the usual man who works here?"
"He is not around here" Shabani responded "I come to help him."
"I need meat" the customer confirmed "I don�t have meat at home but I want the man who helps me every time I come here."
"He is not around today" Shabani said "The manager send him in another department or may be he his absent today."
"So, I need him or another one to help me."
"I told you that I am here to help him."
"If there is no one who can help me I will go and buy in another shop far from here."
At the toy department the kid where asking: "Where is Shabani?"
Shabani has become a brand for the toy department. Almost everybody who arrives at the toy department was asking for Shabani. The toy department used to make plenty of money only Saturday and Sunday. Because during the week the kids were at school and the parents at work. Weekend parents and kids had the opportunity to interract and visit the toy store.
Some of the toys were very interesting that Shabani used to regret for not having a chance to have been born in a place where there was toys for children. Shabani never play with any toy in life.
But the rural children in Africa created they own kind of amusement such us playing the hide and seek. Not the one he find in Europe the hide and seek where the children hide behind the cupboard and the corners of the houses. But they were hiding in the big trees and big bush. Sometimes taking hours to see each other.
This kind of game helped them to kill the natural fear. While the European kids were scared of the darkness, the rural African kids were not scared of the darkness. They had no electricity and had to walk in the bush alone.
The man who was working at the toy department responded: "Is not here today."
"I just come to see him." the kid said. "My friend told me that there is an interesting man at the toy section"
"Can I help you?"
"Not you" the kid insisted "I don�t want you."
Sometime old customer knew how not to hurt. Sometime they will tell you that "I will come back" while they will never come back. But children sometime had not learn already the good manner.
"Is he sick?" the kid asked.
"No is not sick but he is in another department."
"Can I wait for him?" the stubborn kid said "I just want him. My parents are not in hurry."
"He is not coming today at the toy department."
"Call him for me, I am waiting for him."

"I don�t know what I can do for you?"
He went to complain to the manager that many kids want Shabani while busy talking to the manager Shabani come to tell the manager that there is a rude customer waiting there for help. He doesn�t want Shabani to help him he even said he may go to buy in another shop. The manager refused to listen he told Shabani not to go next to the toys department: "Shabani, I am coming to see that customer in person." he said "Don�t go to the kid�s department there are a lot of jobs at the meat section."
He went to see that customer. Shabani started missing kid who usually come. The manager arrive at the meat section the customers was gone already. He told Shabani then: "Don�t worry, we meet different kind of customers" Daniel calmed Shabani "some are very rude some are very friendly is part of challenges"
At the toy section the one who was working there decide to tell them that Shabani was sick. Then come another kid: "Where is the man they are talking about."
"Which one?"
"The movie man"
"Me?"
"No, my friends told me: the movie man works here?"
"I am the one who works here."
He was wondering how an actor can work at the supermarket? In a period when the television was on the rise in Europe. And everybody were obsess by the new technology. In a period when the children could spend hours watching the movies as if they were real. In a period when the movie where not predictable not like today when all the people knows the movie. They could even predict the outcome of the movie. Everybody knows that "The main actor do not die if he dies it mean that it is the end of the movie." In a period when there was no TV games. In a time when the movies where pure with less technology exaggerated image. In a period when the movies where real and simple and better.
"The different man?" the sell man wondered. "All the people are different because they are unique".
"Definitely not you."
"They one who works here is sick today, I am here to help you."
"I am going I will come next time."
"We have many toys.' the sell man begged the customer "Look we have many toys all kinds of toys here and there. Look the cars are here, the air plane �Do you like animals? We have plenty: look the lions, the giraffes, the snakes�Look over there some dolls"
"No, I will come next week"
And then he told the mother�s kids: "We have every type of toys here that you will won't find in others shop in the city."
"I am not the one who will be playing with toys" the mother said "the one who plays with toys doesn�t want today. I will bring next week may be he may change his mind."

At the end of the day the sells were very that the manager decide not send Shabani to the food department specially meat and Toy section. He realized that at the toy section Shabani has become a brand with that section. His presence and name has created bond with the customers.
He knew that Shabani was a good worker; he noticed that people thought that he was dirty at the food section to handle eatable food. Not many people never saw a black man before. Even the gloves Shabani wore means nothing to many people. He also decides to keep to the Shabani in is toy department where he had many fans.

CHAPTER FIVE :MEETING THE PRIEST.
As promised Christophe the Priest returned after one month to collect letters and parcel and advise the students. He arrived before their returning from school and had a chance to talk to their caretaker. The priests were always very proud of those students because they have graduated from they schools and were they followers too. They helped to rise those students, like many Africans students, they used to drop up from school. But the priests have to make sure to encourage the clever students to keep studying.
Christophe thanked the caretaker Bruce for looking after the students. Those student were the proud of the country, they villages, the proud of they families and proud of the country.
"I know that is very difficult to socialize with the students from Africa." Christophe said "I thing it is your first experience to meet student from Africa."
"Of course is this the first time to be with African" Bruce said "but I worked with students from Asia specifically China."

There is a big difference. The have one thing in common: Respect. But the student from Africa are fast learners, they seems to care a lot about the brothers and sister left in Africa. They are like one big family, like children from same mother and same fathers, their respect each other and respect the elder student who sometime shut at them. They don�t complain but Chinese complain every time, they are also good man. They African like heavy food made of maize while Chinese cannot live without rice, natural rice not plastic rice.
The happy priest inform him: "You told me what exactly I was expecting." African doesn�t complain they love work. "It is why they are admired every where." Christophe confirmed.

There also fast learners. Christophe was worried about their adaptation to food. Those students are not from big and modernize city in Africa. They are some big towns and fast growing cities in Africa as Kinshasa the capitol. People from interior are going in town for a better life. They usually eat Pap made with maize or cassava mills. It is a very heavy food, he was sure he won't try to eat it twice a day but he eat it once, he was getting used to it. Since he started eating the African traditional food he sees bread like baby�s food.
"Do you get alone very well in Africa?" Bruce asked.

"I am telling you" Christophe said "It is a paradise to us."

It was difficult for Christopher when they sent in Africa. He thought that he could be there for 2 months to help the others priests but he fells in love with Africa especially villages. They treat them like small gods, actually he speaks some local languages and understands many languages there but French is the official language there.
The priest was the man to tell him all us the students could have hidden some reality of they continent. The curious caretaker asked: "How cheap is life in Africa?"
"Life in rural area is very cheap."

Christophe said that in Africa everybody is a member of one family. A true African doesn�t eat food alone he must share. They always shares even if they don�t have enough. When they collect food from their farms they always give us some too. The priests don�t have really to buy food every time. The clothes are expensive there because there are not made there. They buy our clothes and other machines in Europe because it is difficult to find them there. Workers earned little money compare to Europe but is good enough with the life in Africa.
"How is the political situation there?"
"It is really a learning process for many. Very few understand, there is a big segregation, they leaders people in power abuse the power."

Many newly African leaders want to remain leaders for life. They don�t want to give up power. The people unhappy talk with arms not with mouth like the opposition here. They will never listen to you with mouth only gun. The arms manufacture companies find a big market there�Stability will come with time but now.
The most popular student was Shabani as the caretaker was quick to mention him: "I was also impressed by Shabani but sometime he is very energetic. It seems to be worried a lot sometime, I was also wondering if really is family background having something to do with?"
"I know personally Shabani�s father is a very dedicate man in the church." Christophe confirmed.

He organize every thing in the church: meeting, timetable for cleaning the church, sometime sport activities...Shabani's big brother is admitted in the priest seminary in Kinshasa. They are only 10 Africans in that seminary. Shabani's young brother are very good soccer player, they play in the local team. Christophe hoped to bring one day one or two Shabani�s brothers Europe to try his luck in sport or studies. The priest felt that they have to pay back Samba ( Shabani�s father) for all the work is doing for the church. The elder priest Bernard is the one who organized Shabani's trip�the priests felts still not enough. Every body didn�t want Shabani to come here for many reasons but samba persisted with our encouragement to allow Shabani to come.
Christopher told Bruce how in the Africans tradition, parents and elders are gods on this planet. Shabani is the fourth child of Samba�s first wife. He knows that is first wife have about 12 children and some 15 grand children. His second wife may have now If I am not mistaken 10 children. He doesn�t exactly about the third.
"They told me" Bruce confirmed "one of the students Matonge said they were 46 children in their family. Their father had 7 wives." he was wondering "How someone can have many wives and how do those wives interact?"
"Things are rapidly changing." Christophe said "The new generations especially in the town are starting giving up those practices."

They are starting getting married at 30 years old in the big towns. They are starting having one wife except the rich who still having many wives in town. The priest noticed that when the man still poor in having one wife but once he get money he get another wife. The more money he gets the more wives he is marrying but in the rural area riche or poor you must have many wives. For them fortune are children. The more children they have the richer, successful they are and the more respected they will be in the community.

"I even advised to the students to take care for few people" Bruce said "you cannot help 46 brothers and sisters plus cousins, uncles�? They seem to care about all the people in the family."
"You are talking about fifty talks about hundred." Christophe stated "In Africa the uncles, the Aunts, friends, neighbours are friends."

The many uncles� children he may have are your direct family not forgetting the neighbors. Imagine that a father have 20 brothers and sisters who have each more than 10 kids each. And then look at also at the mother side. Not only that the cousin of the cousin of their uncle's wife are also brothers. If you send something to others and forget others you will be witched. You won't get luck; you may get sick or even die according to their conception. At least try to satisfy may be your direct brothers and sisters and some uncles. Christopher doesn�t believe in witches but many African believe. In Africa every death has a reason. May be they are punished by ancestors or may be jealous people called witches.

"I am so impress" Bruce said "You seem to know well Africa than Europe?"
"But is a good experience, I love Africa and the people over there. I don�t regret to be there." Christophe said "We have the support of the people over there. Our job is not only preaching but also teaching. You know that in rural area many people don�t know how to read and write?"
"I heard so."
"Yes, many people don�t know how to read and write."

Shabani�s father is one of the few people who know how to read and write. Every neighbor comes to him to ask if he can write and read some letters or even magazine. They only looked at the picture and imagine a story�So we are helping with teaching. Some priests also helping few nurses at our hospital.
"Do you have some doctors too?" Bruce asked
The priest seems not to get tired as he kept answering in detail all the caretaker's questions: "We have a doctor called Bosco in Kilambe where Shabani lives but many villagers from far as 150 kilometers come to consult him. They live with their relatives of in our facilities during their consultation day in Kilambe."

Some sick walk there accompanied by the family members or friend. The priests are also helping them some time with transport but they don�t have enough cars also. The bicycle is very important in villages the priest in Kilambe have almost 150 bicycles some time they borrow to people. Many who have bicycles in the village are doing taxis.
"I think you don�t have electricity in the village." Bruce said "How do you cop with this situation?"
"We don�t have but we are waiting for the government to do something but it very hard." Christophe said "In some area in the town they don�t have regularly the electricity."

In big towns the electricity in 24 hours may be 12 hours sometime the have electricity for 3 days and the following 2 days there is no electricity. The priests use generator in their house only for 4 hours. They switch on the generator from 6 P.M to 10 P.M to allow us to save the fuel.
"Where do you get the fuel?" Bruce was curious.
"In the big town" Christophe said "we usually by a stock that may last may be 2 weeks."
"We heard a lot to talk of Africa and it almost most time to fetch the students."
"I will be waiting for them, I will never return without talking to them. I am prepared to fetch also many tons of parcels." Christophe joked.
"I will see you in about 30 minutes."
The care taker went to fetch the students. He didn�t tell them that the priest was waiting for them. They were surprised to see the priest and where very happy. The priest had a chance to talk to them:

"I am very happy and blessed to meet you, I am very sorry that last time I couldn�t wait for you. I was rushing to see my family too."

Christophe had a chance to talk with Bruce the caretaker, he was very impressed with the students, and he pleaded the students to continue in the positive way. Christophe knew that it was very difficult to settle in Europe. They were many stories and myths from others Africans who come here in different cities. He knew that students will be having the same problem. It was also very difficult for Whites to settle in Africa. Christophe didn�t have to ask what the students have already experienced. Before, Christophe travel to Africa when he was growing up, they used to tell them that Africans are dirty, there are monkey�s cousin living with animal like Tarzan in the movies...With time they will learn and arrayed those belief in their mind forever. It is a learning process for Africans and European here too. It was very difficult for Christophe to get used to the situation in Africa. His first month in Africa was a true shock with the different culture he found there. he wanted to return but now he loves Africa more than my ancestor's land Europe. He told the students: "You must remember that you are here to study. There is big work waiting for you in Africa. You have this chance; make use of this opportunity for a good cause. I know you all as good boys. I don�t want to hear that you got bad influences as smoking as drinking or playing with women. You all left fianc�es back home, I think one of you is already married."
The students had kids and coming kids. It was a pressure for those students to remain unmarried. They grow up in a place where people get married in they early age. And the same time, they were given women by they family with the arranged married. In they tradition sometime even before the child his born, they parents could already find a lover for him. It was the most difficult challenge for those students: school and they tradition's clashes.
Shabani left a pregnant woman who lives with his parents. He reminds the students not to forget their culture. The African culture is good, all the culture are good also. Christophe couldn�t return without seeing the student. Even if he had to miss his flight. He told the student that they were far from home, the Africans students were hope of their nation and hope for their big families.
Christophe said that he will take all their parcels, he knows that the students have to pay extract money for the excessive kilos at the airport. Christophe said that he will have to hire an extract taxi for the students parcel.
He reaffirmed to students: "Don�t worry, I will take care. I want to tell you to study hard every time you return from school or college have a look of your notes and also work in group."
There is no magic for success, the only magic the priest knew is hard work. The most important thing he will never forget is pray. He told the students to keep praying every morning, every night also. He means that the students must pray every time, they must go to church every Sunday. He learnt that Shabani has a job in the weekend that the job won't allow him to go to church. The true church is in the hearts. He insisted: "The 10 commandments is your life, when you will settle here, you may bring your wives. Don�t bring the wife in Europe without getting jobs. Your pocket money are not enough to support others peoples."

Christophe vowed that he will try to ask the government to add more money for the students. He told the students that even when they will leave this place(house) they must stick together like one family. The caretaker is here to help you, when Christophe talk about help he mention also advises. "You still young even if you have wives and kids, you have a lot to learn."
The students themselves become shy to reveal to they friends at colleges that they had children and fianc�es. It was a shock for they colleagues and even some of they young lecture that were unmarried. It was difficult to meet someone married at the age of 16 or 17 years in Europe. While it was unusual to find a 20 years old none married in rural Africa.
The one who saw the day before you is always more wise because he met many challenges. In Kilambe the priest were planning in the near future to put a communication facility in our church there. He took some contact in Europe. Christophe promised to return soon may be in less than 1 month to fetch the communication materials. Once is finalized the students will talk every time with their family's member in the village were there is no telephones lines. All the students� villages were next to Kilambe Shabani's village. They knew each other and often the villagers knew people from neighbouring villages. They were closed and were from the same clans and often some how they were all related. When they has to follow the family lineage, they were all distant cousins and somehow all related. The colonists has problem to even criticized an Africans to an Africans because many of them some how were distant cousin and somehow may always meet even in big town were they were thousand of different tribes, people from different villages.
He warned the students: "Don�t get too exited now it may take 3 months to get the license to operate. What I will tell you for sure in the coming 6 months the system will be operational, I will let you know where you may get hold of this system here and when you may used it."

Matonge the elder in the student group took also the opportunity to talk to the priest: "I have the honor and pleasure to talk you father. I thank you for the loyalty and sacrifice you are doing for us. I am short of words to express my true feeling. It was hard to get settle here but we have a really good caretaker who is our friend and fifth member in our group."

Matonge thought that it could be very difficult to be accepted but he had the impression that they were accepted everywhere here. They have many friends at school. When he see Christophe he remind him of their families. He has one problem if Christophe may try to speed up the process of asking some money from the government so they may be able to bring their fianc�e and wife Europe. He told the priests: "It very difficult to live without a woman. I am telling the truth, I have a very good female friend in our school."
Matonge have the impression that if the government doesn�t hurry to solve their problem he will fall in love and probably hurt his family and everybody.
The priest laughed for a while and intervenes: "Don�t fall in love with another woman now?"
"No" Shabani insisted "it hard to live without an woman."
"I am telling you that you must be strong."

Strong is not about being world champion strong is in mind. Some of the characters of strength is patience. Your priority is to study, woman can be a little favor the may give you, is not a must!
The elder student insisted: "I know that government take long time to respond but with your influence they may speed up the process. They are many nice ladies here. Sometime I get bad dreams and nightmare."
In the Africans tradition they always say: �you will find beautiful ladies in all the communities in the world�
"I repeat: It is a favor to bring your women here." Christophe said "What about we priest who live without woman?"

Christophe said that the students have only 3 months in Europe and start looking for woman? Some people have left their woman for more than 5 years but kept they promised alive! He said to Matonge that he has nightmare because he keep thinking of woman. He understood the fact Matonge was with your woman every time. Being in Europe is a big sacrifice. If they keep thinking a lot about woman, they will loose your priority. It will affect badly their studies�
Matonge intervene too and told the priest: "Father Christophe" he justified himself "I am not saying those words to please you and make you happy but what I experienced the few months here."

When Limete was in Africa he used to spend 50% of my time with his woman: he had to see here, be with her, think of her�And the other 50% to other occupations: his studies, watching soccer in the play ground, helping with some work at the family farm�But now that he is in Europe he spend his 100% of his time in his study. He concluded and contradicted Matonge: "I am happy being alone from now but I don�t mind if my fianc�e may come. I feel that I can wait even for two years."

Exactly the priest was happy to hear this student talking: "That is normal, it why many people are getting married in the late stage of their life. They have enough time to concentrate on their duties; studies, research"

But those students from rural area in Africa specially have been pressurized by their families to get married very early. He knows at one case, Shabani Zoao. He was so pressurized that he went to get his actually fianc�e Payo. They gave him all sorts of names of this World, Christophe supported Shabani but he was scared to be criticized by his family! He said: "We priests, we are trying to balance the culture and God work. We respect God at the same time we respect your culture too."

Kalamu was upset told the priest how he is scared to loose his fianc�e: "Really something must be done. I don't know if my fianc�e may wait too?"
"I don�t think so" the priest said "she will be pressurized by family to wait for you because she already given birth she will not be married by another man. You know well your culture."
Kalamu justified himself "I don�t really mean to leave her, I want her to wait for me for many years so I may finish my studies and have time to concentrate to the family."
The priest insisted: "I am telling you she won't be pressurized. It seems your forgetting yours custom now. I am trying to help your woman back home. You know that they will be maltreated and the same time to give the little favor. Is not a must for you to have your woman next to you anyway."
Kalamu was the last student to talk to the priest and was not done with the fear of loosing his fianc�e. He had also another problem much bigger too.
He spoke about his problem: "I don�t care anymore a lot about women but I miss a lot my 2 kids. I have a problem very different."
"Tell us we are family there nothing to hide here. Let me tell you that kids are not in priority topic."

The children may come in the late stage, he wanted one problem at the time. If they finish with bringing their women in Europe may be they may see the kids. He insisted that the students have a huge responsibility to take the responsibilities in their country. The country was waiting for them; Congo didn�t send them to Europe to stay. Once they have completed their studies they won�t renew their visas permit in Europe. They will have to return or live as illegal immigrant running every time from the immigration officials. "I didn�t mean to bring them here anymore."
"I understand' the priests was happy that his advises were taken in consideration immediately. "tell us what is your problem together we will see how we can help."

"My problem is to find my grand father who was from Portugal."

He wanted to suggest Christophe to contact different people who where in Africa at the time of his grand father or who knew him may be? They had no glue of where he was. They didn't know if he was alive or not. At least that Kalamu was in Europe he wanted to see even his grave if he his dead and possible meet some of his cousins too.

This was the good news that Christophe heard. A student who wanted to find his grand father. The man who left Africa many years. May be he went to another part of Africa. Especially the Portugal colonies: Angola and Mozambique:

"That is really an excellent idea" Christophe praised Kalamu "a true African doesn�t want to loose trace of friend and family, I will write in my agenda."

This is one of new priority for Christophe, he promised to see the elders from Kalamu's family to give him his exact name and contact at the same time others people who may help. Name plays a big role to trace to peoples and relatives. He said that even if dead by now, they will try to trace him and find some of Kalamu's cousins in Europe or possibly in other part of the World. At list Kalamu know your uncles who are in Congo. "Yes, I know them."

He decided to return to the man who works already and tackle about this subject. He knew personally Kitwe very well because he lives in Kilambe next to their church and the priest's hospital: "That is very good�Let finish with Shabani for today. Shabani when I was here your caretaker told me that you got a weekend job. Well done Shabani."

Shabani said that Christophe do not have to congratulate him or appreciated him. Christophe has to thank Bruce the caretaker who connected him and find a job for him. He said that Christophe has to thank too his colleagues for choosing him as the most unprivileged student. Shabani thanked those people that God have given him around, they were really his heroes.
"If there are heroes." Christophe said "You are also hero in your family and village."

Christophe hoped that Shabani may use this opportunity for a good cause. Christophe vowed that he won�t tell his family members that Shabani his working too because once they may find out that Shabani has another source of extract money, they will all double their demand. He promised that the only man he will talk too his Samba, Shabani's father and he will insist to keep secret from other members of the family even from your mother and his fianc�e Payo.
"You are genus Father." Shabani said
"I am not genus" the priest dismisses "I know better your culture. I have many days on this planet earth, I saw and experienced many thing in the World. Tell us about your problem my friend."

Shabani didn't have a problem now or a specific demand to make immediately but he want to take this opportunity to thank the caretaker for all the care his doing for them, they will never forget him in their lives, he wanted also to thank Christophe for the sacrifice he did to help the students and not forgetting the government for giving them this life time opportunity to study in Europe.
Christophe was impressed: "That is really good. You know I have two words in my life that are the foundation of good manner: Thank you and Sorry (excuse and Apologize)."

If people really use often those two words they will avoid unnecessary troubles in their life. Many people are proud to apologize and are not able to recognize the sacrifice and effort that others are doing.
Shabani told the priest: "I have a lot to learn in this world too as we all will learn. Those challenges we meet will make us good leaders and also good parents."

Christophe philosophy was that challenges are spices of life. There are many spices in food: salt that they put in our meats and others food and sugar that we put in tea, coffee, porridges�
Then Shabani personal problems flow in his mind. He was not shy to tell it in front of his colleagues and the caretaker to the priest: "Fathers those word encourage us to keep positive in our life. Not to complain about those circumstances. I wanted to tell you now my problem."

Samba wrote to Shabani a very touching story about the wedding. He wanted first to meet his future wife�s family demand: 50 francs as cash money, animals that according my evaluation are less 50 francs. Big parties in Kilambe their village are less than 80 francs. The students bought many clothes for the family members. He told the priest that Samba his father alone will distribute to different peoples more than 200 used clothes, he bought many of the clothes in the charities shops. The villagers do not need specific labels, they needed any kind of clothes to wears. He wanted to send 300 francs and pairs of shoes plus 2 trousers to my father in law. He didn�t buy bicycles more than 20 peoples have asked him for bicycles. But he will be saving money bicycle are quiet cheap here. He may be sending it via the ship to avoid the expenses of the flight.

"Well done Shabani" Christophe praised Shabani "you all have to buy the second hands clothes in the villages they don�t care about labels except in the big towns. Instead of buying one new cloth you may buy more than 12 used clothes here and make a big parcel. I know that you all did the same formula."
Christophe was just giving away the secret of acquiring many clothes. The priests who had very little income were always aware to give many clothes to many villagers in need. They were always clothes available for thousands and thousands of villages from many villages.
Shabani added is shocking story read in his father's later: "I was shocked also that the neighbor�s Uncle was eaten by a lion and died in your hospital?"
"Yes" confirmed the priest "I went to pray for him."

The last time this kind of incident happen was 2 years ago. Apparently they went to hunts some springboks. They were four hunters a lion caught him buy surprised. They others panicked and run away. Then when they find their find their cools they return to rescue their friends. His stomach was already tear away half of his neck was gone. They tried to cover the wounds and brought him at the hospital. It was late even in the most sophisticated hospital in the World there is nothing they could have done.
According to the traditional cause of death he may be punished by ancestors for having sex with is niece.
"I am a priest" Christophe said "I don�t believe in traditions but being in Africa for many years I learn to respect the tradition."

Those strange coincidences happen only to people who are doing bad things according to their tradition. They are many hunters who goes deep in the forest and never been killed by animals even without any weapon! The hunter could have done incest with her niece and the same time the hunter�s niece who confessed later had a strange disease that the medicine cannot cured. The priests discharged her from the hospital. Christophe doesn�t real believe in that traditional version for him it was just an accident.
Shabani mentioned another incident happened in that same hunter's family: "There are many strangers� things that happening in that family."

Three years ago 3 cousins died when their boats got missing they believe that they were trapped by a strange crocodile according to the traditional version of the incidents, they were punished for having eating their nephew�s wedding money without the authorization of their parents.

Bruce was shocked to hear the kind of accident happening in the African continent and the traditional version of the incident. He felt that he was missing many things while in Europe.
Christopher knew better Africa and was explaining: "You know that in you tradition you have to respect the 10 commandments and try to live a clean life."

The Africa tradition doesn�t allow misconduct. Africa culture does not mess with wedding money. The same time if a good man died their blames bad people, jealous and witches and if a bad man died, they blame ancestors for the punishment. They is no natural death in Africa. In Europe it natural that people will all die one day, do you thing that a man is eternal?
Matonge was well placed to explain because his father was a member of the traditional kingdom. He grew up with a strict African tradition. He knows better the African tradition: "We know that we have to die. For us death must be a celebration."

People must die when there are very old, have plenty of children and grand children. Having accomplished their contribution in life. The African do not accept a death of a young man or woman as natural phenomenon when is young. Death becomes a celebration when people die old and they call it joining ancestors.

"Those who are dying young do not join the ancestors they go straight in hell?" the priest argued "Imagine a 1 years old who never lied, never steal or rob�going to hell and a those 100 years people who have killed, robbed�going to join ancestors because they die old?"

Matonge explained: "Not like that father. I didn�t mean that way, all dead good or bad are joining the ancestors."

Those good, innocents turn to be good angel that we invoke for blessings and good thing and then they go and present those request to God. They link us between us and God. They protect us against bad peoples�Those bad peoples and criminals turn to be bad angels called to punish enemies, revenge�They link us to Satan�
It looks like the priest had to stop the conversation as African story never end. He confessed: "The African tradition is a dictionary at his own."

People will never stop learning in African cultures and every day they learn something new. That made the culture more interesting culture. Christophe has to see my aunt also living in this city. He learnt from Africa to care for everybody. When he was in Europe he wasn't visiting is relatives. He told the students: "Help me to take the parcels in the car. I am going tomorrow and may return for a short trip in one month to fetch the communication materials."
The priest insisted and Reminded the African students to respect their elders, caretaker, teachers, friends, everybody and remember to respect the instructions every where in the society. Africa culture is respect:

"Keep respecting, everything and everybody as your culture taught you" Christophe advises the students "I will greet on your behalf your families and friends. I will tell them that you are doing well" before he finishs his talk he reminded the student "Remember always a man without a culture is a walking dead man. Every cultures in the World are good and your culture is respect."

CHAPTER SIX :THE PARCELS

When the student�s family had the news that the priest have arrived from Europe they went to collect letters, clothes and parcels sent to them. Everybody in the cities were alerted. The rumors circulated so fast that many of the family members didn�t go to their daily occupation. They were anxious to collect parcels. Shabani wrote to his father letter:

From Shabani Zoao Samba

To my father samba

I have the pleasure to take this opportunity to respond to your letter. I am fine and I was glad to hear that you are all alive. I pray that God keep you alive so we may meet again, it will be a feast when we will meet again.

Father, I am taking this opportunity to thank you. I never had an opportunity to thank you face to face. I take this opportunity to thank you my god in this World. I never thought that in my life I will have the opportunity to be in this World that you are calling World of whites, of courses is the world of Whites. They are all white, every body here are white. We are treated as heroes, they respect us a lot in this city and are curious to see us as we were curious to see whites when they first arrived in our lands. It is the same feeling. People have seen blacks in the films and pictures in the magazines but not face to face.
I remember father when I was kids I didn�t like school, you were forcing me to go in the city while my friends were learning to hunt, fish and playing on trees. I didn�t know what you were doing for me. I thought that you were a bad father who hated me. Today I am respected every where as a future leader in our land. My friends have for reward now many kids, wife and stress for feeding their family. I am not against that because I will get also a family but I don�t regret. Time will come to make a family and giving my children a much better life plenty of opportunities.
You made plenty of the sacrifices for me and my family. You don�t have even a bicycle because you wanted us to study. Your friends and my friends used to mock at you for not having a bicycle. I know you could have afforded it but you made sacrifices for us to study. You saw the future that many in the villagers could see. You prepared our future for us and it is our turn too to prepare the future of your grand children.
You are the one who made our dreams come true. Yes this country is for whites I find even poor whites here. All the beggars, the robbers, the securities, guards, domestics�are whites and all the riches are white. In our country all the riches are whites and most of the poor are blacks.
I have a weekend job and I want you to keep secret. The little money I got from the job and the pocket money help me to save money and send you this parcel of clothes. The clothes are very cheap here but we don�t often have the opportunity to send it home. I will definitely send you bicycles may be in the coming days. I send you these 300 francs to finalize my wedding. The priest is trying to pressure the government to bring our fianc�e here to avoid cheating. Please keep that wife for me, I know I went against my mother's will and family's will to get married to her instead of my mother�s daughter of her best friend.
There are many beautiful ladies but we are scared to get involved. It will be against God commandments. I send also some clothes for the coming baby.
The priest may return to fetch the communications materials so we may be in contact may be once a week but it is a process that may take long. Still the priest has the wait for some 3 months for the license to come out.
I send enough clothes; you know the priority next time I will concentrate to bicycles. Many people here are not even interested in bicycles. They use the public transport but I know that in the rural area they are more interested. We are living in quiet a big city, I cannot write to my future wife who will be soon my wife as she doesn�t know how to read and how to write and to avoid the conflict with my mother try to tell her that I really love her, she is all for me. The school schedules is quiet relax here, we have many friends. At work I have many kids� customers� friends and fans.
Great all members of the family, I know it is not easy for them as is not easy for me too to be far away from each other.

I love you all.
Your son Shabani.

When the father finished to read, went to have a look of the parcels inside the house. He find that Tumba, Shabani's mother had opened the parcels. He shut at the mother for opening the parcel without his authorization: "Who told you to open the parcels?"
"The parcel is from Shabani my son too." the mother said.
"Since when Shabani is your son?" the father argued.
"I bear Shabani in my stomach for 9 month, how can tell me is not my son?"

The children in their culture are woman's child only when is doing bad thing. When the child is doing good things at that moment he is the man's child. When the man is angry of the child, he called him the woman's son. When he is proud of him he calls him his child.
"I have contributed at least for his life!" the mother explained.
"You are mad" the father said "I will go and see your father for talking to me in this ways. I respect you now that we have big children, I don�t have to touch you with my hands anymore."

Samba used to beat up his wife especially when they were all young until the woman got used to beating. Tumba swore that she didn�t want Shabani's fianc�e to have those clothes. She is a stranger in her family; Tumba don�t even recognize her as her daughter in law. She said to his husband: "How do you talk about the culture while you let Shabani to marry a woman that we don�t even know?"
"Shut up" Samba said "in our culture the man is always right and the woman is always wrong."
"Wrong?" the mother explained "Wrong when the woman wants to implement the tradition?"
"Shut up, I am the chief supreme here."

Tumba decided to remind Samba, in his own case, his uncle chosen him to be her husband. Tumba didn�t even hesitate to take him as her husband leaving straight away her former boy friend.
Samba refused to accept his wife's claim: "In our culture boyfriends or girl friends doesn�t exist only woman and girl friends. Are you trying to remind me of what happened 30years or 40 years ago?"

Tumba said to have applied their culture 100%, she didn�t see what is wrong she let him having 3 wives, she heard that Samba is in love with a women living by the river. That is mean will be now 4 women in his life?
The husband was angered by his wife claim: "Do you want to play with me? Since when an woman may show the man the way?"

The women said that she was not against his husband will! The only thing she want is that Shabani get married to her daughter�s friend, she pray morning and night for that to be realized. All Shabani's brothers took in marriage all the woman we given to them.
"Shabani is the name of my grand fathers, they called." Samba explained "Don�t you see that in the family that all the children named after Shabani are doing the things in their own way?"

Shabani's mother was decided "But you keep Shabani as your own child."

Shabani is first child of the family to go to Europe and she was part of the family. When it comes to Shabani marriage, Tumba didn�t and vowed that Shabani will never get married to that lady Payo.
Samba was standing by his son decision: "I will prove you that I am the chief of this family."

Samba said that his going to see his wife's father and tell him about this unfamiliar tune of talking to him and he is going to pay and finish the money of dowry that they owe to Payo's family the same night tonight.
"Samba what are you doing?" the mother asked.
"Like or not, tonight."

Samba wanted to punish his wife for disputing and undermining his authority. He took the decision never to beat Tumba again because she was the first wife. To punish her again he vowed to get to marry the fourth wife.
Tumba Shabani's mother tried to stop Samba from punishing her: "Samba that is mean every time we will have a disagreement you will get more wives?"

Samba was her own man when they were teenagers and then he took the second wife without any disagreement and after the dispute he kept marrying new wives. She asked: "What is going on?"
Tumba used to see Samba in her bed every day and then six time a week, five then four time,�now she don�t even see him in her bedroom for sometime two weeks: " need you Samba, let talk now."
"Talk about what?"

Samba's uncle chosen Tumba to be his first wife and the most important wife. He took the second wife Sidoni because his former�s husband was his brother when he died according to their culture, the brother inherits the decease wife: "You know that according to our culture we take the elder�s wife when they pass away."
"Let please talk because if you take a fourth wife, I won�t see you?"

For sometime Samba wanted to divorce his first wife but in the African culture divorce do not exist in our custom. The only way to divorce was to get another wife and be rare to that woman.
The woman tried to come with a suggestion: "I have a suggestion."
"Which suggestion?"

For Samba his wife has always wrong suggestions. He didn�t not expect something good from his wife. In their culture woman has nothing to tell to the man. The man was always right.
The woman swore and asked for permission to make a suggestion: "For once in my life I promised you to give you a good suggestion."
"You will never give me a suggestion is an insult to ancestors; it is me who will give you suggestion."
"Try samba."

Samba promised to stop getting married to the fourth wife if Tumba let Shabani getting married for the first time in their family to the woman of is his choice. They have a grand child coming. She may give birth to a child any time from now. Samba wanted all his grand children to have two parents as they grew up having both parents.
The woman had another side of story: "If we let this happening that is mean we have to let the others boys in the family to have their own choice of wives."

In they culture they don�t know those wives their children self chosen wives, because they believed that many are witches are coming into the family. She won�t allow it, she wanted Shabani to have many wife as long the first wife is a family choice. She said that she didn't mind if Samba get a fourth, fifth, sixth, even hundredth wife. They were already tree wives and she didn't see Samba every week in her bedroom. She told Samba: "One think you will never change is that I am your first and the only wife recognized by the home affairs."
"How Shabani can have many wives we already paid the first part of the money to his fianc�e�s family?"

Samba said that Shabani, must start like every one in the family. They start with one wife and then two and then tree�even 10 as long he start by one at the time. Shabani is not even married yet and then her mother wants to trouble him with two wives at the time. It will be a crack and shock. He will burst, they said that the more wives a man have, the more problems the man have in life. Samba insisted: "I like my son and I will never and never tolerate that to happen."

Tumba said that Samba has to consider the fact that she will never recognize that fianc�e of Shabani. He blamed his husband to encourage strange habit and when she want to help him to see the mistake Samba always take culture as an excuse.
Samba told Tumba to be careful with what she is trying to do: "Tell me of if it happens that we loose one of the Shabani�s big brother, who will inherited his wife or wives?"

Samba said Tumba must take in consideration that in this World any thing can happen: good and bad thing. If now they rush in giving him 2 wives now and the heritage? He is too young to have many wives anyway!

For Tumba Shabani wasn't too young. His cousin has already 3 wives and 7 children and is one year younger than Shabani.
Samba told her: "Shabani had his first wife long time ago."

His first wife is school while the others were sleeping in the arms of women; Shabani was sleeping in the hands of school books. That is the different with Shabani and other children in the village.

For Tumba Shabani should have by now 4 children but Samba encouraged the delay of making a family. Shabani still very poor they must try to catch up the time. Wealth in their culture was the number of the children and wives. He must be in the level with his friends and to catch up we will start by sending him 2 wives in Europe.

Samba told his wife that Shabani may get in another wife over there in Europe? And secondly Shabani has many children: his primary certificate, his secondary certificate and now his pregnant with his tertiary certificate. The coming child is a colored because he is an African who will graduate in Europe. It is a mixture of African and European blood.
Tumba wanted to end the dispute: "That is actually will be a blessing."
"I told you that all women suggestions are satanic." the husband said "You always destroy relationship and put every time people in trouble and conflicts."
"You are the same with all the men in the village." the wife said. "You pretend to be civilize, little bit a white minded way of thinking."
"What do you want me to be?"

Samba was an African born in this area and must think and talk like all the man in the village. His ancestors will punish him if he is trying to be too white( in culture). Any way he told his wife his final thought tonight: "I will finish the problem of Shabani and in tomorrow with the rest of the money I am taking another wife for myself."

"Let buy with the rest of the money a second hand bicycle and stop the marriage to another woman"

For Tumba Samba, was always getting thinner and thinner because of sleeping around with tree wives. What will happen again if he takes a fourth wife? He will get again thin and prematurely die. Tumba felt that she will stay alone to take care and educate Samba's many children. She confessed:
"I will miss you and I love you."
The father's hope was in the son who was in Europe: "Shabani will take care of the family and my young brother will take you all as his wives to add to his wives. Don't forget my son who will be a priest soon."

The immediate young brother of Samba, Tamaya is having already 2 wives and we 3 that mean will be 3 and he may come to my place once a year? Because man are interested in young ladies and at late forties years Tumba felt that she was old already.
Samba reminded his first wife: "You will be 3 not 10 because I am serious about a new wife, young and energetic woman."

Samba decided to distribute the clothes send by Shabani after he is going to accuse Tumba to her father for giving him a tuff time. And He is going to finish the money that they owe to Shabani's family in law and tomorrow he is getting married to another wife. "I am going to accuse you to the priests now, I won't get anything from the parcel." the wife said "I am going now unless you kill me and tell to the priest all the secret you have and the small magic pot you hide under my bed."
This could have been a big blow for Samba if they find out that he practices too African's magic while he was respect and trusted member of the church. The priests were not encouraging their follower to have traditional protection. But most of the men had their traditional secret protection. Even Samba had one, all his wives didn't know except Tumba the first and the most important wife in his life. On the identity document only the first wife was recognized not the others one.
He had no choice but to beg his first wife: "Come on my wife let talk. You are my first love mother of my big family and mother of my clan. We have a lot to hide, please let talk seriously now what do you want? What is first will always remain first."
"I want two things: Stop Shabani from getting married to the stranger wife and secondly don�t get that fifth wife."
"I take in consideration the second suggestion."

The first was impossible because Shabani sent money to finalize the marriage process. In their culture they don�t mess with the wedding money, they will be all punished by their ancestors. He accepts one of her suggestion and accept one of my proposition or you loose all.

Tumba was pleased to hear the man begging her. "Now we are talking as a couple."

She wanted before she joins the ancestor (die) to see her friend�s daughter in Shabani's arms. She will accept his husband suggestions but she swore that her friend daughter must be one of Shabani's wives too. She concluded: "I even told to my friend to keep her daughter for Shabani long before that Payo."
In a period when the African woman was more as an object than a partner it was difficult for women to express themselves. In a period when children were sign of wealth it was difficult to stop men of having many wives too.
"Let do this" Samba suggested "the current fianc�e must go to follow Shabani in Europe and your friend's daughter will be the local wife here. With or without Shabani's permission."
"That is sound good." Tumba was pleased "That is mean the rest of money we will pay to my friend�s daughter tomorrow."
"Excellent but I have a last suggestion, allow me to have that river�s girl because I accepted your suggestion."
"Not now" Tumba said "I will allow you in few years may be."
Despite the polygamous. The first wife was always the most important woman and all the wives used to respect the first wives and her children. That alone created to kind of children in the polygamous family. The A children those from the first wife and the B children from the other wives. To make the matter worst the government recognized only the first wives. And the B children always felt neglected and left out by the society. Those children loved they mothers a lot and hated they fathers.

CHAPTER SEVEN : THE DISTRIBUTION

After the long discussion with his wife Shabani�s father get out of his house finds a group of people waiting for him outside and the discussion continue outside again. Shabani's mother knowing the situation in the family had chosen some clothes for her children and other members of the family and hide before he even talk the family members were discussing. They were sitting under a big tree in the yard. The yard in those villages were big even thought most of the houses were 2 rooms. But samba's first house has four room. His other two wives lived two streets away from this place and had much smaller houses of two rooms: "Samba have no right to distribute the clothes to us. The responsibility must be given by the elder in the clan."

Sukuma, the present elder in the family is too weak to talk or even distribute. He was even unable to see anyway. But he was the most respected man in their clan and had the final words in the family. Before even seeing the parcel already a slight dispute took place in the waiting group. Some wanted to have all the things that Shabani have send. And left behind every body weren't there and many still coming.

One of them said "I want to return home in bicycle, I haven�t ride a bicycle for 2 years now."
"I rode the priest�s bicycle last week." One explained.
An elder Bwasa was not shy to say "I am serious if the young Shabani doesn�t send me next time a bicycle I will send a deadly disease and will be cure just when I will get my bicycle."
In the African tradition the bad words were taken by witches and make it become real in life. Many people were forbidden to talk about bad things even insult they children like, "You are stupid" because those words may be used by witches and become real and the insulted child could be real stupid in future.
Those were not pleasant words us one of the member of the family reacted: "Don�t talk like this my brother if anyone listen to you and accuse you won�t get away alive."
"I am already seventy years and I am not scared to die."
"If you not scared to die why don�t you die and live the World to young people?"

The man said that he will die when the ancestors will call me. One angry family member asked him "Who told you that the ancestors haven�t call you yet because you old already?"
"I know that my time hasn�t come" Bwasa, the old man said.
"If the ancestors may call young people than you what prove that you are special than others?"
"I am so special and a good man." He defended himself.

People wondered that if he was good how can you say that if Shabani doesn�t send you a bicycle you will send him a deadly disease? In their tradition elder of the family had the power to send curses, bad luck, and blessing by their words only. This old man already was in trouble to have said that if he doesn't get a bicycle he will send a bad disease to the young Shabani.
People look at him, the seventy years old was already trembling when walking. They wondered how he will ride a bicycle when his body was weak already. "That is not being a bad man it will be a punishment."

That was not a punishment, only ancestors, dead people have the right to punish not a alive man?
"I am one of the old man in the family."
"If you really think that what you said was good. Why don�t you scream so every body may hear you?"
"Let leave this subject."
"You see now if you want I will scream on your behalf and tell every body of your intention?"
"No, I was just joking I was not serious." Bwasa explained. "It was just a joke"
"Since when are we joking with life and death?"
"I am sorry."
"You must be sorry and apologize."

Shabani's maternal uncle swore that he would be the first one to start beating up him if something bad or an accident happens to Shabani. He told that old man to remember that his was already old, he told him that he won't return alive at his house if he is beat you up. Someone has given him a favor in sending clothes. He told him: "You know that you don't deserve gift and you on top of that favor you want more? Are you strong to even ride properly a bicycle?"
"Let leave this subject."
"I am serious now" one member of the family said "If any thing bad happen to Shabani where he is, I will denounce those words you said and personally with the all family we will burn you alive."
"Forgive me!" Bwasa said.
"Forgive you?" another family member argued "How many people you already burned alive in your life. Those people were bad man like you so you deserve to be burn too."
"Speak down" the old man begged "other people around may hear you and beat me up. I haven�t finished my contribution to make in this World."
"We will never forgive."

He said that he will keep those word and note if anything bad happen to Shabani even in the land of whites he will denounce you. From today bad thing to Shabani equal to your death. "You Must pray day and night that Shabani is alive from now your life depend to Shabani well being."
This old man who said bad words about Shabani was lucly that the close member of the familly who heard those words didn't want to punish him. In some family these people were beaten and even killed by their relatives.
Shabani's father comes out of his house with the big parcel. Chritophe the priest made sure when he arrived in Kilambe to personally come and drop the biggest parcel he had. Shabani tried to forget that he had early argued with his wife in the house while relatives were coming and waiting outside. They were already about 50 peoples outside. Samba took now the opportunity to talk to every body likely he didn't hear what those two people were talking about: "I thank you for coming today. I know that you left behind your work and come here to share this big celebration. I thank all the elder in family for blessing Shabani my son and son of the big family. Now we may all celebrate the fruit of the prayers, there more coming."

Samba told them that Shabani took note of all their demand and request now he sent the first part of your demand that is clothes the second part may come later. He urged everybody to keep praying and keep blessing Shabani. Shabani decided to send many clothes to make the elder and people happy. In their culture if people and especially member of your family are happy you will be blessed more, get more luck, live longer and everything you will do or touch will succeed. Shabani was still very much linked to his African culture.
Shabani father opened the letter while everybody were watching and loudly read it: "I will start by reading the letter"
He took the entire letter and read in public when he finished to read a letter, many people in the group where disappointed by the fact he gave the role of distributing the clothes to Samba. But they couldn�t change the decision because Shabani gave the power to Samba. And one of the most disappointed man in the group express his disappointment: "In the name of the all family, I express my disappointment that Shabani a young man give the responsibility to his father while the his father is not the elder in our family. Shabani failed to implement the tradition any way according to our culture we will respect his will and we will keep praying for his blessing."

Another adds: "This is not true, Shabani will never do this mistake."

They said that they were the one who blessed him and he will never do such thing, to solve this problem he wanted if they can call a neutral reader. Samba has lied to them he took the advantage because they couldn�t don�t know how to read. "Let call someone else."
Everybody agreed to call someone else to come and read. It took another twenty meeting to go and someone who can read. The reader come and read the same things. They refused to Shabani's brother to read. They waited for about 30 minutes to search and find a man who can read in Kilambe. This show how many people were illiterate about 98 % of the people were still illiterate. The matter was solved and Samba took the responsibility to distribute the clothes:

Samba decided to keep first the clothes of elders who are here and others members include his children who went to school. After he give to those who were present. He set the priority: man first and woman after. No one took two clothes the family is too big or you have one shirt or one pant or one T-shirt.
He opens the parcel and gave the clothes to the present members of the family and the neighbors had something. He also keeps to the family�s members who were absent. Every body was satisfied despite the early incidents before they leave the place the elder present in the group said the last world:
A 82 years old ex hunter Sukuma who was still fit despite his age blessed Shabani and told everybody: "We all got something from our grand child Shabani it is a really blessing. I will urge every body to keep praying for Shabani the more he is blessed the more blessed we will be."

He also urged every body to start sending their children at school. They need more people like Shabani in the family, they more they will have Shabani in the family the more they will be blessed he guaranteed them.

Then after chatting to Samba he chose 5 people in the family include him to accompany Samba to pay the rest of the money they owe to his family in law so they finish their debt and then they will announce when to have a wedding party. They wanted that before Shabani's fianc�e give birth to pay their traditional due.

They took the chosen people to go and pay the remaining money to Shabani's family in law. Women were not allowed to be in the meeting. They culture don�t allow women to take part in paying of things regarding the wedding. They walked for about 20 minutes and they were already at their in law house. They find many bottles of beer at that yard here and there. Payo's father liked to drink a lot. The traditional beer and the rare modern beer from the brewery in Kinshasa. Most of his income was spend on beer.
They were given wood chairs outside 4 rooms houses. Most of the people's first wife had 4 rooms with Thatcher on top. The few houses that had modern roof were priest houses, school, hospital, the chief houses and very few villagers house.
Shabani's father took first the words: "I am to be here, our day have been very hectic never the less we managed to come and respect our commitment."

Samba thanked Payo's father for his little patience you shown. It was not easy for him to wait for this long. Samba too didn�t think that it may take this long, last time when Payo's went to see his brother Samba. Samba was so worried that they haven�t respect their due. But today was the day, he bought with him family members to come and finalize the process. They decided to talk when to make a party. Shabani still not here and they don�t know when he is coming but that is not important.
Shabani�s father in law responded: "It is also important that we make a party to show everybody that my daughter is officially taken."
"It is important but Shabani is not here."
"We will make a party with or without the presence of Shabani. The family is there to represent him."
"Yes, we will see when we may do it."
"I prefer this coming weekend."

Every body have been laughing at Payo's father saying that Shabani has gone forever and will never return leaving behind his daughter and then his daughter will never be married again. It wasn't easy in Kilambe for a woman who has given birth to find another husband.
"I know it is why we are coming to honor our commitment." Samba said "I am sorry for taking so long."
"I always had been a very patience man since I was a kid." Manda responded.
"I don�t thing that you are patience enough" Samba confessed "last time you come firing some words at us"
"I know Shabani" Mada explained "he is a very good man it is why I refused to give my lovely" daughter to the king�s son. She could be a princess by now.
Samba didn't agree to what is in law was saying: "You are lying, your daughter refused to be married to the king�s son. She even wanted to take away her life."
"Like it or not that is not the subject of the day." Manda justified himself "The King even proposed me to give me a land and 100 ships and many cows."
"If that is true why don�t you take them?"
"I feel pity for Shabani who may be so worried."
"So worried?"
"I love that young boy."

Payo's father was known as the only man who asks a lot money and material for a local woman. In their culture wedding is not a business but symbol even one Franc was enough.
Shabani father in law got angry by Samba's remark:

Payo's father said that is was nothing if they wanted he will triple again the money. First she is beautiful. Secondly she was virgin. Thirdly they have to repay him for the all thing that he spend for his daughter. Fourthly he was broke, he need every time to drink. He has to save some thing to buy the traditional beer. Fifthly she supposed to be married by the king�s son. Lastly and the most important think: Shabani have gone to the country of whites. All whites are very rich so today he is a very rich man now.
"You know that in our culture marriage is a symbol not a business." Samba explained "Love is the link of two peoples and their family."
"Before I continue to talk give me some beer." Manda demanded
Shabani�s fathers opened a bag and give some bottles of beers. Manda before he contunue took some glasses of beer while the visitors were watching him. "Now we can talk as brothers not as stranger." Manda recalled "Where were we?"
"We were saying that marriage is a symbol not a business."
"Look now I am going to the farms, my only way to survive is to sell daughters." Manda confessed.
"Your 3 wives still going to farms too."

Payo's father wanted buy beer, he had 18 daughters and 6 boys with many wives like the majority of the villagers. Four daughters were already married. He didn't see the importance why to go to farm anyway? He didn�t want to fight he asked to give him what their have brought. He insisted: "Witness are here, since I sold in marriage my 4 daughters I never had a long discussion like this one."

"Can you remind me how much you asked?"
"I don�t remember now but you are the one who must remember." Samba told him "This is not the end of the road, you asked 50 francs in cash and"
One member of Shabani�s family intervenes: "That is too much; we pay less than 10 francs for the woman here. How can you ask for 50 francs?"
"I told you that is peanut to Shabani is living in white's land is rich all white people are rich."
Europe was often referred as the land of white because all the colonists from Europe were white.
"Still Shabani won�t change to be a white?" Samba told him "Anyway he went to study in Europe not to work."
"He will be white in his mind and black in skin."
"That is not our culture?"
"Culture or not Shabani have gone behind culture in interacting with whites in the white country."
Samba intervenes: "Don�t worry Shabani have sent the money able to finish his demand."
Samba gave the envelop of money: "This is the envelope of 50 francs and the animals are coming with the animals, this is your 2 pairs of shoes and the 2 trousers."

Manda, Payo's father smiled, happy to have received even the shoes he was not expecting and the trouser. "Thank you, thank you for the money�How my God this is a lot of money�I will buy tomorrow a second hand bicycle and enough beer for 3 months. I won�t go out any more."
"We are not interested to how you will spend the money."
The happy man said: "The lady is yours from now and forever. There is no slip for the traditional marriage arrangements. You see how female children are important?"

The traditional wedding and the dowry had no slips, it was a verbal arrangement agreement between the two families with their witness. The witnesses were viewed as the slip of this traditional ceremony. The dowry had no slip like the good from the shop.
"Boys are more important" Samba told him "because they bring money and are chief of the family."
"For me it doesn�t matter." Manda said "I thank God for giving me many girls than boys."
"Your daughter will be always slave of they husband."
"All my boys are drinker" Manda confessed " Drunker like me they father" he laughed "and I don�t thing that they will bring me 50 francs only some 5francs."
"You are the one who gave them this bad habit of drinking." Samba blamed him.

Payo's father said that is the best way to celebrate life. He told his in law not to forget: every day he will be coming to their houses they must give him hot beers. Now they were confirmed family.
Then Samba gave her him the report of his daughter pregnancy: "We tasted your daughter, she is fertile"
"All my daughters are fertile."

He said that his daughters always give birth to healthy and strong children. He told his in laws: "Look at me I used to be a warrior you all know me when I fight."
He had not to explain because already is name means it. Manda or Mandla in some African tribe meant the strength, the strongest man.
He promised them that his grand children are always strong. Last Sunday one of his grand children broke his friend's nose while playing. He has to pay to is friend�s family one ship and 2 chickens for the trouble. He was proud of his children and grand children.
"We are not here to talk about fight." Samba explained.
"We have to talk about it." Manda explained "Who will protect you when the invaders will come? I just want to tell you that you made a life time investment."
"That doesn�t matter all that matter is that we have finished our due."
The in law kept insisting about the party because he liked beers "When are we going to do the party?"
"Let see this Sunday."
"Not this Sunday, we will be attending my neighbor�s daughter wedding." he explained that "my neighbour daughter supposed to die Thursday but died Friday"
It wasn't a good joke for the Samba's family. The African culture has to learn to respect people and never make fun for anything that human's has no control. Like death, like accident, like look of people, like disability. They all ignored the drunker.
"Let see then" Samba promised "I will come by your place to finalize the discussion after this Sunday."
"Okay" Manda agreed "we will be waiting for you. It doesn�t matter the lady is yours, I will see you."

Before the visitors leave, he wanted to suggest them if they may leave the wedding party money with him so he will buy all the necessary for the party.
"I am sorry" Samba apologized "I cannot do that. You have your 50 francs for the your daughter now you want to follow the few cents for the party."

After the ceremony. Shabani's father left with is family members his brother�s in law the place. The family�s members had also some beers too.

CHAPTER EIGHT: CELEBRATION

The students sent to Europe by the new Congolese government to study and take the leadership of the country after their independence was committed to their study.
In fact they were selected for their best result in their school in their native land. They were told by their superiors back home not to relax while there are in Europe. They were told how important it was for them to study hard and take the leadership of their own country.
In 1960 the all country had only five people graduated from university. Most of the ministers and dignitary in their country were not intellect.
Their rushed to ask for independence while they were no intellect to take the leadership of the country.
Already the country was experiencing many problems with the lack of university and college graduated personals. They African student were also motivated ministry post and high governmental post were waiting for them. The do not have to look for jobs but the jobs were waiting for them. All they had to do was to get a qualification from Europe. The only way to succeed was to wok hard at school. It is what they were doing in Europe.
The transition to Europe of those four students was brusque. They were not even based in the African's cities but they were selected straight from the rural area to the Brussels in Europe. They jump many steps at once.
They government had trust to those Africans students from the disadvantaged community in the rural area and offered them that opportunity to got to Europe living behind many matriculate student from they cities.
In Europe the African students passed with good marks in school's first term. Bruce the caretaker was so happy that he decides to bring them in the club just for a celebration: "I decided to bring you tonight in a local night club. This is not a bad influence but they way of celebrating to motivate you to work again hard that ever."

Bruce promised the student to have another chance to return again to the club if they you pass with high marks again. It was a big blessing and good for his reputation to as the student caretaker. He will be also quoted good and respected if all the students keep up the good work. He begged them not to return in club without his permission.
He told to Shabani who has to go to work the following days that he was calling on the phone his manager that he won't be going to work next day because they were celebrating his passing too.

It was Bruce way to encourage his student to work had and help they mind to relax. He used to do the same with the Chinese students. Himself was rare in the club but makes sure to go in the weekend very late and return the early hours in the morning so his student don't have to find out about his club habit.
He used to make sure to control himself before it becomes a bad habit for him. He wanted to be and remain the student role model.
Shabani was still very much stick to his weekend peace of job. He was the only one who had a part time job: "My manager is very strict he won�t accept any excuse without someone to replace me."
Bruce reassured him: "He will understand because I am the one who sent you there."
"If he can understand is good. I will suggest that you phone him now. If he agrees I will go with you. If he doesn�t agree I will stay alone here."
"That is a good idea let me go and phone him now." the caretaker said.
When the caretaker went to phone they students started thinking about this nightclub idea:
"If the priest may hear that we went for a drink they will be so upset." suggested Kalamu.
They were very scared of priest too. They have grown up in the rural area praying at the Catholic Church and studied at the catholic school. The priests were like father to those fours students.
Matonge the elder in the students group had no fear, "Who will tell them? Every house has a secret."
"If even they find out they will understand it just occasionally."
Limete was little bit reluctant too to buy the caretaker idea: "this may turn to be a bad habit. I remember that my father told me not to try the bad habits�"

Matonge as the first born of the family was ensuring his colleagues: "Just once man! Every house has a little secret."
"If it happens that we fight there?"
"Let make sure that we don�t fight."
"The white man's beers are not so strong. I used to drink the hot beers at my place."
They all tasted the beer before but mostly the African traditional beer that has no dose and some of them were very strong. Some traditional formula beers were even nicknamed like: "Pima Uyambe" translated as "try it and you will shit in your pant." Some were nickname: "Passop" translated as "be careful" some were called "Bwa Kabi" translated as" Dangerous dog"...
Limete reminded his colleagues: "This is not what we are here for."
Matonge who was the most respected in they group as the elder was encouraging them: "Just once."
"What will happen if we get drank and sleep with other ladies there?"
"We are not going to sleep with ladies. Even if we sleep around that will remain house secret."
"Let go don�t hesitate the God who send us here will protect us".
"We experienced everything here: at school, at work you Shabani you are representing us, in the society, why not in the night club?"
Shabani told the elder: "I am not used to drink."
Matonge was determines not to change his mind. Himself against the other tree students: "Don�t worry; we will take care of each other."
"If something happen the caretaker will be in responsibility. �That is crazy we are old enough to take care of our self."
"Let experience."
"Why the caretaker is taking so long on the phone?"
"He is coming�"
The caretaker returned with the answer: "Things have turn from good to better. To night it will be double celebrations."

All the students were wondering about what Bruce was talking about double celebration: "Double celebration?"
The students were wondering what the caretaker meant by double celebration as Bruce was explaining: "Yes, double celebration. I don�t know that you noticed that I took so long on the phone!"
"Yes, we noticed."
"I talk with the manager he told me that he was having a good news for me."
"Which good news?"
"Yes, good new."

The manager of the supermarket told him that there are two students who decided to leave the work because they fails at school and they needed more time to try and concentrate in their studies. Bruce told the manager that he has tree jobless students not two. One is working already working and now you are asking me for 2 students. Bruce insisted of the remaining student? Daniel the manager said is sure that more students will resign soon because he usually gets many students resigning at this time of the year. It doesn�t mind if all 4 students may come to work. One more student may not make a big difference in the company�s budget. They were very impressed by Shabani's work and they are expecting the others students to deliver like Shabani because they were from the same land.
Bruce jumped from joy. He screamed: "My prayers have been answered: I wanted you all to work at the same place. This coincidence does not happen every day."
Bruce former students used to works in different places and it was very difficult to control them. Some took advantage of it, returning late advancing every excuse. He really ended up in big trouble when one of the students makes a local girl pregnant. Another one hit broke his girlfriend the noise with a karate kick. He used to go in court every week. And his job was on the line, his superiors blamed him for not looking after the students. He knows that the African are young but much disciplined. He didn�t expect those situations to happen again.

The other students were happy too, they will join Shabani at the supermarket. They saw how Shabani made some extra money. They don't to rely on the mere government pocket money.
And Bruce wanted to forget a message to Shabani: "Daniel your manager has sent his congratulation to you."
Even Daniel was very happy for his hard working student Shabani. He accepted that Shabani may be absent tomorrow but insisted: "keep out of trouble."
So let get ready we will chill tonight until the early morning tomorrow.

The students were over excited; they went to change their clothes and got into the Bruce�s car for the experienced in the night club. It was for the first time that the student has to go to a notorious night club. In Africa they were living in the rural villages where there is no night club. They heard many stories about the night club but haven't experience one.

What a celebration! When they reached the famous night club was full of peoples including many students who went to celebrate. At the night club door the bounced where surprised: "Who are those people?"
The caretaker answered: "There are my friends."
"I never saw them before?"
"I am the one who bring them."
"I know you with your Chinese students."
"That is right, there are my new student from Africa."
"That is very interesting, welcome to our night club. You will be always welcome in this club."
"Thank you."

Shabani look at many tables in the big club, saw already people on the dance floor. Bruce, chose a empty table next to the counter and made sit his student.
It was the night club on the down floor and upstairs it was a mini hotel.
When they sit, Bruce caretaker asked for 5 beers and then added more beer. The African student had a chance in their lives to drink traditional beer from their village. In Kilambe the traditional palm tree's beer was the most popular. It had sugar before being fermented. And young people and no drinker used to drink it. The African students saw the modern beer from their capital city Kinshasa but they were not drinking it. Matonge the elder in the group saw the eyes of Shabani changing attitude: "Are you drank my brother?
"Not yet."
"I see your eyes changing?"
"That is not necessary mean that I am drank."
"I know you that you don�t drink beer."
As the people were dancing, Shabani he noticed that people were dancing the same kind of dances. In their culture they dance different dances for different songs. They all use their feet and arm jumping up and down. In their culture they dance we hips not here.
Limete told Shabani: "Go and show them how to dance."
"Not me, I am shy with those people around."
Meanwhile the caretaker started charting to a woman. They haven't see him talking to a woman. For many months they were wondering if Bruce was interested in woman. They only knew a woman Nicole who used to visit him, he strictly told to his students that they were friends. In their culture woman do not come a visit a man. It was their first time to see a male having just a female friend. They haven't see Bruce talking to a woman like that. They were amazed that in 5 minutes of their meeting they were touching each others hands. They haven't see Bruce touching Nicole hands.
They all looked him one Limete said: "I haven�t touched a woman for many months now."

Shabani warn him: "Don�t start now you may cause trouble."

There was a woman who a white short skirt dancing in the crowd of hundred of peoples. Shabani had an eye on her. She looks at sexy as she was jumping in the crowd but he was very shy to make a move. He was scared with his colleague and his role model Bruce they caretaker.

Limete told Shabani: "Which trouble? We are here to celebrate."
"Let take the opportunity."
Then come some prostitutes. They all sat next to each student and started charting. The caretaker when he saw the women he called each and every student and secretly gave them some money and said: "My friend you must celebrate, you must enjoy like there is no tomorrow. This is our house secret."
"Why you gave us money? You must keep the money and buy some beers for us and the other just in case."

They were wondering what the caretaker meant by just in case? He didn't complete his sentence but was very serious when he said just in case. The student didn�t have the courage to ask him because a woman was stick to him pulling him. Bruce joined the dancing crowd with that woman. The students were very curious and amused to see Bruce dancing too.

After few minutes Shabani took courage and went to ask Bruce what he meant of just in case? "I don�t you understand?"
"If things get out of control you may used it."

Shabani was running away from the group of woman who come to sit next to him. For Shabani those women were naked. They were wearing only a top covering their breast only. They had wearing transparent skirt and it was easy to see their underwear. It was insults to the African culture where the body has to be protected and hide in public. Shabani wondered: why do those women don't just walk naked? In the African big city as Kinshasa was the European influence was visible, the population there used to discourage the woman who wears improperly. They used to insult them or even beating up women who wear improperly.
And then the lady who was next to Shabani touched him on his legs: "What is your name baby?"
Shabani wanted to hide his full name: "My name is Zoao?"
"Who?"
"Shabani Zoao."
"What a good name? Are you from Africa or America?"
"I am from Africa not America."
"I used to have a friend from America."
Shabani was saying to himself: "what wrong with this woman"

He never see in his culture a woman who are talking to the a man unless the man approach her. In Africa women are shy but this woman wasn't shy of talking to a man in the public. What wrong with this woman? I am married now. She doesn�t even have good manner.
The lady continued: "What are you doing baby?"
"I am studying."
"That is very good, do you enjoy your staying here."
"Yes is a good experience."
"I will go one day also in Africa my uncle is there."
"You will be welcome into my land."
The prostitute started pouring beer in the glass of Shabani and her glasses and the caretaker disappear with the lady to unknown location. And the Matonga the elder man in Africa�s group disappears also. Shabani was still wondering and saying to himself: "What does the woman want from me?"

She have the courage to call him baby while I never met here before and pouring beer in my glass as his fianc�e he left in Congo, Payo?
The woman continued: "I am curious to know you?"
"That very nice I will give you my address so you may visit me."
She now put her hands on Shabani's pant and Shabani started now wondering more: "This is not good, who may rescue me now?"

Bruce the caretaker have disappeared and now the elder in the group have disappeared. He thought that he went to the toilet but he was wondering toilet for 15 minutes? My other two friends are busy charting with other women, who may help him?

Just before he finish is thinking the others 2 students: Kalamu and Limete disappear with women to unknown location. The prostitute continued now putting his hands in his chest and finally she sat on top of his legs: "Baby, I want to test you."
Shabani wanted to cry: "I want to go to the toilets to check where my friends they just disappeared are."
The students from the rural Africa haven�t seen a prostitute before. It has never existed in their villages. Even when they were visiting the big town Kinshasa, they never come across prostitutes. But it existed in big town but in the dark. Few prostitutes used to visit nightclub late at the night and the rural students has never had a chance to hang out late night in the big town when on visit.
"Don�t worry, they are up stairs."
He wanted to talk and the same time wanted just to cry: "But they left me alone here."
"Don�t worry my baby you are in the safe hands. I want you baby"
"Want me?"
"I need you."
"Need just the first time you seen me?"
"I don�t need money from you baby. I know that you are student and may not have money."
"I don�t understand."

She was curious to know Africans; she heard that African are good lover in bed. She has been looking for this opportunity for the rest of her life. "Let go."
"Let go where?"
"In my room."
This was against Shabani tradition he knew. A woman talking to a man and showing her interest in him. It was a drama to him who has finds a clash of cultures. "To do what?"
"Just to chat, just a little chat."
Instead of the woman to be shy of the man it was a man who was shy of the woman: "But we are chatting now. What do you want?"

He just meet the woman and he was wondering what will happen if his friends return from the toilet and start looking for him? The woman encouraged him: "They will wait for you."
He knew what the woman wanted from him but didn't want to cheat all his father and priest advises kept coming to him: "Don't cheat"
Then he decided to try to hold the woman back: "I am married at home. I left a wife with a coming baby."
"It doesn�t matter here."
Things got hot that Shabani couldn�t control himself end up upstairs too. When they returned he finds every body were smiling. He didn�t want to reveal what happen.
They continue their celebration. They were almost drank when the some of the people went to talk to the disc jockey. "There is some African in the club."
"That is good." the disc jockey answered
"Not enough."

They heard that know African are good singers and dancers, who knows they may be singers from America. "Let them sing for us. We never see a live concert in this club."
"May be they won�t agreed."
"Try to talk to them by the microphones."
"I will try later.� The disc jockey wanted to get ride of the complainants. At the same time he has learned in his career to listen to what people want. He has learnt to please the club goers and that alone makes him very popular.
"Try now, we want some thing different in the club to night."
"I will see."
"No man tries now."
"Okay, let me try."
The club was usual full of about 300 hundreds people each weekend sometime it reach four hundred people. It was full of cigarette smoke. That alone makes the Africans students who were no smokers to cope with the cigarettes smell but they enjoyed the vibe. It was for them the first time to be in any club.
While the African where busy laughing they heard the D.J talking, "We have the pleasure to announce you that we have African brothers tonight." Then add: �by popular demand��

By the popular request of many people in the club they would like to welcome them and want them to do some singing or dancing for us tonight. They wanted something different tonight�
Before he finishes the speech, the caretaker went to the D.J: "I am they manager."
"Manager?"
"Yes, I will talk to them�"
"Please do something for us."
And then he returned to his African students drank, one of the students asked him: "What are they taking about, may be there are some singers beside us."
"They are talking about you."
"us?"
"We never sing in any group."
"Please do something."

He knew that African may sing your traditional stuff that they do in ceremonies in Africa: funerals songs, wedding songs, celebrating songs, festival song. "This is more troubles, we were not ready for this tonight beside we don�t have the instruments�"
The elder students Matonge said: "We cannot disappoint all the people around us."

They decided to play with their hand and stomach as drums and they will sing their traditional carnival songs. There is no mistake in art when they are in a foreigner land.
As they were all drank they agreed. The caretaker who becomes the instant manager went to see the D.J told him that they are ready, they stopped the music. The Africans started singing clapping hands and using stomach us drums, they club turned in joy. They didn�t want them to go. The heard something different that they never heard before. Meanwhile the manager (caretaker) started talking business with the owner of the club who was present in the club influenced by the alcohol with a different tune of voice: "I am the only manager �I am the one who brought them here to pursue their music career."
"Every body are very interested in boy�s singing. I think we may talk about business."
"I am available."

Bruce said that he may call him any time when he needs his boys.
He gave him his phone number and address. The manager thought that Bruce the caretaker was their real manager: "I am thinking of doing a special night for African music and you will tell me how much for 2 hours�"
"I will thing about the price."
"I know many festival and events where they may need different songs and sound. I will keep in touch..."
The students with the manager returned home at around 4 A.M the next morning. They went to sleep. Shabani and another student kept vomiting the all night. They sleep until about 2 P.M. When they wake up they recalled last night events with the caretaker: "My boys did you enjoy last night events?"
"I don�t regret the experiences." Shabani answered.
The student remembered the singing adventure. Bruce playing the students managers and telling people how he discovered them in Africa where he never been. For Bruce it was a business opportunity to be the caretaker and the managers of those students
This was just a good experience for the students. But they remembered everything that they did even thought they were drank.
In their African land, they say: If someone is drank and insult someone that is mean he wanted to insult you long time ago and took advantage of beer that gives you a boost, motivate and incite to do what you attending to do.
Shabani complained that how a lady may make a move first to a man? "They are prostitutes."

Bruce told them that they were in a land of freedom were women and men were equal. Those women may not have been necessary prostitute to make a first move to any man that interested them. "It is not an insult to our society"

Back home even a prostitute will wait for a man to call him but some where serious. They wanted relationship to continue. For Shabani those women were prostitutes and was asking to Bruce, "Do those women will forget us?"

"Some may forget you, some may not forget you."
Before they saw those women sitting far away and they had the impression that they were talking about them long ago and suddenly their come to them. Each woman has chosen a man that she wanted.
It is always very difficult for a man to resist to the woman temptation.
Shabani tell them about his experience how he tried to resist, first he was shy of the caretaker but with some beer he drank he couldn�t express his shy.
The caretaker told them: "it is very difficult for a man to resist to any woman's advance"
The students were so amazed when the bouncer said that he knew Bruce. I understood when you disappeared and he knew what was going on up stair.

The students felt in love with the club and wanted to be there often as possible but Bruce told them that during the week that place is quiet boring but during weekend it comes back alive with many peoples and nice music. Next time they won�t hesitate to come with them.

Matonge who was the first one to encourage the students to go to club was now the one discouraging them not to go often to club: "We are here to study." He was the elder of the group and was responsible too looking after the others students.
Shabani was suggesting: "Let do a time table is not fair for us to wait for the all full term to go to enjoy. Some time the mind needs some kind of relaxation."
"There are many ways to relax the mind you don�t have necessary have to drink!" Matonge was telling them.

This will motivate them to work hard than ever, if they keep going to the night club every time, they won�t be motivated enough to focus on their studies. They had to go to the club only when they do well in school.
Kalamu was telling his colleagues that "the prostitute get married every day and divorce every day."
When there is festival or special event they may invite them to perform and get some extract money. Bruce decided to take more contacts. He was convinced that people may admire your traditional stuff.

The manager of music and caretaker advised them: "Singing in the festivities pay better than the part time jobs job" but they have to keep they part time because those festivities don�t happen every weeks. "With jobs they have a guaranty of getting money every week no matter how small it may be."
Shabani insisted: "The priests and our family back home don�t have to know." It may be a big shock for them once they find out. "Anyway it is just part of the experience but how they knew that all African can sing?"
The caretaker reminded them again: "Next weekend you will go to work but I beg you to work hard don�t take time of chatting during the working hours. The expectation is very high from you."
Bruce wanted them to work at the same place that will be easy for him to control them. He told them the mistake he did with the Chinese students that he used to look after before the arrival of the African's students.
He almost lost his job when two of the Chinese students once beat a bouncer. One student broke a colleague his noise and one was taken to court for impregnating a girl and had to pay for child maintenance. He allowed them to frequent the club frequently. He learnt from my past mistakes and refused to repeat that mistake twice.

CHAPTER NINE: POSTAL CARD

As promised Christophe the priest returned in one month to fetch the communication material. It was again a pleasure to see him again. He came with fresh news from the country and family. This time the priest found them at home. He started by talking to Bruce the caretaker before calling every body: "It has been a very hectic month for me as I was my returning."

He had to finish some of his preoccupations and responsibilities. The church have given him the responsibility of school as his new main job in Kilambe. They have one of the fast growing school in the area. African are now more interested in school now. They used to have in the fifty�s some 20 students now in less than a full decade, our school had grow from 20 students to 350 students. Now the number is doubling every year.
Despite Kilambe they had about 7 others schools in the district of Banza were all the student were from. Those villages were so close to each others. District of Banza had about 120 villages some from hundred people to thousands people. They were concentrating more about the big centers and the small village had to depend to the big villages. It was impossible to implement school, hospital and churches in the small and newly villages. Some villager loved the church they could walk on the daily day 8 kilometers for the morning service.
"Why this growing numbers and do they afford to pay the school fees?"
"We take care of every thing, we ask some peanut money as a contribution."

Those who didn�t have money study for free. The church was trying to help the community. They have some international donors here who help them. They were building classrooms with volunteers and the materials are bought by donors. They started our school under the trees now they have classrooms.
"This is an amazing improvement. How many teachers you have now?" Bruce asked.

They employ 6 teachers from the capital city and 4 junior priests are also teachers. Christophe think the departure to Europe of Shabani's group have motivated many parents to send their children to school.
"And tell me what about the hospital?"
"The hospital is also growing fast but not like as school."

They have 4 nurses, 1 doctor called Bosco and 2 visiting doctors and next year they will go to the capital city Kinshasa to employ two more nurses. One of the priest was also an assistant doctor in the capital city Kinshasa. They were planning to call him and help them in Kilambe. They had now 20 beds and they have bought some more 20 beds that they are trying to shift in their village Kilambe. They were also busy expanding the hospital in building some more 4 rooms. They were negotiating to take also some used materials and equipment in Europe to send to Africa. They plan to find a more and powerful generator for the hospital. They had a problem to conserve their medicine.
"This is an amazing improvement." Bruce noticed.
"That is true" Christophe said "they have also given us 3 cars and one truck to solve our transport problem. Every thing is now fine."
"I understand that you are very busy. What does the government If you have to do every things?"
"The government has his priorities."

They are interested in cities and mining sector. When it comes to the rural area, they have neglected totally living churches to help. Some area still not exploited. The country is too big that many people in the rural area still live in poverty absolute.
"What about the bridges, roads and the infrastructure?" Bruce asked.
"Local chiefs and community members are those taking care of the roads" Christophe said. They mobilized villagers to help"

They had a very poor infrastructure. They have to travel for 100 km in one half day with a car because the roads are poor. They cannot speed. There are many holes in the roads, in rural area they have food but it difficult to transport it in the big cities where there is hunger because the roads are very bad. Christophe said: "You must come one day in the Africa to see here we are coping with life there."
"Bu you still love the county with those conditions?"
"Love is strange. I love to death the continent." The priest confessed "For me is a paradise. I love the forest and jungles, the people are very lovely, their respect us a lot."
"Did you ever had a chance to meet dangerous animal?"
"The animals have their home the bushes and people have their home: cities and villages."

In the nearest bushes you will find some non dangerous animals. The more they get deeper in the bushes the more they find dangerous animals but they always some rare case where the dangerous animal comes to the villages. The elephants are not dangerous to humans but the lions, tigers, cheetah�are so dangerous to human. But some locals people know how to deals with those animals. They don�t have modern weapons but deal with them quiet amazingly. The hunters were not scared. Personally, Christophe saw 5 to 6 time a lion, tree times when he was driving from the city Kinshasa to his village Kilambe. All tree times during night time. They animals were scared of the car engine's sound and they don�t like the car light. They didn�t run away, they were just walking as usually. Two times Christophe went to hunts with locals hunters. He had a gun and the others had the local made guns and traditional weapons.
The first time they went deep in the forest with big trees all over difficult to walk. We heard a urge and scary roar. Everybody was alerted, he didn�t know what to do, he didn�t know where the animal was. Strangely one of the hunters shot straight the animal. Christophe was surprised by the precision of the shooter wounding the animal in process and then the others shoot at him. Christophe suspect that the animal saw them coming or smell and did a trap to get them but the hunters know those tricks. When they shoot him he was less than 2 meters away from them already.
Bruce was amazed to hear those kinds of stories: "Do you thing If you were alone you could have kill the lion?'
"Impossible" the priest said "the animal is clever and I couldn�t even shoot. I was so scared. You can have a huge gun and not being able to shoot."

The African hunters have the experience, they have been going in big forest since the early years and Christophe remember that they had a small boy in our group. He was about 5 years old, his father was teaching him how to hunt and the last time Christophe saw the lion. There was a strange Lion who was attacking the ships in the farm near the village. They villager told me that the animal use to come around 12 hours in the night. He was curious to see the animal, they went with hunters and hidden by the near mountain. They went for 3 nights the wild animal never comes just when they wanted to give up the plan. He come they didn�t know how he entered the farm. They had just a panic noise in the farm where animals started running. Christophe and the hunters wake up and followed the animal in shooting. He had killed already one ship. An hunter wounded the animal even though he managed to vanish and the next day they find him dead 20 km away.
"That is interesting story" Bruce said "I think I have to make a plan to come in Africa. Why don�t you go often to hunt?"

Bruce was fascinated to hear the hunting stories he wished that Europe had the big forest with wild animal. Christophe who lived in the African rural area had plenty of experiences: "It is difficult you have to walk for many km and run here and there."

Christophe like hunting it was is his hobby but he has a job too and lastly he was scared of snakes. He was bitten twice by snake and was healed with the traditional medicine. That medicine was powerful sometime. Beside dangerous animals he saw many time no dangerous animals: giraffes�
Christophe decided to change the subject. It was his turn to ask questions.
Tell me how my boys are coping here? "They all coping very well they all passed the first term with goods marks�2 had distinctions."

Bruce was very happy with their school's report and their discipline. There are just wonderful, they are giving him good quote to my superiors and they are working in the same shop with Shabani that makes easy for him to control them and he always have a good quote. Bruce told him that the boys also sing in the festivities, they already had two invitations last week.
The priest wasn't please when he heard that the students sing too: "You must be careful that singing business to affect their studies!"
"I know when to send them in the festivities."

They rehearse only once a week and they went for two hours only and returned before nine.
"I am not impressed with the singing career." Christophe confirmed.

They come to Europe to study. Christophe knows that the African's songs are appreciated because many young from rural area sings well. He wishes that Bruce may be little bit careful. They boys may work in the weekend but not really singing. Christophe knows that they get good money in the festivity but the timing is not right. Christophe insisted: "Don�t encourage this practice you know fame may bring many problems and influences."
"I am always with the boys and protect them."
"I am not very happy try to do something to stop them from singing."
"I heard" Bruce calmed the priest "I will try how to talk with them and stop this adventure. They always listen to me."
"I will be glad to hear that they stopped performing in festivities."

Christophe told Bruce not to tell them to stop singing or rehearsing once a week that is good. They must remember their land through songs that was normal to everybody even Christophe in Africa always remember Europe playing Europeans songs. Christophe told Bruce: "You may call the boys and want to give them their letters."
The caretaker realized that it was a big mistake in telling the priest about the singing career but I was not convinced to persuade his boys from giving up this career. He enjoyed to be called manager and get extract money. He keep secret and decided not to talk about it again. He kept his silence from the African students. He thought in telling the priest about the singing hobby the priest will be impressed. The students come now to talk with the priest: "You are lucky that I traveled twice in less than two months."

Christophe does not come this often to Europe. The airplane ticket are quiet expensive as he promised them he returned to Europe to fetch the communication materials. They need it urgently. It is very difficult to get in touch with the world. Every time they have to send our work report to the big city and capital Kinshasa by traveling and then from there they try to communicate with our superiors in Europe, Vatican and donors all over the World.
That long way wasn't good; now in few months will they be able to communicate from Kilambe. And the same time it is good for the African students, they will be taking this opportunity to communicate once a week with their families� members. They couldn't keep waiting for many months to receive a letter from their family's member.
Christophe told the students that he was happy that they all passed and he wants them to double their effort. "Congratulation for the good work, your family members will be very happy with your school result news."
He told the student that their family's members were so happy for the little parcels or big parcels that they sent He told them that every body in their villages was proud of them. Many young were coming to school to follow their foot's step.
Their classes in Kilambe are getting now so big that they were building others classes with the collaboration of the community. He warned the students: "If you fail your mission here it will be a fails of every body but If you succeed it will be the success of everybody."
The recent big new is that the chief Kazembe of the tribe Basulu had passed away. He was buried in the traditional ways. Christophe knows how they bury big tribe kings?
Shabani responded: "We heard but we haven�t experienced the king burial"
"Let me tell you" the priest said "because we all were invited, he was buried with two people who were alive, those two people were his bodyguards and was buried in the night around twelve."

Everybody didn�t go to work like for 4 days. Every family had to contribute with ship or 3 chickens, a ship, a pig or a goat. Many people were invited include the premier minister from the capitol Kinshasa come not forgetting more than 50 others tribes chiefs and their representative were there. Not forgetting more than 300 chiefs of village were there is was a big event. His elder son had to take the reign in an usual moral belief. The priest said: "I am sorry to tell you that according to their culture the future king had to sleep with his own mother".
The reason of doing is that the son is now king on top of everybody and must be also on top of his mother. They were many ceremonies but the big one was that incest. The new king took also the two last wives of his late father he his only 25 years old. Christophe didn�t understand how the new king could take in considerations all the traditional ceremonies. The new king was in America for studying for almost 15 years?
Matonge who was very close to the royal family said: "That is Africa."

Matonge think that they must stop some practices like burying the king with live peoples, taking the last father's wife and specially the incest of sleeping with their own mother. "They don�t do that in burying the village's chief only the king who has thousand of villages under him!"

Their tribe was almost a kingdom. That king was controlling more than 150 villages. His really the highest hierarchy level in Africa's traditional countries after God, ancestors it is him. "They call him the living god."

Matonge insisted: "The government must intervene to stop those practices."
The priest told them that it why they come here to learn and change some traditional culture: "It why you here in Europe to study and change those practices when you will return."

Christophe told them to never think of staying here, If the new generation do not changes those practices who will change?
Another big new is that Shabani is a father now his ex fianc�e Payo who is wife now have given birth to a healthy girl. Christophe didn�t remember the name but he hoped his father gave the details in his letters. Every body are fine at home and they will be happy to ear that you are doing well.
Everybody celebrated in African�s way the birth of Shabani's girl. They took the cake flower and poured on Shabani�s body singing and dancing this scene last for almost 2 hours. The priest had to leave them celebrating to continue his trip to another city. He promised to return in 2 days, Shabani took the letter written by his father and read:

From Samba

To my son Shabani,

I have the pleasure to write to you taking this opportunity. We are all in good health. We didn�t experienced any death or sickness in the family. I thank God and ancestors from keeping us all alive. How are you son? How are your studies? The other news is that the big chief Kazembe of the tribe Basulu have passed away.
We have a big news for your wife have given birth to a baby girl and we named her after your mother. Her name is Tumba. The secret reason is that I wanted your mother to love your wife.
She hasn�t change her attitude regarding your wife. I went and finish the money we owe your family in law. Your mother took the rest of money went to pay to her friend as an advance to the wedding .Your mother want you to have to wives. One in Europe and one at home. She said you must catch up you are late. Your friends of your generation have already some 4 children. I tried to stop her; I fail because the family accepted. You may just ignore that second wife, she will wait for you for long time until they will get fed up and will give her to someone else. I have a secret plan I will give to your young brother, the second born of my second wife.
Thank you for the clothes that you send to us. Everybody was very happy and the village is proud of you. Every body were happy include the neighbors. I didn�t forget them, you must always mention in your letter that I am the only one who must distribute things that you send to avoid family�s critic. Many people where unhappy by the fact that you mentioned that I will be distributing the clothes but had nothing to do because your will and wish must be respected. Keep that way, anyway I am your father.
I will wait for your answer by the return of the priest. Your mother had sent you some traditional food. I hope you will enjoy them with your friend. Remember friends are part of the family too. Keep praying God and study hard my son. We are all proud of you.

I will stop here from today I feel very tired. Don�t forget to send by ship my bicycle first.
With love your Father Samba.

Next day at school when they heard that Shabani�s wife have given birth, they brought many gift for the newborn and the mother of the girl. In those gifts where a postal card with a picture of a white lady carrying a baby girl. After 2 days as promised the priest took they letters that African students wrote this time they didn�t make big parcel. Shabani send more clothes to the new baby girl and her wife. He put also all the gift that his friends have given him in Europe and wrote a letter to his father:

From Shabani

To my father Samba,
I am happy to learn that you are all well. We are also keeping well. I thank God and ancestors for keeping us. I thank God for giving me a girl for the first time in my life. I can now walk proud and say that I am a father.

I won�t be so long today but I want to tell you that we all passed our subjects and hoping that we will do better next time again. I was touched to learn how the elder in the family do not want you to distribute things as send. You are my father and you are the only one who deserve to distribute all things are send. They have they own direct children to manipulate. If you are not available, your younger brother who is my uncle will be in charge.

Regarding my wife, I am happy that we finally paid the remaining due and now she is 100% ours. I don�t have anything to say as long she has the name of the family. Tumba is my mother whatever bad she may be, she still the own who bear me in her stomach. I only pray that my daughter not to inherited my mother�s character. She have good and bad side like everybody, I hope my daughter will take her positive side. You know that name influence children character.
I am coming back to my wife. I love her too much and the priest is doing the best to help us to bring our women here. Tell her to have little bit patience. Concerning that second wife of your. I said and repeat many times that my heart doesn�t choose her. Let my mother do whatever she wants to satisfy her desire but I don�t recognize her as part of my life. How many women I refused to take as fianc�e? I believe more than 5 women she presented me, what is special in her friend�s daughter?

I will send by ship the bicycle and the priest will help you to fetch it from the capitol city. I talked with the priest he agreed to help us. He a very good man because he always help us but we must be careful not to abuse in taking advantage. I am happy that in few months will be having regular contacts by the new communication system that will be installed soon in our village. Father, do not forget to send us more traditional foods.

Great every body on my behalf.

Your son Shabani Zoao.

Christophe the priest when he arrived he decided personally to go and drop parcels to their students houses in different villages to visit also their families. When he arrived to Shabani� house the father of Shabani went to farm and give the parcel to Shabani�s mother. Just when he left Shabani's mother open the parcel. As she was curious, she even open the mail like if she knew how to write and read. She saw the card postal with the picture of a white woman carrying a baby she screamed: "Alleluia, alleluia"
When she screamed the neighbors and Shabani's sisters come to have a look: "Alleluia, God have answered to my pray." Tumba screamed full of joy "Shabani have married a white woman and they have already a kid look at the photo."
Shabani�s sister started celebrating also: "We are now rich, we have a white sister in law."
"Finish our suffering we will have now everything that we want." Tumba happily said.
"We will have even a car like priest."
"We are the first family in our region to have a white sister in law.'
"Thank you God for giving us a white sister in law."
When Shabani's wife Payo had those words she tried not to believe but when peoples were coming to join the party she started believing and suddenly she collapsed as neighbors come to her rescue.
When she finds back her breath, Shabani�s mother and sisters chased her from the house: "Go to your parents your story is finish."
"We have been living with a bitch for a long time, she must go." Shabani's sister added.
"Good bye" Shabani's mother said "Shabani your former husband do not love you any more. He has now a white and beautiful wife. Look at the picture. Go to your parents and leave the baby we will take care of her. Look at the picture. The picture is the witness." She shown Shabani's fianc�e the picture that she refused to look at "Go bitch we are rich like white people. You will never buy us one day a car?"
She couldn�t respond or talk. As few neighbors took her few belongings and were going to accompanied her to her parent�s place. No one couldn't read the postal card, all were illiterate while Shabani�s mother said: "You take only what you come with here and don�t touch to anything that Shabani has bought to you. Finish go and find another husband not in my family again."
When they arrived to her place. Neighbor tried to explain to the father what happen:

They had chased Payo his daughter because his husband has married a white woman and even send the picture of the white woman and their new baby in Europe. According to Shabani�s mother. Shabani wrote saying that he doesn't love her. She must restart her life in getting married to another man.
Surprisingly her father Manda responded like if nothing had happen: "I cannot welcome her again in my family! She is my daughter but you know our culture."

He was scared that he will be punished by ancestors if she return in her house because he eat(spend or used) already the wedding money. He didn�t want to die for one child. He has 14 unmarried daughters and 4 married one and some 6 boys to look after! He has also some grand children to. He told them: "You may look for another place where you can put her, I don�t know where"
One of the neighbors�s who was touched and knew Shabani as a good and Christian decided to take her to her cousin. The news went in all the villager very fast and when Shabani�s father was returning from the farm met people all the way congratulating him: "Congratulation your son have married a white woman and now you will be rich�Don�t worry because you don�t have a bicycle your newest daughter in law will buy you a big car�"

He was feeling like hit by a hammer on his head each time he met people. With a small bag his back. In few minutes the all Kilambe were already informed of Shabani marrying an European women. He met one of his friends on his way home. And the first thing he heard was: "Congratulation Samba, Shabani his married to a white woman."

He tried to take a short cut to avoid people on street. While changing direction, the first man he met told him: "Congratulation my friend you are blessed."

Very disappointed he decided to continue with this direction. When he was about to enter his yard. He hear the neighbour telling him: "Congratulation, you are the first black to have a white daughter in law in the family"
When he arrived to his first wife�s place he find people celebrating and drinking. The father very disappointed and discourage didn�t even have the courage to have a look of the parcel or read a letter. He just changed his clothes and when to his third wife. He kept asking to God: "My God how my son may change like this? What must I do now? Now that he very far from me. Who can rescue him? How my son can loose his mind? I don�t know what to do now. What can I say to his former family in law now?"
As the mother was partying she even throws the letter away. She couldn�t even remember where the letter was she only kept the postal card. Zoao�s last born brother Hipo who was 5 years old arriving back from school saw the letter in the yard and said to himself: "This must be my father documents �He always have those documents�No it is not let me take and make some dolls�If my father find out he will kill me�No just one paper does not make a difference�"
The boy took the paper and started tearing it as much confusion started flowing in his head. The children used to make paper doll with papers they pick up: "My father is a very angry man he may kill me�But I like dolls�What will happen if he find out�Any way no one had saw me�"

Hipo the young boy remember the other day when he took food in the pot he thought that they didn�t see him but one of his brothers saw him and accused him to his parents and he was punished. For Hipo may be they have seen him. If he gives to my father this document he will be very happy with him. He decided to keep it for his father. He concluded: "I will tell him that I saw is letter. Let me put it under my bed."

Many people in the village regretted and were very angry with Shabani. The young women in the village who were jealous that Shabani have taken her in marriage confronted her by the river were she went to bath. Tired and ashamed she couldn�t even talk or answer by nature she is very quiet woman: "Payo ( Shabani�s wife )You thought that you were lucky and blessed by God? Now you are zero."

For her Payo was dumped like an orphan, her own family have rejected her, the man you loved her dumped her without any notice, the chicken are well respected and considerate than Payo who was married by a man who lives in Europe.
She told the poor woman: "You thought that you were more beautiful that us now looked you how you lost weight just in few hours"

She laughed at her and insisted: "You will die, I don�t see you living for another 2 days." he mocked the woman married by a student in Europe "Payo, now we are much better than you."

For this rude woman Payo has given birth and got a bad surprise. She will die in few days and leave the World, Shabani and food to them. She teased her: "You cannot even talk, you will talk with your tears. You are finish" She clapped her hand. The misery of other was her joy "Miss Payo, the most beautiful girl in the village is now the ugliest woman in the city"
Lucky for Payo an old woman come to the river and started discussing and arguing with those women: "Who told you that Payo is finished."
"She thought that she was more special, when we are marrying farmers. Payo went to marry a future minister who is living in Europe."
"When their started their affair with Shabani. Shabani was a local boy."

Shabani never thought that he was going to Europe. All the women and people laughed at Shabani for wasting time in studying books. Many called Shabani as a mad and crazy man. They called Shabani an impotent because all the men of his generation were married. But Payo leaved that man that they called impotent and crazy! She refused to get married to a prince for that man called crazy with books and notes. The old woman angrily told her: "Why are you jealous that he chosen her. Even if Shabani doesn�t love her anymore, they have one thing in common that you don't have they have a daughter. You don't have anything in common with Shabani."

The old woman says even after many years Shabani will always remember her daughter and her former wife. She will always be in Shabani's mind. "We are not jealous. It is just she had a bad attitude ignoring us."
"How did she ignore you?"

Many people knew Payo by nature does not talk a lot. May be it why Shabani have chosen her. She insisted: "Do you want to change her nature because of you"
The priests who also heard the rumors started analyzing the situation between them. Asking the Christophe priest who was in Europe if it possible: "This is a shock of my life."
"I cannot believe that Shabani the good young man can change into a bad man."
The priest in from Europe couldn't believe: "I was there; this time around we didn�t talk about love."

They talked a lot about lovers in his previous visit. Christophe said that he told the students that they were trying to bring their loves one in Europe. Matonge, the elder student said that they had to rush because he couldn�t resist the beauty of Europeans ladies.

Bernard the head priest was more than disappointed. It him who spend about two years negotiation and contact to get the sponsorship for those underprivileged student from the African villages. Most of the students from big towns in Europe had many advantages than the one from the rural area. He asked: "Did you suspect any change in the boys talking?"
"Not at all, you know that each house have a secret, they may keep it from me?"

It was strange, Shabani didn�t have 9 months in Europe. How they may have a kid healthy child already?
He asked his colleagues: "Don�t you see that there is something wrong?"
Christophe the man from Europe tried to find a possible cause of Shabani misconduct:

He was not personally pleased by the news that some time the students were singing in some festival. He told their caretaker to stop these practices. He knew that fame brings along many problems. "May be he got a new woman that he loves more than Payo."
"We are intellectual let Analyze the fact that Shabani went to Europe and in less than 9 months they have an healthy kid?"
"Let see, I have now find out that there is something wrong."
"We have to talk to Samba."
"He is coming for the church meeting this afternoon."
"I haven�t seen him for the past 3 days." confirmed one priest "I know that he is very disappointed and may not come today."
"Let go and see him."
Two priests went to see Samba, they went to all his two wives without seeing him until they went to find him at his third wife.
Very upset Samba was sitting under the tree reading an old dusty Bible. The priest greeted him: "How are you Samba."
"You heard the news."

He wasn't fine, he has been blaming God and ancestor for allowing this to happen. He was the one in their tradition who could have chosen his wife. Not even his mother, he let Shabani chose alone that woman. He fought day and night with Shabani�s mother and family members to allowing Shabani to take in marriage his woman of his choice.

Christophe looks at the man who was very desperate for the past week and was still under shock:
"I have been in Europe recently I didn�t hear anything about woman there. And we are amazed that Shabani have already a kid in Europe in less than 9 months?"

For Samba the father of Shabani it was possible. In their culture they said that we make children but not their hearts. Children changes overnight.
"What did Shabani really said in the letter?" The pries asked
Samba was like dreaming when he realized that he didn't even see the letter: "I didn�t have the courage to read the letter and I don�t want to read it."
"Samba you have to read the letter and see the reasons behind his actions."
"The letters must be to my first wife�s place, Shabani's mother."
"I gave to your wife the parcels and told her to give to you." Christophe said "If I am not mistaken your wife doesn�t know how to read?"
"Yes" confirmed Samba "but the picture mean and said all."

Then he realized that when the first parcel arrived Shabani's mother opened without his authorization leading to an endless dispute. While trying to analyze the priest asked: "What do you mean Samba. You are one of the few parents who went to school and must be able to analyze."
Mean while, Payo because of shock she was planning to leave the village and follow is big brother who is living in the capital of Congo Kinshasa far from all the mockeries and the deception. She has lost considerable weight. She couldn't forget even for a second the deception. The man she loved with all her heart has dumped without any words for a white woman.
The priests and Samba went to is first wife to look for the letter but the letter was missing: "Where is the letter Shabani wrote to me?"
"I don�t remember where the letter is."
"I told you many times never to open the parcel without my authorization." Samba warned her "Where is Payo?"

All Tumba, Shabani's mother knew is that Payo went to his parents place where she was chased too and she didn't know where she is may be to her new lover.
Tumba wanted to make the matter worst just to see Payo being dumped completely by her son Shabani. Samba angry said: "I will beat you now in the presence of priest who are outside and ask for forgiveness the next Sunday."

Samba said that he respect her because she was old and have big children now but she seems to understand. He refused to follow the attitude of many African men beat up their wives. He was angry and realized that may be he has to follow the footstep of his friends in keep beat up their wives. Many Africans women wanted to be beat up by their husband. He ignored the priests and told her: "I will beat you today .Who told you to open the parcel again�Give me that photo (postal card)."
The Postal card was already stuck to the all. Tumba decorated her, she was proud of her daughter in law.
They had to go unstuck the postal card from the wall to show to the priest and Samba.
He took the photo and went to show to priests: "This not a photo!"
"What it is?"
"Samba you know how to read turn at the back of that photo and read" the priest told him:
He turns the photo and read at the back of the picture.
Congratulation Shabani�s wife for giving birth .We are happy that we decided to send you this postal card and the small baby�s pack clothes in sign of recognition. Shabani is our best friend in the classrooms.
We hope to see you soon Payo.
Albertine Dutoit.

When he finished to read he called one of Shabani�s brother and said that the must go and bring back Payo. When the mother heard so she told Samba in presence of Priests: "That bitch will never enter again this house only on my dead body." Tumba wasn't shy to talk specially she knew that Samba won't hurt her in the presence of the priest who preaches against the violence. �I have vomitted that woman for life"

As the priests were there, Samba didn�t want to give a bad impression. He hoped they were not here with him so he could give his wife the lesson in their traditional way and said gently: "Tumba my lovely wife she won�t stay here but she is going to my second wife Sidoni."
And then come the dusty Shabani�s young brother Hipo: "Hello daddy."
"Hello where were you? Don�t you great the priest here?"
The young some kind of shy boy greeted the priest: "Hello fathers?"
"Hello boy. How are you to day and where are you from?"
"I was playing in the soccer ground."
And the Samba adds: "That is good. Go to your mother so you may have a bath."
"Papa," the kids said "I have something for you."
"What is that?"
"I will bring it now I kept under the bed."
The boy went under is bed and brought the half torn letter that they were looking for.

Priests having witness the situation with Shabani�s family were motivated to do something to pressurize the government to provide more founds to send their students wife�s to Europe. To avoid further disputes.

CHAPTER TEN :TRADITIONAL FOODS

The four students� family�s decided to start meeting once a month to see how they may start assisting each other and make a strong bound. They villages were near bye were they needed only to walk and see each others. Shabani�s family incident had touched every body in the community. The four families blamed each other for not doing enough to prevent the disaster. They four student�s fathers were present in the meeting:

Matonge�s father who received them offered them the traditional beer from the palms tree and opened the meeting. He had the biggest house of 7 rooms as a dignitary in the traditional community he was well placed and very influential in the decision making: "It amazing how we live without meeting each other."
Their sons� lives in white country are together. Together in their school, together at work, together at home and together in everything there are doing but we parents who have to set example are not together. The four parents were even lucky to live in the same area. Their villages were not even far from each other.
Shabani's father come with a suggestion: "We have to meet even once a month, I know that we are all very busy but let start thinking about each other. Our sons are family in Europe we must be also a big family here in Africa."
"Let also think about sending, every months some food to our children. Every time my son writes to me he always asks for traditional food."

Kalamu's father said: "Even my son too ask for food every time he writes. I understand I never live without our traditional food for 2 days. We must make a plan how to send food."

Limete's father added: "The priests are doing many things for us."

They wanted to stop giving the priest their children�s parcels every time they travel. They felt that the priests may get fed up in carrying every time parcels. He knows someone who is a businessman. He goes every month in the capitol city' Kinshasa. He suggested that they start by giving him food every month to send by ship to our children in Europe.

Matonge's father said that they could have prevented that postal card disaster if only they were unified. They don�t know what really their children are doing in Europe without their women. Shabani almost lost his wife by lack of support here.
Shabani father wanted to talk about their contribution to buy the traditional foods, the cost of transport and how much we can give to that businessman?
Limete's father said that the food was almost free in their villages. They may collect it from their farms and the businessman may ask only 5 francs he is my friend he can even take for free and they can just motivate him with any amount of money and to send by ship from the capitol Kinshasa to Europe for 30 kg it may cost us some 15 francs.
They all agreed how to contribute. Matonge's father insisted: "I will contribute every month with 15 francs."

Limete;s father him wanted to contribute with food only.
Kalamu's father said that he may contribute with the rest of money instead of 5 francs, he may contribute with 10 francs.

Shabani's father said too that he has a big farm, he will contribute with food too.
They all wanted to contribute significantly. Matonge father come up with the last suggestion to take charge 100% of the first operation, and Limete's father said that he will see the businessman the next day and give him food and the transport money.
Kalamu's father agreed: "That is excellent�If someone is unable to contribute, we will cover. We are now a big family"

Shabani's 's father concluded: "We may take also the opportunity to put in the parcels some letters and notes."
Two days later the first parcel was made. In Matonge�s later the traditional food were mention, the cassava leave, the Matamba, The Fubwa Shabani�s favorite food made with cassava mix with other spices. The crocodile�s meat, Limete favorite food. The springbok and antilop smoked meat. The traditional nuts, the dry fish called Bitoyo, the dry insects like Sosomani�

By surprised one month later the students in Europe had a call to go to an agency to collect a parcel. They rushed to agency all together. When they arrived they find 2 blue trunk out of many big bags and merchandize from Africa. They could see a huge pale of wood, and especially the rare black wood called Wenge. They saw many tones of copper at the agency. They saw others merchandize in big bags with the names of owners. Those blue trunks were similar one belonging to the students and one belonging to a businessman and dealer. By mistake they took the dealer�s trunk. They couldn�t wait to eat the traditional food.
When they reach home they open:
"What is this?"
"Oh elephants teeth, Ivories?"
"Oh Lion skins, lion's nails?"
"Look Okapi skins and Cobra skin"
"What do we have to do with those things our families are not mad to send us those stuff?"

They expectation turn into a misery. They knew all those animals� skins but they didn�t need them. They were not even interested in the business. They had no glue were to sell it and to whom to sell it too. "We are not business man to deal with those things."
One of the students who saw two trunks realized their mistake: "We took in rush the wrong trunk, we have to rush and take back our food's trunk. We cannot wait to eat our traditional food."

At the agency the dealer went to collect his blue trunk with some dealers waiting for him at his place. He has been doing this business for long time. It was a lot of money. With the buyers next to him their open the trunk: "What are those things."
"Those smells are very strangely."

They were not used to the African traditional food. They didn't know what it could have be. They were not interested in it. They were expecting thing of a lot of value in Europe from Africa.
"African's Food?"

Money was on the table. The lists of the merchandize were with the owner of the trunk. He saw the money vanishing away. "We don�t eat those foods?"
"How they can send us that stuff?"
One of the customers who come to collect the Ivories was even angry: "My friend I don't have time to play with. I come to do this risky business what is this?"
The owner of the trunk knew that there was a mistake in the shifting of the merchandize. He was doing the business with his brother in Africa who always send him the animals� skins and Ivory. It was very risky because the government used to confiscate those products. It was they decided to stop using the airplane and opted for the long road sending by ship. It takes tree to fours weeks for the goods to reach the destination from Africa. He calmed down is partner in crime: "We are in trouble we have to return to the agency."
"If someone else takes it, he may sell those stuff and we will loose a lot money."
"Especially the diamond hidden into the lion�s skin."
"They can even report us to the police."
The African group arrived first and shortly the dealers arrived. They didn�t talk much only exchanged their trunks.

CHAPTER ELEVEN : LONG DAYS

The season in Europe started changing winter has finished and summer had come. Kalamu one day, one of the African students wake up around four o�clock in the morning and saw the sun light outside. He remembers they mistake they did in missing the first day classes and wake up the other students: "Wake up my brothers, we are late for classes."

Matonge look at the watch and said: "No man let sleep in my watch we are 4 o�clock in the morning."
"Look outside." Limete told him "Oh, the sun have already raised!"
"We are late, let forget about the watches." Kalamu told them "How all our watches may show 4 o�clock?" he wondered.
"May be the watches batteries are flats." noted Limete "Possible."

This is possible because they gave them by the caretaker the same days those watches.
The students decided to buy the batteries in their ways back from school. This was really a new phenomenon for the African student. To see the sun may rise at 4h?

Matonge urged is colleague "Hurry my friend stop talking; we are late for the classes.

They remembered how they missed their first day classes? It was dark and they thought that it was night time. Now the sun has already risen.
"Let rush?" Matonge as the elder students instructed his colleagues
They finish to get ready and the caretaker was still sleeping. They try to knock at his door he couldn�t respond. "What must we do?' the students wondered.

They heard the caretaker sleeping. He is even snoring.
"Men" Matonge said "we know the city let go ourselves."

Their priority in Europe was school first in this school.
"Let wait for a few minutes may be he may wake up?" Suggested Shabani.
"Wake up?" Matonge said "What will happen if one day the caretaker falls sick?"
"We will go alone at school." Limete suggested "So let go now alone."
In the weekend already the students were going alone to they peace job. And hang around in the town without Bruce giving them a lift. The contract of Bruce didn't allow him to give them lift outside the school hours.
"Let go" Kalamu said "our watches were made in the factory the same time, the batteries got flat the same time."
The rushed with their school bags without even bathing. They were amazed to see very few people on streets and were wondering: "What wrong today?"
Almost no one on the streets? The students suspected that may be everybody was sleeping.
"How come every body may sleep at the same time?" Shabani said "May be they are sick?"
"How does everybody may be sick at the same time?" Kalamu said
"May be everybody are late for the schools and works?" Matonge suspected.

They were wondering if there was something wrong today, how does everybody may be late for schools and jobs the same time? "What must we do because the sun has rose already?" one of the students asked?
"Let go" Matonge said "we are late for school.'
They arrived at school no one was there. Today luck was not on African students. A police patrolling car was passing by and the polices thought that they were robbers with the schools bags they were carrying: "Don�t move, turn your back against to the wall or we shoot."
They polices searched them and start discussing themselves without giving the student a chance to talk: "They don�t have suspicious object." One of them said.
"But what is their doing this early in the morning."
"They may be going somewhere."
"They must be professional robbers."
"Let them go."

For one policemen may be they are going to rob somewhere if we let them go and they may go to break into a shop for example. The must be suspect. They are in group and they are young and energetic. They as security their work was to prevent crime.
"Let ask them some questions."
"Let take them in the police custody and we will ask them some questions there."
They took them in the police custody. Meanwhile the caretaker Bruce wake up just before five in the morning and started looking the students: "What is going on?"

How all 4 students may disappear at the same time? Now that they know the city may be the have return to the same prostitute they met at the night club. Anyway even if they went to prostitutes, they will never miss the school classes. He relaxes and said that he will meet them at their school.

At the school they started wondering how the students from Africa didn�t arrived, the one who arrived always early. At the police station, they were busy with the changing of shifts and other things and they let wait the student for a long time before asking them some questions. The head master got worried and phoned at around eight hours past twenty minutes the caretaker. They were all amazed to find out that the students have disappeared. The future ministers have all disappeared. This incident could have brought rupture the diplomatic relationship between Belgium and Congo. They all rushed to the police station to reports the incidents. The caretaker found already the head master reporting the incident: "I want to report a case" Bruce said "My four Africans students are missing may be you may help me to find them."
"I will see what going on" one policemen said "We just changed shift now"..
The police officer looked the night report saw a report of 4 suspected young male African who wanted to break into the school complex. They called the 4 students who explain by the elder in the group:

They wake up around 4 o�clock in the morning as the sun where rose they thought that they were late for school and they tried to wake up Bruce the caretaker unfortunately he was fast sleeping and couldn�t hear us while snoring. As they knew the school's road they rushed for school but they were very amazed on their way to school that they were very few people on streets.
They thought that all our watches batteries may be flat the same time because the caretaker gave them the same time the watches. When they tried to realize that in fact they were early the policemen come to arrest us without giving us the time to explain anything.
Those changes of time do not happen in their mother continent. They don�t have really long nights and long days.
In fact in their land their have summer all year long with a lot of rain. They have a short winter of about tree weeks to one month. And that winter isn't that cold and doesn't change the weather.

The policemen realized their colleague's mistake and apologized for their mistake. Finally the head master finds out the truth behind their first day absentee from school.

CHAPTER TWELVE: SAMBA'S CURE
TWO YEARS LATER:
Samba, Shabani's father fall sick in Kilambe. It was an usual for the strong family's bread winner to fall sick. The entire village does not often experience death. Samba a Christian and a very dedicated man in his church refused to go first to the traditional doctor. They took him to the priests� hospital.

He met personally the only doctor in the village Bosco who talked to him after the test: "Samba, I am very sorry that we do not have the capacity to heal you."
"If you cannot heal me who can heal me then?" Samba asked the desperate doctor.
"You may try the traditional medicine may be they may find a cure for me." The doctor suggested.

Samba didn't understand why the doctor was recommending him to the medicine that they always undermine all those years. They doctors never believe in the effectiveness of the traditional medicine before why Bosco may believe in it today?
"I do not neglect the traditional medicine" the doctor said "I respect the traditional medicine and the modern medicine."

Before the arrival of the modern medicine their ancestors used to live for hundred years with that medicine. For Bosco he had a problem with the traditional medicine for the lack of the appropriate dose. He can give a patient two tablets of pain killer accordingly to your age, weight and the gravity of the disease and to a child under ten years the same dosage, he may give him more less tablet may be one tablet, but in traditional medicine they don't look at the dose they will let you drink five liters of the chemical mixture without looking at those factors: age, kind of disease, the gravity of the disease and your weight.
"What is going on doctor?" the sick man asked.
"Honestly we can not cure this disease."

Bosco refuse even recommend him to try biggest hospital because there is no cure for his disease. The scientific researchers are still busy with their research to find the cure and there are not even closer to find a cure yet. All Bosco will do is to give Samba many kind of pain killer and try to stop the spreading of your disease and his fast development.
"I see."
The doctor looks at the desperate Samba and told him: "You have cancer."
"Cancer?"
"Yes" the doctor said, I am afraid you have prostate cancer in an advancing stage and we are not able to stop the spread of the disease." He told the sick man who tried to be strong "The cancer is already at an advanced stage."
"I am finished."

Samba look at Bosco office room with hundreds of medicines bottles but no medicine was able to help him to cure him. The office that had a table, two chairs and full of books and medical pictures on the wall but no formula for his disease. He looked at desperately the man who went to university and studies overseas not able to help him. He was advising him to try to see the traditional doctors who healer whom many didn't know even how to write and read.
"Samba," the doctor said "you don't have to worry you may live for many days."
Bosco has seen some disease not curable in the hospital being cured by the African's plants.
"How many days?"
"We don't know it depend how strong you will be."

The mentally strength play a lot in the survivor of the patients. Bosco told Samba that it his mentally strong with less stress, he will be able to live for a long time but if he develops a weak approach to the disease he won't last longer. He told the sick man: "Our pray is to see with us for a very long time."
"Who will take care of my family?"
In that generation, the medicine wasn't that developed to control any form of cancer.
Bosco encouraged him: "I am sure that God will provide to their need and will definitely give the courage to your wives to look after your kids."

Death is everybody's way, Bosco talked as an African that they are all advancing day to day to their death day. It is a human normal phenomenon of life. It is really a mystery of life. People are born to die one day regardless their wealth or their rank in the society. "I hope that Shabani will help my family."

Bosco has been in Europe for many years and knew well Europe told him that Shabani was only a student in Europe may be he will be able to assist the family. He wasn't not telling him to put all hope in a student because he lived in Europe, there are many ways to try to heal Samba, one of those way is the traditional medicine and the pray.
After some minutes Samba told the doctor that he believed in miracles and any think can happen. he claimed to be stronger than ever because, he knows the state of his body and he will try to fight this disease in many ways until he will join my ancestors(die) when God will call him.

Bosco was pleased to hear those words from a patient: "This is the words of a strong and responsible man .You will live longer with this attitude, don't loose hope."
"I appreciate your encouragement doctor and I will stick to your advise."
"I don't tell you to stop coming to the hospital." the doctor said "Please come time to time and we will see the evolution of the cancer and how your body responds to various medicines you will take."

The only think they will be doing from now is to slow the development of the disease and to try to give him as many possible pain killer to stop the pain you will be feeling. Prostate cancer is a normal disease in all male of your age is not an exception. He warned Samba: "Don't try to blame the witches or witchcraft but it is a normal disease."

Samba was one of the few intellects in the area to try to understand the scientific process of his body. Bosco confessed that I couldn't have tell and chat to other illiterate men in the village like he am talking to Samba because I know that they will never understand the origin and the why of the disease. They will go out there fight with all the neighbors and family members specially their auntie blaming them for the disease. "I am an African living in a rural area where all the bad things have a cause" Samba said "but I am a Christian and fortunate to attend school, I understand things little bit differently compare to many villagers here."

He stopped believing in witchcraft long time ago. He even stopped to meet traditional doctors for more than twenty years. He promised to the doctors he knew for many years that he was going back to them by his advice. He will take what is good for him and leave many unnecessary ceremonies because he lost trust in some of those practices. Then he asked a question: "Tell me can I go to Kinshasa the capitol to search for a cure?"
"You will waste your money and time." the doctor said "We have good equipment here."

This rural hospital sponsored by many donors had good equipment too. Bosco told him that if there was a cure he could have recommended him to the priests and the priest could have arranged to send him in Europe where the medicine is quiet developed but there is no cure or significant scientific improvement in the search of the cure of cancer. He told him that cancer was one of the diseases which kill many people around the world. The body is producing uncontrollably more cells that he shouldn't. He specified in repeat that especially prostate cancer attack many men of your age. It is a normal disease in men.

Samba got out of the hospital with the understanding of his disease. He kept secret from all the family members even to his wives. He decided to talk only to Shabani who could easily understand the disease. The communication system to Europe and their village was operational; the priest had the license from the government to operate. He went to the priest and took a rendezvous to talk to Shabani. Shabani Zoao couldn't hesitate to be absent to school and talk to his father.
This do not happen often, Shabani was upset since he got the news from his caretaker to talk to his father the coming day, he was wondering: "This could be a bad news may be my father had to tell me a bad news from the family�Definitely someone is dead in my family or my fianc�e Payo have problem"
He couldn't eat properly or even have a insomnia since he got the call, he tried to share what he was feeling inside with his room mate Limete. It wasn't really good to have a message from far his land, where he left hundreds of relatives: "I am trying to figure out the reason behind my father willing to talk to me tomorrow at nine in the morning?"

It was for his first time that he got the message from home. He talked with them under his calls. He talked with two days ago and didn�t know why they wanted to talk to him this soon. He always talks to his family almost twice a month with the new communication system.
"But the timing seems to be not right" Shabani suspected "because I received their letters last week."

"I don't know why you have to panic, you should be full of excitement to talk to your father and may be your fianc�e since the postal card scandal."

The postal card scandal was so huge that Shabani was close to loose my fianc�e. It was so huge that all the villages around Kilambe in Banza were aware of the scandal. And the main newspapers in Congo. Congo Wetu published the story: "An Africans student in Europe has lost his fianc�e because of the postal card". The radio programs "Tusome na twandike" meaning �let read and write� that used to encourage adult to learn and read spoke about the scandal. "A man has just lost his sweet heart because her mother couldn�t read and write"
But the students made sure that none of they colleagues hear the postal card scandal. They didn't do nothing wrong. They were just generous and those kinds of news may discourage them for doing any good in the future. They didn't have to feel guilty for a gift they send in Africa.

Payo was rejected even by here own family, his father Manda didn't want her back in his house. It was forbidden according to the culture after getting money of dowry and keep the married child with you. Her own relatives couldn't take the risk to take her after the refusal of his own father. It was poor woman friend of her who took her before the truth being found by the intervention of the priests.
"That was a shock story to all of us." Shabani's room mate said "Your mother did create a very big misunderstood of the postal card."
"I will never blame my mother hundred percent." Shabani said "my mother cannot how to read and write."

When she got the letter seeing a white woman carrying a child she celebrated that Shabani got married here in Europe and he have already a child. She will never get along with my fianc�e Payo because he refused initially to get married to her daughter's best friend. She begged Shabani many times before he comes to Europe to leave his fianc�e but he refused. He was happy now Payo live with her step mother. The second wife of my father, still my mother is opposed to my fianc�e. She will do any thing to get ride of Payo.

"This situation is very complicated. I don't understand your daughter is named after your mother Tumba alright?"
"Yes."
"Why now your mother love your daughter without loving your fianc�e who is the mother of your daughter?"

Shabani wanted her mother Tumba her to love her daughter not only because she is named after her but because also she is Shabani's daughter and is carrying his blood. Shabani's daughter is his blood and Shabani has Tumba's blood. She don't want to admit that the child is carrying the blood of two peoples: mine as the father and Payo as the mother. He heard that my mother visit my daughter without talking to his fianc�e.
"There are enemies.". Shabani's room mate said.
"Not even enemies" Shabani nodded "they are like two women fighting for one man."
"Really thing must improve."
"It will take years; she is ready to marry for me her best friend's daughter as my second wife."
"What do you think?"

Shabani loved Payo, he was not ready for a second wife, at the other hand they were African and they were polygamous that is mean it will be very difficult to avoid polygamous.

Limete was shocked to hear Shabani saying that it difficult to avoid polygamous that is mean he has the intention of taking a second wife?
The refusal of Tumba to accept Payo, Shabani's wife started confusing him. He loved her mother and her wife too:

Tumba was his mother who carried him for nine months in her stomach as they call it, Shabani will never reject her even if she is a witch. Payo was the love of his life the one he chose to spend the rest of his life with, Shabani didn't want to hurt Payo too. She refused to be married to the prince. She refused to her father will to get married to a prince who was rich and respect than Shabani. Shabani remember and swore not to forget her true commitment to the student and he swore never leave her. He said: "Now I am confused because I have to balance both sides, please my fianc�e in taking her and try to please my mother too."
"Tell me who will live with the woman is it you or is it your mother?" the roommate wondered "Your mother is old and may die any time from now try to think twice before making any decision."

Shabani had only one decision to live with the woman of his choice Payo my fianc�e and at the same time I want to please my mother. If my mom die with the worry in her heart that I didn't pleased her. Believe me you are an African like me I will have many difficulties in life.
Limete the room matter told him: "Make sure that all the decisions you take will make you happy."

He told him that his mother will be living far from his wives or she may be dead. By then Shabani have put someone in his house that they don't love. Shabani will be suffering each day of his life and Shabani will be miserable blaming his dead mother. He told him to make sure that he is making the right decision not regret for the rest of his life. The daughter of his mother's friend may find in future a man who loves her and both they will may be happy. Why to worry because Shabani was not the only man who exists in this world. There are billions of men into this planet. He insisted: "Your mother is acting like if you are the only man existing in this all world."

It was truly a challenge for Shabani and a big equation but now he have made one decision to live with the woman that he love not having two wives because he has to please his mother too. He told his friend: "I am trying to accept Payo like her only daughter in law."

Limete told him that if you stick to his heart desire, Limete honestly thinks Shabani will be happy for the rest of his life. He made a good decision up to date and told him to make sure you not to mess in wanting to please his mother Tumba. He insisted: "In fact please God instead of pleasing humans."
Shabani told him: "At work we please the boss, in our houses we please the parents, in school we please the teachers, in the sport ground we please the coaches, in life we always please our superior and in marriage we have to please our self."

Shabani was happy with Payo and he decided to follow his heart. As Limete advise him that his mother will be far from him or may be dead. He always respects my father because he let me exercise the freedom of my hearts. Many parents in Africa do not let their children to exercise their freedom of choice. They think that because they procreated the children they have to lead them also in their choices.
Limete had enough of the late night chatting: "Let sleep man, I have to go to school tomorrow but you won't come with us to school and may wake up even at height hours in the morning to respond to the call."
"Good night" Shabani said "I don't seem to find sleep."
"Sleep man."
Getting any uncertain message for the Africans students who were far of they home always brought them some anxious and sad moment to those men many thousand miles away from they mother land. Where they left they loved one.
Shabani, wakes up around seven in the morning, he makes himself ready to go to the priest's offices to talk to his father. Still his nerves were up wondering what could have been happening to his member of his big family.
He went to the Catholic Church in Brussels were they have those equipment material too communicating with many countries especially rural area in Africa.
Shabani look at the operator with many paper with him. He waited outside the tiny communication room for about 30 minutes. Then he was called inside the tiny room.
He was busy reading a brochure he found in the office when the operator announced that his father and his fianc�e Payo in Kilambe Africa were already there wanting to talk to him. They were given only twenty minutes to talk:
He took the radio microphone screaming: "Father what is going on, who have died because I won't be able to attend the funeral.'
"Come down."
"How can I come down?"
"No one has died."
He then relaxed. He felt a sense of relieve, God has answered his pray. They was no sad news more than death. Now he thought that may be his daughter could have been very sick: "Thank you God."
"I wanted to talk to you since the installation of the communication machine here in our village Kilambe."

But Shabani insisted: "But we talked two days ago."
"Come down" Samba insisted "I wanted first to talk to you."

Samba was always happy to listening to Shabani's voice. His voice sounded maturing every time he talks to him. He was very proud of his son in Europe. He has proven to many people wrong. They thought that Shabani and others African will be killed after independence. Some African treated bad the European before the total independence and were scared that the European will revenge on the African in Europe. Many thought that the departure of African to Europe was a trap.

Shabani asked his father: "How is Payo?"
"Come down she will talk to you too."

They have given them only twenty minutes to talk. "Twenty minutes is enough to talk to me and your wife."

Samba does not call anymore Payo fianc�e because they have paid something to her family. She is their forever. Samba wanted to tell him that everybody are fine in their family. He told his son in Europe: "We are all proud of you. How is the study?
"Don't worry we are all doing very well."

Shabani told his father that he got distinction in many subjects last semester. They were making Africans proud and making proud their continent and country. "Keep doing the good work."

Shabani represented Africa, Congo, Kilambe and all his family in Europe even the others villagers. If he fails at school it will be a shame to all of people in Africa and his success was everybody success in Africa. Samba told his son:
The fear immerged in Shabani's mind. They must be something wrong, it is why he refused to attend the classes too. He wanted to hear that sad message: "Which problem again because you said that everybody is fine?"
"Stop asking many questions because in asking many questions the time is going without getting the reason of my call."
"Sorry Daddy, I won't ask any more questions."
Payo was outside the communication room because Samba wanted to keep secret of his disease: "My reason of calling you" Samba lowered his voice "is that I am sick and there is no cure for my disease here or anywhere else in the world."

The doctor was giving him pain killer only.
Shabani's wife was not in this room, she was waiting outside because Shabani wanted to keep secret from all the family members, even Tumba Shabani's mothers didn't have to know. Samba insisted that Shabani has to keep secret from his friends too because once Shabani's tell any of them the news may spread and arrive in the community in Kilambe. In their tradition they says that a secret is between two peoples once there is a third party is no more a secret.
Samba insisted: "You are the only one to know and this must be between you and me. I don't want to alert the coming of my death to my wives and children. I have cancer, prostate cancer."
Shabani started crying aloud while the operator was look at him very strangely to see a big man crying. Africans are very emotional. His father heard him crying: "Shabani, stop crying I didn�t call you to cry or make any funeral."

The modern medicine is unable to heal Samba but he is trying to start the traditional medicine treatment under the advice of his doctor. Still any think can happen.
"Father" Shabani says "I don't know what to say, I will be sending you some money and medecine to help you"

The African were very emotional. It is why it was easy for them to cry anytime they hear bad new. They were not shy to cry.
"You are only a student" Samba reminded him "you don't have to worry because I may afford to pay the bills here."

Shabani have a wife and a daughter to support too. His young brothers and sisters are all in his hands. Samba was poor but always very happy, he knew he will survive. Life wasn't to demanding in the rural area like in the suburbs. He told Shabani: "I will call your wife so you may have a little chart before I say good bye."
"Thank you father."
Samba called Payo to talk to Shabani while listening to their conversation.
Shabani's wife as called by Samba started the long awaited talk by crying instead of talking: "I really miss you" Payo said "when are you coming or fetch me."
"Listen" Shabani said "I cannot understand what you want to say."

For Shabani Payo was so emotional than realistic, they had few minutes only and I still have to talk serious issues with daddy.
"I don't know how to control my emotions." Payo said.
"If you don't know how to control your emotion go home" Shabani told her "and come to talk to me when you will be able to talk not to cry. I don't here you."
"It been a long time." The fianc�e said.
"I know."

Shabani wanted to tell her that he has a peace of job in Europe and he was always saving some money to bring her in Europe for the past two years. The priests will help her for the visa and other formalities to come to Europe. It may take some more six months or one years to be able to bring you Europe. He asked: "How is my daughter."
"She is fine" Payo said, "Your mother don't even want to talk to me, she always come to visit our daughter."
"I know what is going on with my mother."
Shabani thought that it was only the African mother in law who fight weith they son's wife. But he was amazed to find also even in Europe the mother in law fighting with they son's wife. He realized that the African's women and the European women's were really the same.
Shabani encouraged her not to worry everything will be fine. He warned Payo don't try to disrespect her mother wherever she is the one who gave birth to Shabani who is her husband now. She needs all the respect possible, she is not Payo's enemy and she must not be her rival. He told her: "You are my wife and she is my mother. You have to learn to live with it like it or not."
"It is very difficult" Payo said "she is the one who always start the trouble. I always respect her."
"Even if she insults you please keep your calm, control your emotion."

Shabani was so worry because he has the impression that Payo can not control the emotion when they were talking on this newly installed communication devise, how can Payo may be able to keep the anger when someone insult her at five meters away?
"I always control my emotion."
"Our minutes are almost up" Shabani said "what do you want from me, what do you want to ask?"
"I need some new shoes because my others shoes were confiscated by your mother"
"Stop" Shabani said "you want shoes and what else?"
"Our daughter need some nappy because the other one were"
"Some nappy and what else?"

Shabani didn't need Payo to explain many things they had very few minutes. It like they tell him one plus one make two but he had the impression Payo wanted to tell him that one plus one minus one multiply by two the divide by two�It is clear one plus one equal two. He insisted: "Learn to say I want: nappy, my shoes and my dress."
"My shoes, nappy for the daughter, my dress like you mentioned on your example and washing soap."
"I have the message."
"And my lotion and socks for the child."
"Are you sure it all you need?"
"Yes" confirmed Payo "I am sure but I forgot my father asked for a belt and his shoes"
After denying Manda denied her daughter, he wanted some gift from his son in law in Europe as Payo sent the message to her husband. "I almost forgot" Payo said "my father want shoes too"
Shoea was the most wanted thing in the rural village. And many people almost 90% of people had no shoes. It was expensive and rare and many people too were not interested in the shoes.
"After denying you" Shabani reminded her "I will see what I can do"
"But he still my father" Payo said. It was very difficult to forget the parents. Payo understood her parent and culture. She was not blaming her father or her culture. As Shabani was not blaming her mother.
"But let me talk what your mother Tumba has done again" Payo trying to say.
Before she even finish her sentence the operator told her that Payo the minutes are over the priests were expecting some important message from Angola. The operator said: "Please, I give you five more minutes to finish your conversations."
"Thank you."
Shabani told his wife: "give me my father the minutes are over next time write all you want to tell me on the peace of paper before talking to me. Sorry, I forgot that you cannot write give to my brother yours request to write for you. Anyway it doesn't matter because you can read but I will teach you how to write and read.
"I wanted to tell you what happen after the postal card scandal."
"I am sorry I cannot hear you now" Shabani insisted "give me the father we have some important issues to talk and solve."
"I just wanted to say"
"Sorry Payo" Shabani begged her wife who didn't want to stop to talk. It was they first time to talk with him after about two years. It was an unforgettable moment for all of them "please give me my father."

They were still sorry for the inconvenience the postal card caused. The incident happens two years ago but changed their life. Those memories were still very fresh in their mind.
The father took the machine and said: "I think our minutes are over we have to let the priests to work."

The father advised his son to be strong, keep secret to what he was telling him, to pray God and put God before anything else, to stay away from bad habits: alcohol, smoking, women he means cheating and study hard. Samba was not counting any more years but his life was counted on days.
"Thank you father, please remind you what you need in two minutes."
"I need some special pain killer for my disease prostate cancer, your mother and family will welcome any thing you will send to them."
"I took note of your request." Shabani said "I will make a gesture from next week and we may talk again in two weeks time. My greeting to all the family and tell them that I love them."
"Thank you son. See you soon."
"Good bye."
"Bye my son and be strong."
They all returned with some relief. Shabani despite the poor state of his father heath was happy to talk to his father and wife confirmed by his father. He was sad to know that his father will die soon but happy than no one is dead in the family like he thought.
Payo very happy that her relationship with her husband where intact and in a very good term. Samba more than happy that he preferred son knows his deteriorated health before any one else in the family.

Samba arrived home and called immediately his wife to tell him the good news heard from his son: "We talked again today with Shabani."
"Oh my God. How is he?"
"His fine and greeted all of you."
"Thank you Jesus, I still miss him."

Samba told Tumba that he has grown a lot and seem to be very responsible. He still very much linked to the family despite the distance. He sound very mature now.
"Oh my son." Tumba said "Why you didn't tell me in time so I may go and talk to him. Is not your son alone?"

Ironically two days before they talked again. It was Samba, Tumba and Hipo the young brother who chatted to Shabani. Tumba still didn't have enough of talking to his child. Even Samba, he was always very excited when he talks to his son in Europe.
Every two months Shabani was sending some thing in Africa. He even managed to send them two bicycles but he started slowing to send many things because he wanted to keep money for the plane airfare of his wife Payo.
Tumba asked to his husband: "Can I talk to him tomorrow again."
Samba refused and said that the priests are very busy with their communication materials, they used for a lot in their work. It is not a toy but a very important working material.
"You said we" Tumba asked "whom else talked to him?"
"Your daughter in law, Payo."
"That witch?"
"She is the wife of your son." Samba reminded her and also "mother of your grand daughter"
"Never" Tumba denied "I will never accept that she is my daughter in law. She is not more important than me. You supposed to take me instead of than bitch?"
"She is the mother of your grand daughter," Samba said "she need little bit respect."

Tumba said that she was the second most important human in Shabani Zoao's life. After Samba is father, it is her and after her it was Shabani's daughter named after her, then his brothers and sisters, then come the half brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, relatives, and half sisters. She didn't know that Payo in the priority list. She said that Payo was the last woman in his Shabani. She screamed: "She may witchcraft him from that phone". She suspected that if Shabani is witchcraft he will fail to school in Europe.
"Why do you call her bitch?" Samba reminded her "Did you see her with another man or heard her of cheating?"

For Tumba payo does all the bad things, it just they were not aware of her activities. She is far from Tumba and run away from her control. For Tumba she is now sleeping around.
She even forgot that she is the one who chased Payo as his husband tried to remind her: "You are the one who chased away with the postal card scandal. You refused to retake her�What do you wanted, you want her to sleep on streets because she is married to your son?"
"That marriage is illegal." Tumba insisted "I will never accept those comedies."
"You call my effort to marry my son's wife comedy?"
"Yes" confirmed Tumba "I never accepted the ceremony and I was not present."
"Anyway" Samba said "it doesn't matter because in Africa woman are not allowed to negotiate marriages."
"He is my son" Tumba argued "I have the right to participate in his marriage."
It was one of the reasons that Samba becomes very rare to his first wife's house. Every time he had to come he has to fight against her wife concerning Payo and others matter. For many months before the discovery of the cancer. Samba was feeling already weak and needed a lot of rest and the only place he could rest was to his second or third wife.

In their culture he supposed to spend many times to his first wife rather than other's wives but he was forced to flee his first wife. He didn't want to talk a lot. He told his first wife: "We will never change the tradition because of you. Like it or not your son is married to Payo. I did confirm today that Payo is his wife no longer is fianc�e but wife to Shabani."

For Tumba she was the one who gave birth to Shabani. Payo will never give birth to a man like Shabani.
Payo has just given birth to a beautiful daughter who the grand daughter is named after Tumba. Next time she will gave birth to a boy too. For Tumba her grand daughter is beautiful because she took her blood from his father's side who is her son, Shabani forgetting even to recognize the immense contribution of her daughter in law.
She swore that Payo and Shabani won't make anymore any children.
"They won't make another child again." Tumba swore "It happened by accident and it will never happen again."

Samba promised Tumba that they may have even ten children. Before having ten children it start by one, two�until ten. It started already they have one child then it will be two, tree until ten.
"I am Shabani's mother" Tumba said "I will prevent it from happening."

No one prevented Samba and Tumba from having many children and Shabani is one of them. Why do Tumba wanted to prevent her own son from having children with the woman from his choice?
"Shabani is what he is today because of me and you." Tumba kept saying "He supposed to marry the woman I gave him not that unknown woman and don't know from where, I don't know where they met first"

Samba confessed: "Look it why, I don't often come and sleep here."
One of the raison many Africans become polygamous was not only they culture for some it was a form of divorce. In the African's culture divorce does not exist. They party when people are getting married and they were no party for separation or divorce. That alone shown that there was no divorce.

He prefers to sleep to the other wives. They always clash because of Tumba's attitude. Samba didn't want to talk a lot, he comes to announce you the good news of her son. He is doing well in his study and he is healthy. Payo is not the fighting's subject. They fought many times before for Payo's daughter in law and he refuses to return to the same subject day after day. He said: "If you will excuse give me the food, I want to eat and rest. I am very sick, you are not here to make my poor health worst"
"I will be a good friend to you if you ever spoke about that name Payo." Tumba said "I hate that name for life"
"Tumba, stop."
"I will stop if you stop encouraging the illegal marriage."
"We have many children and matters to talk about why must we fight for the same matter everyday if I am here?"
"Let agree" Tumba said "I don't want to hear that name again."
"Tumba, I am sick please give some food I want to rest."
"You heard what I said."
Shabani once told her mother: "how can I leave a woman without any fight?" Her mother didn't want her son to love the woman she has chosen for himself. Tumba wanted her to marry a woman she has chosen for him. Shabani once told her too. "Who knows the woman you want to give me will be the worst one?". Tumba wanted to give him the woman she wanted like when she used to wear the little Shabani as a baby with the clothes she wanted too. But she didn't know that the heart had his caprices.

Tumba gave food to his husband to eat. While eating he saw his wife disappeared. He didn't know where she was going but he was feeling tired. After eating he went to sleep immediately.
This was not the end of the matter as Shabani's mother was still unhappy by the fact Samba choose Payo to talk to his son instead of her. She usually visit her grand child but do not often talk to Payo. The following day she went to see her grand child attacking Payo to Samba's second wife Sidoni.
Sidoni and Payo were chatting in their tiny living room, when they heard someone opening the door brutally without knocking. When they wanted to see who was doing this strange act their saw Tumba. And she said: "Payo since when you started talking to Shabani?"
"We only talked this morning."
"This must be your first and the last time to talk to my son." Tumba said "He is studying there and don't have the time to talk to you. Leave him alone, he is married now to books. His wife there is the books. Did you hear me?"

Payo didn't think or even thought of talking to him, it was her father in law who took her to accompany him to the priests. She didn't even know that she was to going to talk to her husband.
Tumba was as angry as she was not stopping talking: "He is there to study in Europe and have no time to talk with you. The only people he may talk to are me, his father and the family members. If the baby was able to talk she could go to greet him."
"What must I do because the father in law wanted me to talk with him."

For Tumba, Payo went there to disturb Shabani. He didn't want and she repeated that Payo not to even think about disturbing his son's studies. He is very busy with the studies. He is studying with all the whites of this world.
Sidoni was watching the two women arguing. Payo complained: "What must I do if he asks me to talk to me?"
"Never talk to him again."

Payo got confused she didn't know what really to do to please Tumba and please her husband Shabani at the same time.
Tumba asked her what her son said: "What did he said?"
"He said that he was fine."
"That is all?" Tumba asid "you are lying"
"He said also that he was thinking about us."
"No, not you." Tumba was shocked "Since when he may think about you."

For Tumba Shabani was talking about them not Payo. When she say them she meant : Tumba and his direct brothers and sisters. For Tumba, Payo was lying; she went to ask him for jewelries and other expensive stuff forgetting that he is only a student.
The second wife of Samba, Sidoni heard the talking she tried first to keep quiet until she decided to defend the young woman: "Tumba, listen."

Sidoni respected Tumba like a big sister but she refused accept all no sense. In the culture the second life respect the first wife. And they lived like old and young sister. Sidoni told Payo: "Please Payo if your husband wants to talk to you go and talk to him. Do you listen?"
Payo was really confused, she didn't know what to do. Shabani insisted to respect her mother regardless all the conflicts.
Tumba pleased by the fact her son kept insisting that she deserved to be respected back up her son: "Shabani is my son and my only son. No one contributed on his life."

She said that she carried him alone in her stomach, no woman helped her to give birth to him. She said that Shabani knows that and all the people of the world know that. She suffered alone to make him what he is today.
Sidoni acknowledge: "We all know that and we don't want you to remind us. His wife is here and you keep talking no sense in from of the young woman big sister?"

Tumba attacked Sidoni for trying to defend Payo: "Look we are sharing the same man but we are not sharing the same children. You have to keep it in mind"
"Look what you are saying." Tumba warned her rival.

Shabani was Tumba's son and when he send the parcels he always send something for Sidoni's children too because he know that Sidoni was not her mother but respected Sidoni as the wife of his father. He respects Sidoni for that and he recognizing Sidoni's children like his half brothers and half sisters. They don't have the same mother but they all share the same father. She told Tumba: "Please don't teach us what we know already."
"We share the same husband not the same children."
"Yes" but the children share the same father. You know that so what.
The all started getting out of control: "You have to respect me because I am the first wife of your husband."

Tumba was more considerate than Sidoni. In Samba's I.D. She was the only one recognized as Samab's wife. The government recognized only the first wife but traditionally all the people respect all the wives. Tumba went far in insulting her rival: "Your are all bitches"
"Big sister please you don�t have to do this." Sidioni argued "No, don't talk like that we used to fight when we were all young, in our twenties now we are old we have passed that moment and we are all mature."

Polygamy his part of their culture, they didn't have to return in the past, useless and childish matter. Their children have grown up, They have to measure their age by the age of the children. Sidoni said that all this because Shabani talked to her daughter in law, the wife of her son and on top of this the mother of her grand daughter named after her, Tumba. They all know that Tumba hated her. They all witnessed how she chased her from her house like a dog. She supposed to be living with Tumba in the first place now Payo was forced to live with Sidoni because of the postal card scandal. She told Tumba: "Please big sister let talk about other things"

The neighbors had to intervene in the matter to separate the women who seems not to end their discussion while Samba the husband was not there.
This was an unstoppable fight between the rivals and the daughter in law.
The states of Samba kept deteriorating day after day. Tumba called the fist traditional doctor Zelu to come and have a look of the sick man. The traditional doctor went to Samba's first wife to have a look of the patient who couldn't even walk properly.
Accompanied by his lot of traditional roots and other chemistry in an old bag. He arrived, entered Samba room: "This is a big big trouble."
Samba who was expecting what the man will say said: "Do your job and go. How much do you want?"
"The matter is so big."

He needed five franc to buy a full chicken to give to the ancestor, he need two franc to buy salt to throw to your ancestors tomb to come down their anger.
Zelu was respected he was in his late fifties. He combines divination and traditional medicine to heal his patient. For Tumba his husband was be witched because Shabani went to Europe and his son Joseph Chansa was studying in capital Kinshasa to become the first black priest in Kilambe.
"That is all?"
"Yes."
Samba gave Zelu seven francs: "Do your job and go. I don't take the stories."

For Zelu before finding the cure of the disease, he has to figure out the origin of the disease like the modern doctor. Without finding the origin of the disease he couldn't find the solution this unusual disease.
Samba insisted: "We are not in court to sentence the criminal but you are here to give me the medicine that is all."
Tumba intervene: "No Samba, let the traditional doctor do his job."

They didn't call him to talk or discuss what wrong with Samba, the man hasn�t yet started his job and Samba are interfering in his job already? Tumba was consulting the traditional doctors. He consulted Zelu at his house to ask for substance to bring back Samba who used to disappear from her house. He gave him substance to bring interest in Samba to love her first wife like he used to love her when they were both young. And lately she consulted Zelu for substance to make her son Shabani to hate Payo.
Samba lost interest in the divination for many years after started attending the church: "I want him to give me the medicine that is all."

Tumba was explaining: "All the traditional doctors have to start by finding the origin of the disease before tackling the medical process."
"I hate that origin."
"Why do you act like a European" Tumba told him "we are not European and we won't change our nature to the white one."
"I didn't want to turn this room into court."

For Samba court is more boring than a hospital. He has several pains and he doesn�t have the time to judge people.
Tumba then tell the doctor: Sorry doc, please do your job, don't listen to his philosophy."
Zelu the traditional doctor with the support of Tumba. Stood, light a candle. He moves his head up set down. Turn around the room while Samba is looking at him strangely and said: "Man, you are not here to do comedies, I am feeling bad I will die soon while you are dancing in my room. We are not in a theatre but I want to have the remedy please."

Zelu saw the bad spirit from the North to South, Shabani have been witchcraft by the jealous people. The neighbours and the families members are jealous of you and the success of your children, there are asking for his blood.
"I know your songs." Samba interrupted him.

He said all the witchcraft doctors sing the same melody with the same words, witchcraft. Samba refused to hate my friends and my families� members.

Zelu saw see the bad spirit saying, "Samba Samba why only you not us. You have the best women, the best children." One of his child his living with white people in Europe while their children have been hunting rabies in the bushes here. Sambas's are going to school and one of them Joseph Chansa his going to the seminary to become a priest to fight their spirit.
The negative spirits complain that they cannot operate properly, Samba's house is full of fire. They bad spirit cannot let Samba to be the best. Samba is respected even in the church while others are not involved in the church activities. "No, no we want to end your reign". Samba is not a king but you are happy than the king. "Why only you and why not us?"
Joseph Baso who went to the seminary his Shabani's big brother who was in the capitol city Kinshasa studying theology to become a priest.

Shabani didn't believe in one his words but was stopped by his first wife in interfering with the doctor's work. The doctor's continued: "All the zombies and witch have left the mountain to come and hunt you. There are asking for your head."
Tumba believed to what the man was seeing. She even started suspecting some people of the family and neighbor for jealousy while Samba was not impressed at all: "Why not my legs because I cannot walk?"

Samba was wondering that the bad spirit asked for his head but he doesn't have head problem he thinks there are hunting and wounded his legs he cannot walk.
Zelu explained: "There are saying that the head is the man engine. All the ideas are from the head not the legs."
"So why I am not mad because they want my head?"
Zelu reminded him "You know the beer song" He wanted to continue and do properly his job "They don't want you to get mad but they want to make you suffer first to revenge their defeat."
The beer song was a very popular song in Kilambe and in the district of Nbanza.
That song was stating:
Beer, Why my mouth drinks you and you attack the innocent eye. I can't see straight.
Beer, Why my mouth was the one who drank you but you attack my feet and I can't walk properly.
Beer, why my mouth drank you but you bring pain in my stomach.
Beer, why my mouth drank you but you bring disorder in all my body.
Beer, why my mouth drank you but you attack the innocent part of my body...

"I never fought with them so how to I win the fight?" Samba said.

Zelu threw some bones on the floor. He chose some of them and said and shook his head: "Um" he screamed "they are very angry because you are successful and well respected while there are not considerate in the society."

They are very angry with Samba specially the success of your two children: one his about to become a priest and one his about to become a leader in Congo.
He looks at his wife and get upset: "Tumba, you can understand me why I don't want the traditional doctors or witch doctor."

Samba was in full pain, he needed some kind of pain killer to slow the disease too but the man that Tumba brought is telling him stories and upsetting stories without giving him the medicine. The modern doctor will give him the medicine without telling him any story. The who, the why, the when, the what�He complained that Zelu supposed to give him the medicine and leave my private room. He insisted: "Now he is playing the Charlie, Romeo and Juliet while I am waiting for the remedy. He has been here for more than forty minutes."
Samba changed his tune of talking now he started shutting: "Man, I am giving you five minutes, only five minutes I repeat five minutes."

He said that if he doesn't see the roots now and the medicines to drink it better for Zelu leave my room. His room was not a court, it was a room of a sick man whom need peace to sleep, rest not to think. This was not a courtroom but a sick man room who want to rest.
Tumba talked begging his husband: "Anyway the man is just half way through the proceeding and now you want to chase him? Please give the man a chance to perform his normal ritual."
"Look man, I can die, I am serious I am very sick."

Samba was feeling is body burning from pain. For him Zelu man his playing with him. He said: "This is not a playing ground. Man, your minutes are counted."
The doctors had to stop the stories and give him the medicine: "Man, I didn't finish properly my work and I don't know if the medicine really will work or not."
"Give me the medicine and leave my room." the sick man said "I need to rest but not to judge people."
The man quit opens his back and started giving him the process to use those medicine.

He told him that he will drink five a full cup of those roots in two days. Tumba is wife will cook those roots and boiled it for half a day. The other medicine he will rub those mixes at the parts of his body where you feel the pain. Zelu promised to return after tree days to see the evolution of the disease. "Thank you, I need to rest."

He told Zelu to take note each and every time he come to his house. To give him the medicine and go. He didn't need any dancing routine in his room. Any comedy or any judgment. This was a room of a sick man who need peace and many sleep not think how to revenge. This was not and will never be a courtroom. Thank you�
The man left the sick�s room very disappointed as Tumba comforted the traditional doctor: "Please forgive my husband."

She apologized on behalf of her husband. She said that he has a very strange way of treating the tradition since he is friend to priests. She was very sorry she knew that she didn't do properly his job but come to see the evolution of his body.
"I will come to see your husband but I am very disappointed." the traditional doctor told him.

Zelu has been doing the job for thirty years, he never see a patient shutting at him if like he was the one of the man who made him sick. He doesn�t know how to say. "May be is witches have gave him the ability to resist to the traditional medicine?"
It made a sense because they always says that "A man witch crafted denies to be witch crafted"
"I didn't see all but there is a big fight in your family." Zelu regretted.

All the bad spirit and zombies are in the house. They want Tumba�s husband, Zelu was very disappointed because Tumba's husband interfered in his practices ritual. Zelu couldn't concentrate any more because he was under pressure. He could have given them all the names of all the witches if Samba did not disturb my work. He said to the woman who was accompany him outside the yard were he had parked his bicycle: "What I know for sure is that the mind of your husband his taken by the witches." Zelu said "They have given me the ability to resist the traditional ritual. It is a very bad sign. Please try to tell him to respect our tradition."
"I will try really to tell him."
"Please do so."
The amazed traditional doctor left the patient' home very disappoint for not having finished and doing properly the ritual. Tumba was also very disappointed as she blamed her husband when she returns from accompanying the doctor: "You are crazy."
"Since when?"
"Since you get sick."

Samba confessed that he was sick many years ago. It now that the state of my body have deteriorated. "Why don't you keep going to the European doctors if you don't trust local doctors." Tumba blamed him.

He said that he wanted the medicine not stories. He told his wife not to allow those liar to separate his family, friends and neighbours. He said many will tell me that his wives and his loved one are witches.
"Yes" Tumba said "they must tell us who is the witch who makes you suffer?"
"In their mind naturally disease does not exist."

Samba warned his wife that if she keep encouraging those practices she will end up hating all the people. What makes his angry is that when he was stormed by pain, your doctor his busy telling him stories. He felt like dying while he was telling me of witches in the mountain and jealous people.
"Yes, people are jealous of us." Tumba confirmed "We have many children; all our children are attending school."

She explained that they have a priest in the family soon and another son his in Europe. They were very successful. She told Tumba that he have a good responsibility in church. They receive often gifts from their children in Europe from Shabani and in the capitol Kinshasa from Joseph Chansa Baso. So they are not happy to see us smiling, their want us to cry.
Joseph Chansa Baso was big brother to Shabani Zoao. His name was Chansa Baso but added a Christian name as a future priest as Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus Christ from the Bible.
"I better die than listen to stories without any proofs." Samba said "Did you see a bad spirit here?"
"But we cannot see the bad spirit here." Tumba reminded him "You must have four eyes"
Four eyes meant the two physical eyes that human have and two more eyes to see the spiritual things. It only witchcraft doctors, prophets, marabou... who have the two extra eyes to see what the physical eyes cannot see.

"I don't want you to teach to my children all the unproved theories that exist from the month of liars." Samba warned her.
"People want to kill you because they are jealous." Tumba told him "they are jealous of you especially because Shabani is in Europe with whites"
"That is means that if the witch were not existing we could have lived forever in this earth?"
"Possible."
"You are stupid and very stupid."
"the priests had made you stupid"

Samba warned his wife never try to influence my children with those behaviour. A man cannot live for thousand years understand. There is time to live and time to die too. The African don't accept a premature death because they believe that every man and human have been sent to contribute in this earth. When someone dies very young for example a eighty years old child, they celebrate what he did on this planet. Each human must contribute�Life is a celebration and they celebrate death. So Samba was celebrating his living having children, contributed to the church and community and now his children are having children too. So he was sure that it is time to join the ancestors, he played his part in life. He said: "My death will be a truly a celebration"

CHAPETER THIRTEEN :RESURRECTION

When the many family members of Samba heard that Samba was very sick and he could probably die. They all started coming to prepare the after Samba. Samba had many things from his personal effort and includes the one his children were giving him lately: bicycles, sewing machines �that Shabani has just sent and some few articles send by his son Shabani who is to become a priest.
He had many houses, children and wives. This was a big fortune for a villager. The one who come to visit Samba and brought trouble first was Samba, young brother. The one who follow him in their family rank. Their had the same father but different mothers. He was living a twenty kilometers from Samba's village. His name was Tamaya.
He was short in height, wearing the traditional clothes very good friends of beer. He had five wives and many children. By nature very envious and very commanding. He arrived at Tumba�s house were Samba was living permanently after the deterioration of his body: "Tumba what have you done to my big brother?"
The family members used to blame the women for the death of their brothers. Sometime they used to beat up or even kill the women when the husband dies prematurely. This was a huge challenge of the government who was trying to promote the women and children's right. In town those practices was quick to disappear while in the rural areas they were very difficult to disappear.
For many people they used to blame the colonist government for interfere with the tradition but after the independence they were disappointed that even the African's government were discouraging those practice.
"We don't know really the cause of his sickness." She justified herself "jealous people want to kill him because of Shabani who is in Europe and Chansa Samba who is about to be the first black priest"
"Shut up witch" Tamaya said "you want to kill your husband of many years to take all the fortunes he as and send to your poor family."
"Tamaya," Tumba said "I don't have any more any family except Samba and our children."
"Stupid, I know you."
In this rural area many people called their wives as stupid when they were angry. It was a normal insult.
All he wanted was his brother's wealth and He was sure that he will inherit all his brother's things including his wives because of his rank in the family as the immediate young brother. All the women were stupid to him and Tumba was the most stupid woman he never met.
She thought that the man was drank as usually: "Tamaya, it is not time to get drank."

They were in a serious situation were they didn't have to fight: Tamaya�s brother was between life and death and his very allergic to noise. Everybody knew that that even when Samba was in good health he never likes noise. She said: "Please let sit, talk and find the solution to save my husband who is your brother."
"Shut up" Tamaya remarked "I don't talk with women."

The only place Tamaya talk to women is in bed only. All the women are witches and Tamaya is witch too.
"Tamaya" Tumba asked "did you had some beer before you come?"
"Tumba do you want to play with me?"

It was a shock to Tamaya he wondered that since when a woman can ask a man if he had drank. No women have the right to control or ask what the man is doing. The man is the chief of the family and women are the slaves to Tamaya. The slave does not ask is boss what is doing or what is planning to do?
Tumba begged him: "We have big children now, let act like responsible man and woman."
"Who have given you the courage to exchange words with me?"

The woman has to pay him a full cow for disrespecting a man and specially Tamaya who will be Tumba's husband soon.
"I am still Samba wife after his death I will still alone without any husband."

For Tumba may be the all family will choose a man for her. She told Tamaya that he have big brother who may take her, she didn't think that Tamaya may be my next husband. Any way Tumba decided to fight and try by all means to come up with the cure of her husband. She swore: "I won't let me die and especially not now. Right now I am going to see the twins doctors thirty kilometers from here to come, rescues my husband or even resuscitate him."
"Tumba" Tamaya said "come here where are you going?"
"I told you."
"Come here, I say come here"
"Time is running out I am going to see other traditional doctor."
"I am the boss here, I am saying come here."

Tumba took of her one of her sons Kumbako and a new bicycle from Shabani to accompany her to the most respected twin traditional doctors: Lemba and Sumbi in the all region. Tamaya kept arguing: "The bicycle is not going no where, I am telling you the bicycle is not going no where, there are my properties."
"There are not yours there are my children and family's property."
"I am the family and the only legitimate to inherit all my brothers property include the house and include this house too." Tamaya proudly said.
The new government had a problem to implement the new laws. In the traditional law family's member used to inherit they disease brother's things, not only wives but also they houses. Some were even rude chasing away the children's of the disease's one in the house.
Tumba�s son Kumbako who was seventeen years old helped her mother in the discussion: "Uncle, we are going to search for my father's cure. The father is not dead yet and we are saying no to death."
"You are very mal educated like your witch mother."
"My mother is not a witch" the child said "you are the one who are witch trying to kill our father to take our properties."
"I will beat you up now: you and you mother."
"Try."
"What do you say?"
"Try."
"Man, your days on this earth are counted from now."

Tamaya said that Kumbako's word disrespecting the elders will kill him. He am Samba's brother, he swore that Kumbako will never reach twenty years because he ignored his uncle authority in this family.
The young man said: "You have wives and children too, go and command (instruct) your family."
"Man" Tamaya disappointed "if I am not your father's brother may all the punishment fall on me but if I am your uncle. May all the bad things in this world fall on you."

The words of elders were respected and this time Kumbako was not scared of his uncle who was talking nonsense to him. He was also a Christian and was not scared of the tradition: "We are Christian now, all your talking will only return to you. It is only God who protects us. Jesus, will stand against all the curses."

For many African conservative Jesus is a God of whites people and especially Jewish. He told him: "You are not a white to be known in Jesus�s list."
"We are children of God."

Tamaya said that priests have been lying to people; it is why he left the church. Their tell us to forget our ancestors and tradition.

Kumbako told him: "We respect the tradition but we don't accept your abuses."

Tamaya blamed the church to mislead the new generation. He swore that Kumbako will never see the light again in his life; he remembered how Kumbako was just a small boy that he used to carry. He insisted that if he knew that the boy will change and take his mother's attitude he could have thrown him against the wall when you were only two weeks old. "Come and throw me now against the wall. I am still a child."
"Go with your bitch mother" Tamaya said "I will call the all family to tell them how you disrespect me."
Tumba added: "If you don't respect yourself even the young children will never respect you. Look now how a young boy has just dishonored you in front of me a woman."
"You are all witches trying to eat my brother." Tamaya said "Cannibals, you will see how the all family will turn against you."
Tamaya left wordless and very angry been dishonored by Tumba and his son. He waited for other members of the family to arrive and give him back him while Tumba was gone to look for the twin�s traditional doctor: Lemba and Sumbi.
Around four hours in the afternoon other members of the family start slowly coming. They started chatting first about the state of Samba health outside the house: "Samba is not feeling well."
"I had very bad dream for the past two weeks and I knew that something bad his arriving in our family."
"We cannot loose Samba now."

Samba was one of the loved man and the most intelligent man in all the family. He is not only very important in the family but also very important in his church, community and the all village.
They were scared to loose one of most important member of the family. They had little hope that Samba can survive. Samba hasn�t been sick for many years.
Many people lost hope of Samba's survival. what made the matter worst is that many people didn't know what was his disease: "I am afraid" one of the family's member said "his soul is already with the ancestors but his body is in the room. It only matter of hours or days before he joins the ancestors."
"What can we do to save him?"
"Many doctors have failed to heal him."

He went to the hospital without getting any improvement on his health and he even turned to their ancestor�s medicine without success. People don't know they have only to pray, then wait and see. Now people were o talk about a possible the after Samba.
Many people didn't know what Samba�s disease is. He wanted to keep secret to many people as possible. While usually everybody suspected of the witchcraft.

For his family they were sure and convinced that the witches from his families in law, neighbours wanted to kill him and take all the things that Samba have.
Shabani did send many modern drugs to try to heal his father, that is mean they all know that Samba is very sick. Doc Bosco has visited the sick man twice at his home and even show him how to take the drugs from Europe.
Everybody was wondering who is killing Samba? Samba's family members were sure that definitely not from of they side wanted to kill him. They were all blaming in his law family from his first wife Tumba and the second wife Sidoni.
The priests who were not married were trying to discourage the polygamous practices but with less practices in the rural areas almost all the men had many wives. That didn't stop them for praying too. It was a very difficult practice to leave.
The priests were very careful in discouraging all the cultural practices because it could have discourage the villagers from even going to churches.
Tamaya informed his clan that he fought with Tumba and another stupid son of her Kumbako. He swore that boy, Kumbako was not their brother's son. Very impolite and allowing her mother to dishonour him.
"What?" the family's members were angry.
"Tumba has dishonored me" Tamaya said "they treated me as a witch who wants to kill my own brother. They took two bicycles newly sent by Shabani and left here."
One of Samba's cousin insisted: "Nothing is leaving this house."

There said that Samba belonging were their properties, the children do not belong to Tumba, their belonging to them include the houses and all the things they see in the yard. He told Tamaya, because Tumba has dishonored him in front of children. She was getting married to him once Samba joins the ancestors or dies.
"Do you understand?" the cousin said.
"Exactly."

Tamaya swore to punish her for life in the bed to her entire life. She will pay. "This is playing with our strongest clan."

They distributed verbally all the Samba's properties and wives amount them except the last wife of Samba who was given to Samba first born who was not even in the meeting. According to the traditional custom. The last wife of the father have to be married by his first born son.
The first born had already two wives and was a simple farmer in the same village.
The same night before the return of Tumba with the twin doctor died on his sleep.

But there was a duty incident that happens too but wasn't notified by many people around except a young neighbor boy.
Tumba returned with the traditional doctor find his husband not responding to his call even to any things. He died peaceful in his sleep.
Tumba started crying and weeping while the twin traditional doctor kept telling her: "Don't cry sister. Your husband his not dead."
"Look, he is not talking or moving any more."
"He is not dead."
"He doesn't breath." Tumba said.
"Look we have seen many cases like this your husband his alive." the twins traditional doctors said "Stop crying, if you keep crying he will die for real."
The confused woman listen to the young twins traditional doctors: Lemba and Sumbi who were in their late twenties:
"So what do you want me to do?" Tumba said.
"We will bring him back to life." they confirmed.
"So bring his soul back now." Tumba begged.
One of the twins said: "It is a very big job, your husband went to visit the ancestors he will return soon."
"How much do you want me to give you so he may return?"
This was a good opportunity to make more money. Everybody knew that Samba had a son in Europe the land of whites and the land of rich people. They never seen a poor whites in Congo and for them everybody from Europe were extremely rich: "Look, it is a big job."

The twin doctors told Tumba not to tell any one here that Samba is dead. If she tells to anyone that he is dead his soul will be shy to reenter his body.
The woman get strong and stopped weeping: "I stopped crying so now do your job."
"We cannot do a job without any agreement first."
"What do you want?"
"It is a big job and we need something corresponding to that job."

They said that they wanted two bicycles to go and fetch him where his soul was. His soul according to them was in the mountain and they need not one but two bicycle for both of us to fetch and transport back his soul to earth.
The desperate woman hesitated first to give the new bicycles than chose his husband life first: "I will give you, take those two bicycles."
Bicycle was a big fortune in village, especially in that area. Shabani sent those bicycles that Samba never used. There was in his a room a sewing machine too. He kept it to sell in case of financial trouble. He was a very organized men who was planning the future. There were no bank in the village but he was making sure to have valuable material to sell in financial troubles and difficulties. He never had any financial problem because of his organization. It what makes him very mysterious in the eyes of villagers.

The witch doctors or traditional doctor were happy to jump on the fortune. The twin brothers: Lembi and Sumbi were in their late twenties. They knew very well that Samba was very wealthy. It was around ten hours in evening when they realized that Samba was dead, all the family members who had distributed verbally Samba's wealth were gone to their home, expecting to return the next morning to wait for the death of Samba and collect all the things.
The woman slept with his husband the corpse expecting him to rise as the twins said before leaving with bicycles: "Sister, there is nothing to panic, keep secret we are going now to the mountain to bring him back. He is not dead he will resuscitate soon."
"I trust you."
"It is why we needed the bicycles to go and fetch him."
The woman wondered a little bit before the twins leave her bedrooms: "Tell me if we didn't have those bicycles what could have happen?"
"We could have asked the money to hire new bicycles or buy a bicycle to fetch him."
Then she tried to find a way of saving the new bicycles: "Leave those new bicycles because their just arrived, I will give enough money to hire even ten bicycle in the village."

Sumbi told Tumba not to worry the ancestors will be very happy to see a new bicycle like a virgin girl. They won't hesitate to realize him from their custody. They said that if they bring in the ancestor's world scrapped bicycle they may refuse to let him go. "Any way, my husband life is more than anything in the world."

They even told her many stories how they have resurrected dead people and why they were respected in the community.

She let the witch doctor go to fetch the doctor the dead husband's soul.
During night she kept calling almost each thirty minutes his husband in moving him: "Samba, Samba wake up, are you back?"
She strongly believed in the twin doctors: Lembi and Sumbi. She consulted them before many times and specially when she wanted some substance to bring the husband back when Samba was spending many days to other wives forgetting to gave her some attention. The twin doctors were always her last hope. In fact the never disappointed her before.

The twin doctors were the fourth people to try to heal Samba. Tree previous witch doctors fail to stop the spread of cancer.
The doctors when they were going riding news bicycle were busy chatting: "Two minds is better than one mind."

They easily convinced her to give the bicycles and she didn't hesitate to give them those new bicycles.
One of the twins saw the bicycles when they entered his bedroom and he knew that in this situation Tumba won't resist to give them the new bicycle. "This is a good affairs." he was pleased "It is not over."

Some of her children live in Europe where they make bicycles and cars. She will give them even the money to buy a car.
The twins doctors decided not to return but they changed their mind: "What must we do?"
"Let return to her two days to ask for money to buy car."
"I though that we have to disappear for a while." suggested one twin.

They wanted before they disappear to see Tumba, get money to buy a car this is a new opportunity. "That is correct, she always has money. She is the only clients who never hesitated to give us the exact amount of money that we ask."

For Lembi the other twin. Tumba have a lot of money and he suspect the big bag that was next to the bed's head was full of money. He said that he could smell money into it, Shabani have sent her a lot of money and Chansa who is a future priest sent plenty of money too.
"Of course we have to take all the money before we flee. She is very rich her all room smelled money."
"We have to play the last card before going to settle to Kinshasa the big city of more than two million people, they will never find us there."
"Thank you God, this opportunity will make us very rich."
"In a desperation situation like this client give everything they have to see the loved one to raise."
Tumba wakes up around ten hours in the morning for the first time in her life because in their culture a woman have to wake up early to start working but for the first time she didn't sleep for the all night waiting for the return of her husband to celebrate. She felt asleep at around five hours in the morning, the usual time she wakes up.
When she wakes up she locked at her room. She then went to see the other Samba's wives who were respecting her a lot because she was the first wife. She knew that Samba family will come to make a big trouble before his husband resuscitate and break the bedroom door destroying the all process.
They all met to Samba second's wife Sidoni. Samba's third wife who was very rare Malemba was also there. Not to fight this time but to talk: "We are not in a period to fight. Let forget all the passed fight polygamous his our way of life."

They were all sisters sharing the same husband and the same husband sweat. They decided to be united like never before. They may loose the thing that they had in common. Their husband was still very sick, Tumba said that she left him sleeping in her bed. She wanted all her rituals to mobilized their children and all them from now they must spend a lot time in her houses were their husband was.
Tumba was talking as the biggest sister the first wife in telling her rivals to mobilize also their own relative to fight Samba's family. They want to take all the things that they husband have been working very hard to earn those materials and the high respected reputation. They want to give them a drinker husband Tamaya before the death of Samba their husband.
She said: " We will resist�I am going to tell the all community include the priest to back up us. We will win this fight, let go."

Before her returning from mobilizing the other wives. Samba's family and clan members were slowly coming praying for the quick death of Samba to start taking they things their already pointed out.
When she arrived with a group of women and children Tamaya asked her: "Is the brother already dead?"
"You want him to die so you may take his things." She said "No one will touch anything here."
It was the usual fight that takes place when someone was in the coma. People were already fighting for the material while the sick hasn't died. It was always a big disappointed when the sick man recovers and those who envied his things used to leave without anything.
Tumba said that the things belong to their children. They have been suffering alone with Samba. She asked Tamaya �Where were you when Samba was working to buy all those things? Samba advised his brothers to send the children to schools, they refused. They took their children to fishing and to hunting. They ate the best fish and the best meat now there are finished and they want to take the things of Samba's children who were studying. They left their houses pretending to mourn a man who is not dead yet." She said: "You are not her to mourn my husband, you are after his wealth."

Samba 's family were shocked to be disgraced in front of many people as one of them told Tamaya: "Did you hear what your wife is saying. We won't talk to her but we give you the responsibility to correct your future wife."
Tumba had the courage to talk what she is been hiding because of many people who come. She wanted to show to the other Samba's women that she is their leader as the first wife: "We will oppose to your satanic action today."

The women vowed to will fight for their husband who is not dead and will never die before you. Tumba insisted that they will die first and they will bury them without harassing their families.
Tamaya responded: "Big mouth, we don't have the time to talk to you. It is a disgraced to our culture."

The man didn't want to talk to women, they were excluding women from all the decisions making. They say that women talk with the pots and spoons in kitchens while the men are drinking. Tamaya said that these groups of women have insulted them and they will be punished by their ancestors. He vowed to will marry them; he was just waiting for the confirmation of his clan. All family has agreed already for the disrespect Tumba shown yesterday.
He vowed to make wash his under wear everyday of your life the former Samba's wife. He said that they brother Samba was not dead yet but they were not to mourn him but wanted to support him. He said: "We are here to see how his copping�You are a witch who want to kill my brother."
"Go back where you come from, Samba is sleeping and don't want any noise. I will not open the room's door of the bedroom because he needs peace for his full recovery."

Tamaya said that they were waiting for him to come out of his room to celebrate. He said that he was tired discuss with a bitch like Tumba. "You are lying, you are here to take our things. We won't let you walk away with anything."
"Our brother is more important that anything."

According to the culture they will take everything and nothing his staying here once Samba is dead. Those practices was disappearing in the big city in Africa were the law was discouraging these practices, but in the rural areas it was slow to disappear. They villagers resisted to the implementation of the new law and even hated those laws calling them: "Europeans laws" The traditional law was not protecting enough they widowed sometime the widowed were beaten up when they suspect them as witches.
Tamaya said that they grow up together with Samba, they suffered together. He claimed to know him better that his wives. He said that samba's wives were duty girl in the village before she got married to their brother. Samba washed her and now that you feel clean she even dishonor them?
"Washing a woman" was a term meaning to buy her nice clothes and cosmetic product to make the woman look beautiful of presentable.
He swore: "You will pay back all the sin you have committed."
In their culture we say that the eyes of people kill. Tumba tried to humiliate Tamaya because of many people were watching them in the dispute. He said that the woman wanted to match the man because of all the people who are watching us here�
Sidoni told him: "Go back were you come from there are no visit to my husband today."

They refused to leave because they were scared that Samba wives will hide some bicycles and other things, there are ours.
Tamaya said: "There is not going any where."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: WHO KILLED SAMBA?

Around two hours in the afternoon, Tumba went alone in her room to check if Samba was back. She noticed that nothing have changed, Samba was decomposing already. Tumba had very less trust in the traditional healer who does not work with divinity. She thought that the witch doctor who works with spirit, divination mixing with the traditional medicine were more powerful to simple traditional healer who workd with traditional medicine only (roots and animals mixture) were not that powerful.
She called her husband again: "Samba, Samba wake up�Samba Samba, wake up there are many people who are waiting for you outside�Samba come back before it is too late."

The witch doctors went with new bicycles yesterday to fetch Samba�s soul into the ancestor's mountain. "Samba, Samba wake up, your body is decomposing already�Samba, Samba, wake up you are even smelling like a rotten fish already�Samba, Samba please wake up�"

While trying to move his husband she saw a swollen on his head. She realized that Samba had a knock on his head. She suspected that may be he fall from the bed. But wondered if really he fail from the bed who really put him back on the bed? He was too weak to climb on the bed. She can lock the room but it was always easy for someone to enter the room from the Thatcher roof: "Samba, father of my children what happen to you? You even have a knock on your head. You never had this kind of knock at the back of your head before."

Samba was not responding or moving. She trusted the witch doctors whom were planning to return to get money to buy a car now.
Every body respected Tumba words not to enter Samba's room. They all agreed to her demand as the first wife of Samba and the most important woman in his life.
Strange enough Samba's family didn't want to leave and specially Tamaya. A eight years boy from the neighboring house saw yesterday Tamaya coming from Samba's room with an hammer. Then he left quickly the place. That time Tumba went to look for the witch doctors. The boy had a strong presentiment of a mal doing.
He told his father who kept secret first.
In the afternoon around five a neighbor with his eight year old boy arrived. The heard the boy talking with father: "This man?"
"Are sure it is him?" the father asked the kid
"Yes" I saw him coming from the room with hammer acting like a robber. I though that he stole something.
The men then told to Tamaya:
"Why are you still here?" Sipho the neighbour asked him.
"I don't talk with stranger" Tamaya said "I never see you before and I never talk to you before. Are you Tumba's cousin who wants to fight with me?"
"I left my house early this morning and I am returning around five in the afternoon, I find you sitting here."
It been a couple of days that some of Tamaya family's members refused to go to they usual activities. Spending time at samba's house. They only time they go was when they goes to bath to the rivers and have a little break visiting they friends in Kilambe. But most of the time they spend at Samba's house.

Sipho's, Samba's neighbour cared like many neighours in Africa about him because he cared about them too. The neighbour wanted to see him but Tumba his wife have told them that he doesn't not need noise. They all left this place, the neighbour was a teacher told people who were pouring at Samba's house that there was a group of about 5 peoples who do not want to leave this place waiting to inherit Samba things, include his wives.
Samba's cousin warned him: "You don't have any right to intervene in the family matters. Go and talk your father in his grave those no sense. This is purely family matter"..

Sipho the neighbour was so serious as he said: "If Samba dies with some kind of knock it is you who is the perpetrator."

Sipho the neighbour didn't understand why a man is refusing to leave his brother's house while he has one too. I didn't understand why a man must leave is preoccupations to come and wait for his brother's death to take is bicycles and other things. He was an African too, he felt that he was a part of Samba the family too.
In Africa neighbors are family too, they suffer and celebrate together. They shared what they had together. He said: "You are not the only family Samba has. When Samba doesn�t have salt or sugar he send children to us for help. When we are in need of something we do the same. If anything bad happen to Samba you won't live alive."
Tamaya tried to escape: "Let go, I am not ready to talk to the stranger."

He said that he never seen in his life this neighbour and he didn't even know the colour of your mouth. He said that this strange neighbour Sipho was trying to intimidate him in front of his own family member. "You didn't want to leave before why do you want to leave now."

Tumba told him to leave with his group but he refused. Tamaya told Tumba how nothing has to leave this house. The neighbour told Tamaya who wanted to leave: "You played the security before and now we are telling you to play the security forever."
The villagers started pouring at Samba's place. They knew to support each other in need. When they hear a small trouble even when they are not call, they slowly come.
Sipho, the neighbour decided to represent the all community.
He said that Tamaya and his group have to stick on the chair their planted until Samba's comes out of his coma alive.
People of the village Kilambe started pouring at Samba's house. Samba was well known in the community. A well respected man by everybody. A man who had no conflict in Kitlambe.
For sometime Tumba was listening the dispute between his neighbour Sipho and Tamaya's group.
They saw Tumba doing a worrying gesture before going into the house. She put both hands on his head and quick entered the house. This was not a good sign. In fact she was shocked to get the knocking confirmation from a neighbour. Exactly, Samba had a knock on his head. She tried at the same time tried to keep secret that his husband was not moving.
Tamaya unaware that someone saw him with an hammer when he left the house tried to defend himself: "I never had an hammer before and I don't have any hammer with me."
That neighbor persisted: "You may have hit the sick man to worse is condition so to die quick. You are not here to mourn only Samba, you envy his belonging. You tried to hide your true feeling showing sympathy."
"The young boy his lying."
"Why a kid may point out only you not hundred of people who come to see Samba?"
The community used to trust a lot the children because they knew that most of the time children do not lie. When a child lies they could detect quickly the lie. But when the child his persistent they all believe to what the child says.
"He may be made confusion"
"You didn't want to leave this place that mean you are very convinced that your brother his dying?"
"I am afraid that he may die soon because he didn't show any kind of improvement in his health."

Sipho said that Tamaya supposed to wait for the sad news to arrive at his place but he is searching for the sad death news. The community was not so concern because we were sure that Samba will survive. They people always come at Samba's house in the morning and afternoon ask for a minute how Samba is coping but now they were upset to learn that there is a group of people who sit for two days now waiting for someone to confirmed that Samba is dead?
One of the cousin defended they act: "We are living very far from here. It is why we don't want to go back."

The neighbour didn't buy that excuse: "If you live far from here you should come once in two days."

People were not that stupid, they said that they were big enough to analyze the situation. They didn't need to go to university to learn how to analyze. They learn from what they have seen, witness in the past many brothers and sister killing their blood parents for inheritance. He said: "Looking at you, looking at the way to act and talk we suspect you of mal doing."
Tamaya said: "I love very much my brother and I never did anything wrong in my community or any other community."
The man wanted to talk to Samba's wife: "Where is Tumba first?"
"She went into the house."
Samba, second wife Sidoni went knocking to Tumba's bedroom door: "Big sister, why wrong there?"
"Samba is fine." Tumba said.
"There is a problem outside the house."

Those polygamous wives were always very unify when they husbands were sick or were in trouble.

They saw outside people slowly coming with stick and ready to take action when they were told to do so. Youngster were watching Tamaya's group so they may not escape. Tamaya went to the toilet each five minutes. The toilets in the village were outside they house just at the back of the yard. Tamaya could see at each corner youngest looking at him with stick.

Tumba, refused anyone to enter her bedroom under the strict advice of the twin doctors: Lembi and Sumba. She responded: �Samba had a knock on the back of his head but he still fine."
Samba's second wife comes out of the house weeping. People got upset: "Is Samba dead?" people were wondering. People knew that any spontaneous, any abrupt moves, any rush could mean that the sick man has passed away. "What is going wrong?" people kept wondering.
Sidoni responded: "Tumba has confirmed that our husband was hit by a hammer on the back of his head."

People in the community brought their stick and weapon to hit people who may have hit the sick man. In this community they used to take the law on they own hand. When they catch a thief or a man who has raped or did something bad.
Sipho the father of the eight years old who saw Tamaya leaving the house with a hammer continued: "I knew that there is something wrong in Samba's room. My boy was telling me that he saw a robber leaving the house with a hammer."

Sipho got upset when he heard the word hammer, then the boy told him that apparently they were nobody in the house yesterday. Tumba went to look for the twin traditional doctor. Sipho was shocked to see this man and his group refusing to leave the place and he knew that really there is a Satan who have committed a crime and was waiting to smile out of the people misery. He said: "Man, you better stick in that chair because you not going no where."
"All those suspicious on are lies."
"We will see really if you will prove me wrong." Sipho said.
"I will prove you wrong."

Sipho backed by the community member told the talkative Tamaya: "I don't have the talent to talk and sing like women."

It only women who were well known of talk a lot. He was sorry that he can not match Tamaya who was a fats talker. He talks like a woman, in one minute he was able to talk twenty words or few words while Tamaya was able to talk hundred words or many words. Sipho told him: "You talk like a singing birds and talk as a woman."
Tamaya tried to defend himself while even some members of samba's clan were against him. They opposed Tamaya act if it was true: "I swear in the name of the sun, the moon, the ancestors the kid is lying."
The bad news is circulating very fast. In less than an hour the all village knew that Samba has been hit by a hammer by his own brother before the final verdict.
Around eight hours in the evening the modern visiting doctor Bosco from the Catholic Church hospital who was very close to Samba heard the news from his wife: "It seems that Samba is in a critical condition."
This doctor had very little rest and used to work from Monday to Monday. he had very little rest. Sometime he used to be called in the middle of the night. He loved his job. In the urban areas they had many doctors but in the rural areas there were very few doctors. And those who worked in the rural area didn't care about the overtime salary. They were always there to help the community. They were performing surgery operation in the very difficult circumstances. They used to use sometime candle in the middle of the night to perform surgery operation.
They become very good doctors because they had few medicines and instruments and they were forced to use all the few medicine available to help people.
"Who told you?" Bosco wondered.

Bosco's wife heard the rumors that Samba may have been hit by his brother with an hammer so he may die and inherits his belonging and his wives? "This cannot be true."

All the people are talking about it in the village. In the village were there had no radio station, they were able to transmit the news mouth to hear in a space of few minutes. In one hour already the all village of Kilambe were aware of the news. The priests went to pray for the sick man but Tumba refused to allow them to enter the sick man�s room. With all the respect the priest accepted hoping to return the next day.
"Samba is very sick" Samba said "I am his doctor but I cannot reveal the secret. It against the law to reveal someone's health states."

Bosco as the only doctor in Kilambe used to knock off very late. He had many patient to consult the entire day. Most of the time he returns home after 8 hours in the afternoon. Bosco wife told him what she heard: "Is not only sick but he is lying in his bed for days now."
"I have to see him, I know that he is a very good man."
"It is late now."

For Bosco it wasn't late for someone like Samba. He was very sick and he has to see him may be he need some modern medical attention. He cannot walk so I have to go to him.
The doctor left his house before even eating any food. He could believe what he heard: "Tamaya hit by his own brother with a hammer to precipitate his death so he can inherit his wives and things."

Bosco said that this is not good, Samba was dying already from a natural disease but who is this man who want to precipitate his death?

Tumba was getting more upset. He respected the traditional doctor recommendation but his husband couldn't wake up. She kept telling his husband now with cries: "Samba, Samba I cannot take it no more. Why you still with ancestors while we are all waiting for you. You are already stinking my noise cannot take it any more. Please come back now."
The twin doctors decided also to come and claim the money to buy a car. They arrived before the modern doctor:
Tumba quick met them in letting them to enter the bedroom while hundred of people were already outside in the yard. They were well known in the area and very respected. She turned to the trusted twin traditional doctors: "What wrong with my husband. He is decomposing already; I have respected all your rules."

One of the twins doctors answered: "We are experiencing a small problem."
"What problem again?"
"We went to fetch is soul in the ancestor's land. But when we were about to leave, your husband soul have become so heavy to fit on the bicycles."
"But I gave you two news bicycles."

Lembi one of the twin claimed that one of the bicycle's tyre busted when we were about to leave the ancestors city and one bicycle is not enough for his soul.
"What do you need now?" the woman said.
"We need a car."

It was too much for Tumba she didn't have a car herself and they don't have many cars in the village Kilambe, she asked the twin doctors: "So what do you want us to do?"
"We have to buy a car."

The only place where because they sell cars was only in Kinshasa Congo capital city of the country. It was the last plan for the twin doctors. They wanted to disappear pretending to buy the car in Kinshasa to transport the decease's man soul. In a big city of more than 3 millions people, it was impossible to catch them.
Sumbi backed his brother: "We have found a car in the ancestor's land and their need money to transport his soul."
"How much?"
"A lot of money to resurrect him."
"How much?"
"All the money you have."
They twins traditional doctors wanted all the money believed to be sent from Europe by Shabani. Who didn't know in the village and surrounding Kitlambe that Shabani was in the land of whites. And that money was created by European that means that Shabani was having plenty of money and send a lot of money to his parents and family's member and his wife Payo.
Payo clothes were always taken by her sister saying that her husband was rich. All the clothes Shabani sent her was always taken.
Tumba made a small budget in her mind. She has to keep some money to buy the for hundred of people outside waiting for Samba o come out some coffee and tea. It was their tradition to offer something to people, Some of them are from very far. She didn't even have an idea of how much the car could have cost.
"We want to save your husband's soul before is too late?" The twin doctor said.

She said that she has to talk to her rivals and see how much they have so they may make a good package of money. She couldn't even ask back the bicycle. All she wanted was to save her husband soul

Sumbi could read how the woman was so desperate and said: "Show us the money you have, then we will see if enough is or not?"

The twins were expecting to see a full bag of money send by Shabani who is the land of white, Europe but were surprised to be shown a big envelope full of money: "This is not enough add more money please."
"It all I have here but my rivals have money too and they are outside." Tumba begged them.
"Make fast because time is money."
"My rival his outside" Tumba said "She is busy cooking for the visitors"

One of the twins has even the courage to ask Tumba: "Is it all the money your children send to you?"
They suspected that Tumba was hiding a big bag full of money from Europe under the bed or in the roof or some where like a small hole under the bedroom.
"Samba is keeping the other money to other wife Sidoni" Tumba said "They won't hesitate to take out all the money to see our husband alive."
Tumba was if she owed the twins money and was begging them to understand.
"You better do fast and fast."
They wanted to go to the big town of Kinshasa and they could never been find in the town home to millions of people. Many people who have committed crime in the villages have managed to disappear free in the big towns in Africa.
They said that they left the dumping truck in the land of ancestors collecting the soul of unclaimed human and dump them in a place where there is no return. He was sure that Samba's, Tumba husbands was on that list yet. If they don't rescue is soul in less than an hour they may loose him forever and the two bicycles will not be return to them. They will confiscate and take away from the witchdoctors.

Then knock at the bedroom's door, Tumba responded: "Who is there?"
"It is me doc Bosco."
It only doctors who were allowed in the room. The twins were traditional doctors and Bosco was a modern doctor too.
"Bosco?" Tumba said.
"Yes."
The two traditional doctors tried to stop her from opening the door: "Don't open it is secret."
"You are wasting time" Tumba said "I know the doctor."
"No one else have to be here."
Doc Bosco heard people chatting in the room and insisted: "Tumba, I am doc Bosco. I am coming to help too."
The twins held her back: "Sister, you are destroying the resuscitate process of your husband."

She was now more than confused she didn't get solution with the twins� traditional doctors, and changed immediately her mind to try to save her husband life with his husband favorite doctor Bosco who is the modern doctor from the priest hospital.
"Please stop" the twin said "don't open the door yet."
"I am getting tired with you look at my husband. He is stinking already."
The modern doctor insisted again: "Tumba, I haven't eaten yet I come to help your husband. Please stop discussing inside the room. You are disturbing the sleeping patient. He does not need noise."

The desperate woman when he heard the name of the popular doctor from the hospital she opened the door. She needed all the help possible. She opened the door as the two twins took the money and left the room:
The doctor could smell a strange thing when he approached the patient as he screamed: "Jesus Christ the man his dead long time ago."
Tumba confused than ever what she didn't want to hear was confirmed by Doctor Bosco: "Stop saying that."
"Who told you to keep him?" Bosco was furious.
She stated crying for real now as the doctor so disappointed said: "He should have been buried long time ago."

They didn't have special fridge in this village Kilambe to keep corpses.
They used to bury dead people in a matter of hours not days. This was another problem for the community and the hospital.

Many people who were outside entered astonished the bedroom and women were already crying. Then so disappointed doctor realized that the two men who were in the room were may be the one who delayed the burial told the community members and family members present. He saw a pack of plants roots on the floor:

"Please catch the two men who were in, there are criminal." Bosco said and announce the sad news to the community "Samba have left us long time ago."
All the young people followed the traditional doctors.
Tamaya who wanted to run away too thinking that people have drove attention away from him wanted to run too when he heard someone talking to him: "Where are you going. We haven't finished with you yet."
Some people who were not able to run told the shocked doctor Bosco. Bosco was sweating he was full of anger, disappointment mixed with shock:

There was many events happened here. Tumba didn't confirmed that Samba was dead but many people gathered here like if he was pronounced dead. "The man died days ago. I couldn't even approach him because he was decomposing already." Bosco regretted "What a mess?"

The traditional witchdoctors kept lying to the poor wife that he was still alive just to have money. It took Bosco more than ten minutes for him to get into the bedroom because the criminals were asking for cash. Bosco heard them chatting about money. "Unbelievable."

Doctor Bosco knew traditional doctors; those young men for him were traditional doctors. Bosco respect the traditional doctors, he recommend many of his patients to traditional doctors sometime. He said: "but those two men are a band of criminals and crooks."
Sipho said that it could have been a scandal if Bosco didn't refuse to eat his food on the table and if he didn't come tonight.
"I know Samba." the doc confirmed "Samba is my good patient; I was shocked when I heard that Samba was hit by an hammer when I returned late from work. My wife told me, she was not pleased when I was coming here because I left the food on the table."

All the young boy were now busy chasing, searching and looking for the twins doctors who already took the money trying to leave the village.
They were caught fifty minutes later. Doc Bosco was so shocked that he couldn't return immediately home as he planed. The community members then took the corpse to avoid the spread of the smell and put in the community hall. They were no special fridge to store the corpse.
The same night, the news spread again. This time the death of one of the most respected man in the village. He was also loved by many villagers as one of the successful man in the village. He was also viewed as an intelligent, honest and good man in the land.

All his wives and children were a good example to the community. The priest couldn't come quickly to term with the lost of one of a very dedicated man involved in the churches activities.

Many people arrived the same time to comfort the family.
The matter of the twins traditional healer were not over, they immediately turned from hero to villain. All the good reputation they had changed overnight. They arrived captured by young villagers and beaten them doc Bosco intervene: "Stop, please stop hitting them we will have a problem with the justice."

For the villager court and justice was in town in the villages it was a mob practices.
Some where insisting: "We will kill them together with Tamaya."
The doctor pleaded: "No, please listen to me. We will get in trouble with the justice sooner or later."

People were angry because the twin doctors lied that a rotten man can resuscitate? many villagers couldn't have not accept that theory. They took advantage of a desperate woman. Because they knew that she has a son in Europe that is mean she has plenty of money from Europe.
Bosco was much respected among the villagers but he had to beg them because they were very angry: "Please, I know that they are wrong, stop beating them."
"The must die." the community member said.
"We are to mourn Samba" Bosco pleaded angry people �we are not here to mourn tree more people at the same time."

People were commenting that it is only Jesus who has resuscitated not any other individual have resuscitating after many days.
"Okay" Bosco said "we heard you before finding the way to treat them please stop beating them."
"They are robbers." the community justified themselves.
The members of the community finally listen to doc Bosco.
The mourning of Samba was mix women crying and weeping. Man busy discussing what to do with the criminal traditional doctors and the man who hammered his dead brother.
Doc Bosco the most educated man in the entire region took the leadership in questioning the tree criminals. He started first with his colleagues doctors despite their different way to treat patient: "You are my colleagues even thought I went to study many years to university and overseas to be called doctor but you qualified at the back of your grand mother gardening houses to be call also doctor."

Bosco was telling to the villager that he was a modern doctor and respected the traditional doctor. People may respect him as modern doctor and He respected the traditional doctors as his colleagues. When they were limited in their domain he was able in assisting them. And when he fails to heal a patient he calls the tradition medicine for rescue. He said that the man that they were mourning today is a villager but very clever and one the most educated parent in this land. He never trust the traditional medicine, Bosco was the one who persuaded him to come to consult the other medicine, traditional medicine.
He was shocked of what the twin doctors Lembi and Sumba did and especially what they were trying to do. They got some money before and wanted more money while the man was dead and stinking already. They knew that he was dead; they didn't need a special test to know that a decomposing man is dead? Even an animal like a dog cannot approach his raiser if he lied down decomposing. The dog will mourn.
He look at the two bleeding traditional doctors and told them: "Look now what you have done, your reputation is gone and I will hesitate next time to recommend my patient to you."
They have disgraced the name of traditional medicine. There are many honest traditional healers who will be loosing many custom and client because of they mess. It took Bosco many words to convince the community to stop beating them. He didn't know if they had already intern bleeding. He saw them bleeding severely.
Bosco was not ready to stop the bleeding of those two criminals because the community won't allow him to do so. He asked them: "Are you healer or crooks business men?"
One of the criminal doctor responded: "Healer."
"How many live did you saves before?"
"Many."
"I doubt" Bosco said "you were taking chances."

He insisted that next time he will recommend the community to trust old traditional healer not young people like the twins doctors. He told them: "You are simply robbers like the one who steals our chickens and maize here in village."
He said that they don't belong in the society but you belong into jail cells. People thought that because they were twins they were a step ahead of many single traditional healer because they uses two minds to find cure instead of using their mind to treat the sick people, they uses their mind to lie in play with people emotions.
Tumba is like my mother who never been in school. She will accept any proposition especially in a desperate situation like death to save her husband. The twins took advantage of her weakness to take all the little money she has.
Bosco approach next to the twins and said: Tumba's husband his no more there, did you think who will give here again money? Where is the money?"
A man in the community responded: "We took the money and give back to Tumba inside the room."
He punished the traditional healers: "Thank you; you will never touch any one any more in this village or in any area in this country."

The community will never trust the twins again. They will never earn money in this career. Bosco decided not work the following day because they will bury Samba early in the morning because they don't have mortuary to keep corpses in Kilambe, after the burial he will take the twins to the local court and make sure that they are headed to Kinshasa in prison. He told them: "I will be a witness of your mess. You have disgraced our qualification: modern medicine and honest traditional healer in the land."
A member of the community added: "You will never get away with crime."

It may take long to find the truth but the truth will come out. They always say that the crime and lies take the lift in a building that they don't have in villages but the truth always take the stairs and arrived in time. It may take long before the truth comes out but the truth will always win.
The twin traditional doctors: Lembi and Sumba used to be very respected by the community but to day they were qualified to stupid criminal who were taking chances to heal the people in the community.
The upset doctor concluded: "Take those criminal elements in a safe place before we hand them over to the justice system."
The community members took them in their local prison before their left. The doctor insisted again:
"Please my brother does not beat them again." Bosco begged "We will get in trouble with the authority."
He then look at Tamaya and said: "What can we say about you?"
Tamaya who was watching the community torturing the twins criminals decided to apologize and say the truth: "Yes, I am very sorry and I apologized to the all community."

He confessed that his cousin Muti brother told him to hit his brother Samba with a hammer because he was taking long to die and to avoid him from suffering further. Tumba and all the children were not here. He took the hammer and entered by the roof in his brother's room but he find him not moving. He was may be dead already when he hammered him.

Most of the house because not having proper roof. It was very easy to climb the 2 meters tall wall and get inside the other room once inside the house. It was difficult to get inside only from the outside of the house. Tumba used to lock only her bedroom's door.
Bosco laughed for a while and asked: "Why did you precipitate his death because he was dying anyway?"
"My brother told him that let hit him so tomorrow we will take his belonging according to our practices here and take all his wives." Tamaya confessed.

Bosco look at the man who wanted to inherit his brother's wife. he had to wives already and wanted more wife: "You have all many wives and want more? You are all old are you strong enough to satisfy hundred women in bed or you want them to decorate your rooms?"

In this village they always say that the beautiful wife is neighbor's wife. Samba was not even his neighbor but his brother.
Bosco asked him: "Where are those people who told you to do so?"
They look at around; Muti the cousin who told him to hammer Samba was already gone leaving Tamaya alone in trouble. Tamaya then said: "He left already?"
Muti escaped when Sipho was questioning Tamaya. He lived tree villages away.
He ordered to young people to catch the accomplices Muti. He was already in his sixties. "You see now, you won't be able to mourn your own brother."

Tamaya tried to please his cousin Muti to kill his own brother now he left you alone in trouble, he won't be able to inherit his brother�s wives that he loved. He has committed the most stupid crime the community has heard. Doc Bosco confessed: "Let me tell you the truth. Samba was dying, he had a developed cancer that is incurable by the modern medicine in our years may be in future some improvement in the research may try to control that disease."

He refused to tell the villager Samba's disease according to the medical law to reveal the state of a patient health. He was so disappointed and shocked. Samba was dying, may be he was alive in a coma condition but Tamaya and Muti may spend many years in jail for hammering a dead person? He asked him: "Where is the brotherhood now?"
While talking the youth brought Muti. He was unable to talk or comment. He look at Bosco and
Muti said that he was apologizing to the remaining member of the family and all the people here for the sin they did.
Muti urinated immediately into his pant by fear of the community to kill him. He knew how the community was not tolerating crime in the community in the all district of Banza. He witness over many years how they mob criminals.
Bosco told him that he was unpardonable, no one will listen to them for hitting a corpse who is his brother. He told him: "You are very stupid and you were sure that he was dead?"
"We were sure and hundred percent certain that by the morning we will find him dead." Tamaya said.
"He is dead now" Bosco said "go and take now your brothers belonging and go and kiss his wives who are listening."
Tamaya couldn't move or even look at the people. Bosco continued: "Man, I am ordering you."

Bosco wasn't a family member but was very respected. He said loud: "Go and take the things that you wanted. I am not taking only to you but to all the family members who wanted to inherit Samba's effort. You are free in front of the community to take what you wanted and the women you loved?"

No one in the Samba's family had the courage to do so as doc Bosco insisted in raising his voice: "Who want to take the beautiful the women and Samba's belong now? He is free to do so in the community eyes."
No one could even responded expect Samba's cousin called Gombe who was in his late fifties spoke: "We are really unhappy to hear the sad death of Samba. I am very apologetic to what my cousins have done to their own brother."

He vow to try to find all the accomplices to face the justice system. He believed that it is not Tamaya and Muti. He said that they have disgraced all their clan because they envied their own brother�s thing. If they have to take all the things and properties were are Samba's children will live?
He regretted that many families the defunct family members take all the belonging of the dead include the house.
But in Ubuntu the spirit of Africans that preach love and respect, we cannot disrespect Samba. Especially precipitating the death of a sick man is unpardonable. He said that they will stand by the defunct wives and children to find a way to raise those children with the few things that Samba have left. He promised to make sure that Tamaya and the accomplices pay and this scandal must serve as a lesson to many people who are living in this village Kilambe.
He hoped and said: "May Samba's tragic death be a life time change to the bad custom that many Africans here take advantage of the so called culture to abuse the defunct family."
Death is not a crime or a sin, it just a life stage that all the people will experience without any exception. People are not all eternal on earth; they are all approaching day after day to our last step of out journey on this planet. He confessed: "I am so shocked together with the members of the community. I thank you doctor Bosco for using your intelligent to solve the matter and specially confirm the death of Samba."
Bosco agreed: "I am disappointed as a human but I am very optimistic that this kind of event will never occur again in the community and many people will learn. I come here by a simply coincidence."

Bosco said that may be God wanted me to come here and declare the death of Samba and find the perpetrator who could have taken all the remaining family cents. As a human and member of the community, He was touched. He decides to support Samba's children fees at the school. He insisted that if Tamaya and the other uncles are running away with the responsibilities. He and the church were Samba served will take care of Samba's family. He was not there to play the judge but I am trying to help the defunct family.
Bosco vowed that early in the morning he will to come and pay the last respect and tribute to Samba and comfort the family. Tamaya and the other criminals who thought that they escaped justice will spend many years in jail. He told to the community: "I repeat that these bad experiences that we are witnessing will change many things in the community. We are all a big family and we have to support each other."
Doc Bosco after his last sentence stood up. Many people in the community thanked him for the delicate job he made in solving the dispute and specially declaring Samba death:

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: SAMBA'S BURIAL.

All the controversies surrender the death of Samba brought many people to the burial of Samba. All the priests were also there to pay their last respect to Samba.
More than one thousand people come to the burial. He was very popular in the community. They priest informed Shabani of the death of his father without telling him the all events. He wanted to come but his friends and colleagues advised him not to come. Sitting on the floor and watching his father's photo, two colleagues come to comfort him: "We are very sorry to learn the death or you father. He is your blood father and the father to all of us too."

Shabani didn't really, what is going in Africa. He didn't know what his paternal uncles and father's relatives will do to all his father�s wives. They may be beaten up and treated them as witches who killed his father. He knows how many villagers act.

He hoped that with the civilization and the intervention of the priests and the neighbours nothing bad will happen to his mother and step mothers.

Shabani hoped and pray that thing goes according to God�s plan which is to protect his loved one.

He hoped that Joseph Chansa Samba his big brother who is seminary will take care of mourning and will organize the family.

He told his friends that he wanted to go even for two weeks.
Matonge advised him: "Your father is dead and it is normal feeling to pay him the last tribute."

Congo was about eight thousands kilometers from Brussels. It doesn't mean that if Shabani attend the funeral his father will resuscitate. It will be a waste money and time, two weeks was a lot thing to be missed. It will be in difficulties to catch up at school. Matonge suggested: "You may stay here at home for tree days before returning to school."

Shabani's family will need his support now, he advised him to keep that money of the plane ticket it may help his family for many months with the cheap life in the village.
"I think I have to post some money tomorrow morning to help for the funeral and the family." Shabani regretted.
Shabani remember Samba's effort. He was the one who used to encourage him to go to school. If Shabani qualified to have high max at school and qualified to be sent to Europe it was by the encouragement of his father. If Shabani end up loving the woman of his choice it was because of Samba.
When many of Shabani colleagues were abandoning school and started families. Samba advised him not to be tempted to leave school. He often told him: "Leaving before you was not mean to arrive before you."
Shabani like all the villagers envied they friends who had family and were responsible.
He wept while his colleagues and his caretaker comforted him: "We will also send some little money. We all live together and suffer together."

Chansa Samba was informed and immediately took the transport to pay the last respect to his father. Unfortunately he couldn't arrive in time and the community couldn't keep longer the decomposing body.
The church choir and the community choir sang sad songs reserved for the burial. The senior priest himself took charge of the proceeding.

Tumba still couldn't believe that the twins doctors who gave her so much hope fail to resuscitate the man she spend with her entire life in good and bad circumstances.
She could weep and talk to God and Samba: "God why you took my husband away?"

It was better to see him lying in the bed than seeing him sent into grave. Tumba will never see him again. Samba was all for her, sugar when he needed him, salt when they used to fight. He used to get angry and leave her for days but he was returning. Now he went in a world of one way without any return. When and how to see him again?
Samba, have left her with children as souvenir to remind me of the good and bad times they had. They were both young when they used to meet at the river. He was wearing a blue short and she wearing red dress. It was like a joke when they played the father and the mother.

They break up for about two years but by coincidence Samba's uncle chose Tumba to be his wife, this time for goods. It was just a sweat coincidence.
They ended up getting married and have many children. She wept and wonders how can I bring back those memories? They all grow together: They were young together and now they were getting old together. Tumba never believed that she could witness this sad moment in her life. Samba, I tried the last time to save his life, she slept next to his decomposing body hoping for a miracle but her effort were not answered. She believed in the crooks just to be with him alive again. She wept and cried: "What can I say again�Samba, you have changed my identity from a married woman and today, I am a widow for life"

Then all the unexplained reality of life developed some kind of rage. She look at her side Payo who was at the funeral. She angrily turned at her and said: "You didn't supposed to be here."
The amazed Payo responded: "What did you say?"
"I say that you didn't suppose to be here." Tumba said "You must be happy that Samba has died."
She approached at Tumba and said: "I won't take it any more. Tumba, you don't appreciate the fact that your son have loved me. What sin have I did not to be forgiven."
Even Juda who sold Jesus was forgiven by Jesus himself but Tumba wasn't ready to forgive the fact that her son Shabani has loved Payo.
She refused to leave that place; she comes to pay tribute to Tumba's husband who is her father in law, the granny of her child. This was a historic moment for all of them. She wanted to witness and be able to tell her children how the last day of her father was in law. She approached at Tumba and told her: "I will never accept to miss this moment. It very hard for you and very hard for me too."

Tumba then for the first time in her life hugged her daughter in law. Everybody in the community knew the stories of those two women but they have accepted to leave behind their differences and together pay tribute to Samba. Tumba said: "I am very sorry, confused and angry the same time."

Tumba's husband has left her and she will have to face the rest of my life alone with children. She didn't know what tomorrow will be like. She tried by all means to avoid this sad moment but God and ancestors refused to save Samba. She didn't know what to do and to whom to turn to. This is the saddest moment of her life. She still don't believe that Samba have gone and will never return to her. She won't see him again; she will look at his face in the children resemblance. She told Payo: "I never thought that I will see this sad day in my life."
"This is very hard for all of us."

Thousand of people come to pay tribute to Samba and many from the neighboring villages. All the parents and family of Shabani colleagues were there. All the priests and church were there too.

The senior priest preached little bit before the coffin is put in the grave:

�Brother and sister we are here to pay tribute to one the villager who lived a clean life in the society. I have been in this village and area for almost fifteen years, I never see a funeral attended by more than one thousand peoples. It is a blessing for all of us to witness the resting of Samba. I met Samba when we were setting the men and women committee of the church. He went out mobilizing men and women to join the community. He was also doing farming like most of the people in the village. Then we worked together in setting classes for old men and women to read and write. As you know we were unfortunate to have the school very late. Many villagers didn't have chance to attend school. Many wanted to know and read in their late stage of life. He set the school and was teaching twice a week. Many people graduated from that school more than 200 peoples today may read and write. The school has been growing and still growing. You know that it is a shame to give a letter to a child to read for you and write when you want to respond. Some children do not keep the privacy they go and spread the family matter to other people. So Samba has contributed a lot for the literacy improvement. He also encouraged many people to send their children to school. You all know that his son Shabani is now in Europe who knows he may become our next minister or premier. He also has a child by the name of Chansa who may graduate next year to become a priest like me. He has many potential children who are still studying. He has built a future for the community and for his children. We are all proud here not to mourn Samba but celebrating his life and his achievements. We have decided to name the primary school after him. Those kinds of hero do not arrives everyday they erupt once a century. I am celebrating and comparing his life to Jeremiah. Throughout history, faithful servants of God have found joy despite found despite difficult circumstances. Some lived during times of judgment when God executed his wrath on the unfaithful. Among such faithful worshipers were Jeremiah and a few of his contemporaries, as well as first-century Christians. Those historical examples are recorded in the Bible for our encouragement, and learn much from studying them. (Romans 15:4) for example, consider Jeremiah. At a young age, Jeremiah was called as a prophet in Judah. This was not an easy assignment. Many were worshiping false gods. Although Josiah, who was kings when Jeremiah started his ministry, was faithful, all succeeding kings were unfaithful, and most of those responsible to instruct the people-the prophets and the priests were not on the side of truth. (Jeremiah 1:1,2;6:13;23:11) How, then, did Jeremiah feel when God called him to be a prophet? Fearful! (Jeremiah 1:8, 17) Jeremiah recalled his initial reaction: "I said: Alas, O sovereign Lord Jehovah! Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy. Jeremiah 1:6. Jeremiah territory was largely unresponsive, and he often met with strong opposition. On one occasion Pashhur, a priest, struck him and had him put in the stocks. Jeremiah reported how he felt at the time: "I said: "I am not going to make mention of him (God), and I shall speak no more in his name. "Perhaps you at times have left the same way-wanting to give up. Notice what helped Jeremiah to persevere. He said: "In my heart it (God word, or message) proved to be like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I got tired of holding in, and I was unable to endure it" (Jeremiah 20:9) Do God's words have that affect on you? I am sorry for being very long in this preaching but what you have to remember is the fact that Samba as a Jeremiah was very courageous sticking on God words. He has contributed to the community, church and family in doing the right things. I am comforting all his family, children and wives to be strong in celebrating and continuing what Samba has left. We will support the poor family as much we can such us looking at the school fees of the orphans. It is the last time we are seeing his coffin. We are celebrating his living may his life be an example to all of you. Thank you and God bless.
It was a long predication but no one complained. After the coffin was led to rest many family members had to say something. Muzi, the elder son was the first to speak with plenty of anger. He lived in the neighboring village. He arrived at their house and find many troubles. He was married, had two wives and children. He looks more like a young brother to Samba than a son. Samba had him when he was just 15 years old and her mother was 13 years old: "�Father, I was shocked to learn that they hit you with a hammer and some criminal doctors have left you rotting like a fish."

He said that may Samba's soul punish all these criminals. He was willing to help all his brothers and sisters include the half brothers and half sister. He demanded to his father to please bless him so he will be able to bless too. He told his father that Shabani is not here today because he is very far and Chansa is on his way here. He told him that he was taking father last wife Malemba to be his wife number tree in respecting their culture. Malemba was in the early thirties younger than Muzi.

In their culture, they talk to the decease man and make pray to them. And it was a popular custom for the first born to take the last wife of his father. Then the defunct following brother will take all the others women. He closed his pray: "I am stopping here may your soul rest in peace."

Then Samba's family clan chief made a short speech Selembao. He was in his middle seventies, he took the reign from the old man Thando who died almost two year ago: "Samba, you have made us proud."

Samba has made their family proud. He have made their clan proud and made our village proud. Thousand of people some from 100 kilometers from here have come to pay the last respect to you Samba. He said: "You have lived like a true warriors among the lions and you won the fight. All the jealous Tamaya's group will dearly pay for their sin. Their generation will be punished by God and ancestors."
He prayed that now that Samba have joined the ancestors (die) to please keep them, protect them and bless them. He concluded: "I am sure and I don't when I will join you. Please keep a place for me."

Then Tumba the first wife had to make a speech as the first wife representing all the wives. Many observer look at her wearing black clothes standing in front of his best friend and husband coffin thinking that she will make a tearful long speech but she surprised every body as she said: "Thank you God for giving us an husband and thank you for taking him."
Just a short sentence that meant a lot. Meant the power of God as the creature of life and death. Thanking him for all he has made possible. The observers and the priest were very amazed by the courageous sentence.
The biggest funeral ever experienced in the village ended with many tear songs by the church choir and the community choir. The villager gathered at the defunct house to comfort and salute the family.
Around nine hours in the evening arrived the future priest Joseph Chansa Samba. When he entered the yard he was welcomed by the all members of the family in tears: "Samba is dead. We couldn't wait long for your arrival to bury him because his body was decomposing."
He responded in weeping: "I heard that my father was even hit by uncle Tamaya."

Tamaya and Muti who wanted Samba dead and they were in the police custody waiting they day in court.
Shabani brother the future priest Chansa couldn't I don't believe that the same uncles who used to be very supportive could do such bad thing? They were truly a Satan who was wearing a ship skin while he was a wild lion. The men who used to eat with them may do such a bad and very bad action against his own brother? The African proverb saying that "the witch is the one with whom you eat in the same plate with" Was justified. "Where is the brotherhood?"
Every time Tamaya used to visit them. Samba used to send his children to buy him beer.

The future priest comes to bring more stability in the family. The next morning he met all the member of the family with new propositions: "Samba is dead; we have to look at the future of the children."

He was delighted by the contribution of the community. He thinks his father's remaining wives have the choice of getting married to the men of their choice. For him he wanted to advise his mother Tumba to stay widow if she like. She was not the kind of woman or young girl who necessary needs a man. This could make them very proud. He want to suggest you to withdraw all the charges against Tamaya and the other uncle.
Everybody in the family meeting disagreed: "No, they have to pay for their Satanic acts."
"I know that you won't agree with me." the future priest said.

They were responsible in their family, their children and wives need them. He said they didn�t have to revenge only God will revenge. They will still pay for their act in the community. They won't be respected like they used to be. They will choose now street to walk to, they will never be given any responsibility in the community or in the large family.
Each meeting of the family the present elder was immediately given the responsibility. Sometime some elders couldn't make it for each meeting. In this meeting it was the estimated 79 years old Selembeo who was the elder.
The elder of the clan present Selembeo was so furious, he couldn't believe what the future priest Joseph Chansa said: "You are talking as priest not as a family member they hammered your father"
"I know that and I respect your opinion. Please as children of God forgive them."
The family's member refused to accept Chansa proposition: "Chansa, we don't agree with you. We will spend all our time in the court until they are sentenced for life in prison."

The future priest insisted that it possible they will be sentenced for life but let leave God alone to revenge. If they are sentenced what about their families. Who will look after them?

The children of Tamaya and Muti never did any think wrong to suffer the consequences of their father�s actions!
Selembao the chief of the clan angrily told Chansa Samba: "I am so disappointed by your suggestion."

He never been in school and he didn't care about school because French or English was not money. He was able to make the right decision. God have created the seas, the animals, plants, rocks, humans and everything never been to school. He asked the future priest: "Tell me which university God have studied how to make a man?"
"You are right God never been to school."
"Tell me you educated man who wants to persuade us to withdraw the case, which grade God have attended to make a chicken."
"He never even been in grade one."
"Tell me which primary school and secondary school God have been to make the water that we drink everyday?"
"I understand your point." Chansa said "I am not undermining you. We are all equal regardless our qualifications."

Joseph Chansa Samba who lived in the priest seminary in Kinshasa has heard about the suffering in prison in Kinshasa. Where the prisoners where hit everyday and were running short of food. He heard that in the big prison, Makala people used to eat mouse and rat and even the cockroach. In the main prison family's member were forced to bring food to the prisoners. Sometime the food couldn't reach the prisoners as the warder could even eat the food. Leaving the prisoner alone to feed themselves.
As a future priest to do revenge couldn't bring back his father to life. He has learned to forgive and wanted to implement what he has learnt in his own family.
Selembao think that Joseph Chansa Samba already insulted them of not being clever enough to withdraw the case. Their innocent children will eat rocks and water, they didn't care about their wives their will sleep on the trees.
"If we don't forgive each other how do you expect to be forgiven by God?" Chansa said "We will all die."

Samba was dying already. Joseph Chansa was Samba's son and he was very angry when he heard the news but after less than 24 hours he comes to term with it. He talked like a priest: "Let forgive them, I am very angry with the commandant Tamaya and his accomplice Muti, I don�t want to see him again in my entire life."

Joseph Chansa Samba look at Tamaya and Muti children and wives. He feels what everybody can fell if they punish them for my parent wrong doing. He begged the large family of about 80 people who were in that family meeting: "Please have as merci toward the children. I beg you please let do what is impossible to do for the sake of children."
The family started weakening as Tumba back up his son: "I am a mother of a big family. I don't want to see any body children suffering because I know how it likes to carry a child for 9 months."

She knew how it likes to give birth. She knew how it likes to sleep hungry. She knows how it likes to raise a child. She feels that all the children are her children. She will never be happy to see a child crying for his father's mess. She was more than angry with the action of Tamaya and his accomplice Muti and she supported the future priest: "Please let withdraw the cases for the children by the love of Jesus."

She was motivated because Jesus suffered on the cross, beaten like a criminal but he forgave them. Samba was a Christian and he thinks he could have forgiven them if he was still alive.

The clan's chief Selembao left the room very disappointed as the rest of the family forgave the criminals. Their withdrawn the cases against Tamaya and his accomplice. The witch doctors were not forgiven because their case was in the hand of doc Bosco and other traditional doctors who where angry that they have gave a bad reputation to their profession. They were sentenced to five years imprisonment without parole.

The people kept pouring at Samba's main house for two weeks to comfort the family. They were amazed, disappointed and very angry that Chansa persuaded the family to withdraw all the charge against Tamaya and his accomplice. They understood that Chansa did it because of his dedication to God ministry as future priest.

Before Chansa return to the seminary in Kinshasa he asked a one hour conversion with his young brother Shabani in Europe. As a future priest he was given that chance to talk for a long time with Shabani especially regarding the family loss.

Shabani the only family member who didn't pitch up for the morning was not excited or either nervous to talk to his brother: "How things went there?"
"Apparently all the ceremony went well."
"How is Mom coping after the passing away of Daddy?"
"She is copying well"

Tumba was copping well because she is in a accompany of many visitors and don't have time to be alone and start recalling the entire souvenir their had with their daddy to develop some stress. He was sure that when we will leave her she will be very sad thinking of her husband.
"There is nothing I can say to comfort her now." Joseph Chansa Samba said "Time is the big healer. With time she will get used to the new reality."
"Tell me in short what happened after our father before and death?" Shabani wanted to hear.
Shabani heard the story of the hammer but didn't want to believe. His brother tried to explain:

There are many things happened, Joseph Chansa was that Shabani din't hear what happen in Africa in detail. He decided to inform him that apparently he father was in coma. He was visited by some uncles include the devil Tamaya. When they Mom went to search for the traditional doctor, Tamaya and other man Muti from the family who realized that the was no one at home. They wanted to precipitate the father's death. Tamaya took an hammer and hit father, then their left.
A neighboring boy saw him coming out of the house like a robber. He latter told his father. When their Mom comes back she finds him dead. The twin traditional doctors lied to her that they may resuscitate him. They asked for two bicycles to fetch his soul in the mountain of ancestors. The desperate mother agreed to save our father and gave them what their asked.
Then the following day the uncles and others come to visit Samba. Mom told them to leave because their Daddy needed to rest. They didn't want to leave, wanting to take the father belongings. The neighbor suspected something unusual behavior and they quick find out that Tamaya and his two accomplices could have done something wrong because they didn't want to leave. They were aware that the father was dead and were waiting for the confirmation to inherit of his belongings include the wives. They caught Tamaya, and Muti and by the community members.
Shabani started crying as his brother continued: "Don't cry, I know that is hurting but you have to know the all truth."

He precisely told them that the news that their father was hit by his brother spread in the village reaching even doc Bosco's wife who told his husband when he returned from work. The doctor was so upset that he didn't even eat, he rushed to see their Daddy when he arrived he found the twins traditional doctors asking for money to buy a car so they may fetch Samba's soul. They claimed that his soul was heavy to be carry out from the land of ancestors by bicycles.
Doc Bosco anxiously waited for a long time at the father's room door. When their Mom open the door by doc Bosco insistence, he find the father dead long time ago. The twins traditional doctors were on the run when the doctor mobilized young males to catch them. He concluded: "Thank God they were caught and the family took back the money, I don't know yet about the bicycle but the community will bring them back."
Shabani took some second before talking: "I am happy that they caught the traditional healers doctors and tell me what happen to Tamaya and the others uncles?"
"They were in the police custody before the appearance in the court. But as a child of God I begged the family to forgive them and we withdrawn the charge."
Shabani was astonished: "Why did you do that?"
"I know that you will be angry with me" Chansa explained "like many people are very angry with me."

Joseph Chansa Samba explained that the person who can understand him better than any one else than Shabani. What is true is that their Daddy was dead and will never come back. They have to try to live a normal life after his dead. He did what God has sent him to do on this earth. There is nothing they can do to bring our father back. He was so very angry with Tamaya and his group he prayed that he doesn't meet them life even on street. He know that revenge belong to God. Only God can revenge. They won't gain anything in spending hours in the court. Surely they could have been sentenced for many years in prison but who is gaining and loosing? They are the one who will be loosing who will look after Tamaya's family and accomplice families? Their children were not aware of their parent's sin and he didn't want those children and innocents wives to suffer while their criminal fathers will be in jail. He said to Shabani to try to think, those criminal could have been sent in the prison in capital Kinshasa far away from our village more than 200 kilometers away. They children and wives could never seen them for many years while struggling. Their uncles were old and life in our prison is worst. They cannot last longer there they will eventually die.
He said: "Let them live for the sake of the innocent children."
"No they suppose to pay." Shabani said.
"You know that I don't expect you to tell me that."
"I will hardly forgive them."
"I know" Chansa said "We didn't forgive them at all but we are trying to save the children please."
"What about the false traditional doctors?"
"We wanted to be clean in forgiving them too." But the other traditional healer and traditional doctors even the witchcraft doctor and Doctor Bosco took the matter in they own hand. They felt that they mocked they profession and went to testify against the twin traditional doctors crooks and they were sentenced and send to the prison of Makala in Kinshasa.

Shabani was so upset. He felt that his father was envied because Shabani lives in Europe. He said: "All of this because I live and study in Europe?"

But they matter was more complex that they can realize. Many traditional healers and doc Bosco are very angry for the mess they made for the medical profession. They took the matter themselves; unlucky they were sentenced that morning to fifteen years imprisonment. As we speak now they may be in their new home for the next fifteen years in the capital city Kinshasa.
Kilambe had no permanent prison so all the prisoners were send to Kinshasa.
"It is good for them." Shabani told his brother "I know that you don't want to hear this as a priest or future priest but I am happy that justice has won."
"I am a priest by faith; they are calling me already a priest."

Joseph was graduating to be priest next years. He told to his young brother that may celebrate that you are having a priest in the family. "I am proud to have a brother who is a priest." Shabani proudly said.
The priest wanted to take advantage of the communication system to know everything: "Tell me let forget for one minutes our father's mourning, how you are copping there?"
"We are copping very well."

They were doing very well at schools. The caretaker and our teachers were very proud of us. They are all working part time in a super market�In general we are happy and enjoy our moment in Europe.
"How did you settle so fast?"
"It was very difficult at the beginning."

I didn't complain or blame many Europeans. They were very curious to see black. Many never had a chance to see or meet a black skinned man, they heard all kind of stories about the mystery and myth about different races. They believed that Africans are living with animals in Africa. They had to explain them that animal lives in bushes and forest, they had to tell them that men and women live in rural and urban areas. They were very curious that some of them thought that we were white but covered by black dust. Shabani remember he worked at the meat department for one day, it was a flop many customs didn't want the meat he touched because they thought that he was simply duty while wearing gloves. They believed that we were direct monkey's cousins. Strange enough the children loved them, they are very friendly to them. He works in the weekend at the toy department in the super market because he has many young friends who always come to see me there, they buy also all the toys he touches and ended: "I know that you don't want to hear this we are very popular with women too. They adore us, even men loves us a lot we are like heroes here."
The future priest get upset when he heard about their popularity: "You must take your wife as soon as possible. I am going to get her passport when I return to the capitol city Kinshasa."

Joseph Chansa Samba said that like it or not in two months Payo Shabani wife must be with him. He insisted to keep traveling process of Payo secret from their Mom who is not pleased to that you made your own choice.
"Do you understand?" The future priest said.
"Come down." Shabani explained "Please come down, we are not cheating."
"No way."

The future priest knows how young man act, he said that Shabani must take your wife now. He wondered how a popular man with woman can not cheat.
"Wait" Shabani said "I am planning to bring her soon."
"No, you are buying time to enjoy cheat."

The future priest knew how cheating taste like. It like some one who eat meat every days but the day he will taste chicken. He will enjoy that last meal more than the previous one.
"I know" Shabani said "we are controlling our self."
"Yes' the future priest said "you control yourself by mouth but not physically."

He knew that cheater is like the smoker who wants to give up smoking. He light a cigarette and claims it is his last one but keep lighting cigarette and each time claim to be his last one. They cheat and swore it is the last time and keep cheating.
"I was expecting you to get upset" Shabani said "but I was trying to relate you the reality that we are facing here"
"I am very serious."

Chansa took Shabani wife traveling as a priority from now. He didn't want to hear any excuse. He said to the man in Europe: "You will sleep with her even on trees but as long she is with you in Europe."
It has been since two years that Shabani lived without his wife. He promised many time to call her but time was keep passing.
"What about my daughter?"
"She may live with Mom Tumba who loves her." Shabani explained "She may hate your wife but loves her grand child."
"Do what is good for all of us" Shabani said "I want to see my daughter too."
"I am doing what is good for you. I wanted to tell you that the reaction of curious in Europe is normal."

Many had many misinterpretations about white skin when they arrived in Africa first. It took the African many years to stop thinking that white where erupting from Volcano Mountains. It took a while to stop thinking that coca cola was white urine. He remembered how we were saying that butter was white shit�
The future priest laughed for a while is brother kept talking: "You are right those curious strange acts are quick disappearing."

One of his friends Limete is working in the weekend at the meat department and sells are not affected no more. Things were changing as many Africans were pouring in many part of Europe. Before they couldn't meet African in streets but now they meet some African too. And the Congolese community in Belgium and Europe. He stated: " They don't follow us to the toilet again to see our tails�They see us now us normal people."
He was sure that in the next five years time those curiosities will completely disappear. He witness already change in the two years he has in Europe.
"Definitely in few years time you won't be viewed as aliens." He added "Africans too acted strangely when they saw a white man for the first time too"

Joseph Chansa wanted to talk about how to support the family. He thinks the most important assignment is to look after this big family. He will be personally contributing with little money that we are receiving from Vatican as a priest student.
"That is excellent."

Shabani promised that he will be sending half of his earning to the family in Africa even if his wife arrives, it won't disturb his program. He will be happy to have his wife Payo sooner because she may get a job too as a domestic. Her arrival will bring a lot of stability in the family. He needed her wife now more that ever. The little money that they send from Europe is really a big fortune in the village in Africa. He concluded: "I think we don't have to panic. God wanted to take our father when we are big and able to help his children and wives."
"We are very fortunate to loose our father when we are already responsible."

Many children are not fortunate, they loose their parents when they are very young and struggle for their rest of life to adjust to the society.
"Let thank God for all thing happening he is a God of circumstances and time."

Those are the kinds of words Joseph Chansa need in this challenging moment. They pray that God give them directions from the lost of the father.
Shabani decided to end the long conversation: "I hope to talk you again soon, Let give the chances to the priests to do their jobs. It is a blessing to use their facilities and equipment free of charge."

They wondered if it wasn't not because of these communication machines. They could struggle to write letter that takes months to reach the destination. At least by this communication method they exchange the message directly.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: LIFE WITOUT A BREAK

Shabani Zoao decided to use a bicycle to Europe, while all the other African's student were laughing at him, he had another supporter and that supporter was none other than they caretaker Bruce. While they were thinking that Bicycle could be used only in the rural areas in Africa not even town.
His colleagues suspected that Shabani was hiding a secret may be he had other commitment that he hide from his house mates; it is why he choose too to get a bicycle to ride alone in the street of Brussels.

I didn't believe that bicycle was a very important vehicle for transport. While a kid growing up in Liege a town in Belgium, bicycle was just a toy to play with in riding around.

He had a dream to owe one just to be part of the fashion: a toy that takes people around and race with friends for fun. But Bruce parents couldn't afford to buy him one. It doesn't mean that they couldn't afford to buy him that kind of toy but it wasn't a priority. For Bruce parents they the priority were food, clothes and school fees but toys weren't a priority for many parents.
The African's students could hear how Bruce has struggle as a kid while in Africa all the Europeans were rich, born rich and die rich. Bruce in fact even explained that many Europeans who were rich in Africa were mostly very poor in Europe. They jump on the opportunity of going to Africa and get the opportunities that were in the newly discovered continent than suffering in Europe.
Bicycle was a luxury reserved to rich parents and rich people when Bruce was growing up.
While walking on street of Liege, Bruce uses to see some few people riding bicycle. Many people envied cars for big people and most of the people riding bicycle were old and apparently looks very poor.

When a kid rides a bicycle he was a son of a rich but when an old man ride a bicycle he was poor. That is mean he cannot afford to buy a car.

Then when Bruce reached 8 years old, he had to leave the big city of Liege for rural area village called Olivier. His parents got a land and started farming, most of they products were fruits and Olive. Olivier was at about 13 kilometers north of Liege.
The Africans students find this Bruce story very interesting, because in Africa very few people were imagined that European too could do farming. Farming was the latest hated job in Africa. Many people were fleeing the rural areas for the big town. Here is a European proudly telling them that his parents had to leave the big city for a rural place. It was just the way around. In Africa people leave the villages but here Bruce left town for village.
The emigration to big town was a major problem. In some villages most of the young people has left the villages and leaving the farming job to the elders.
While going to town, they forget to imagine that sometime they have no one to live with in town. They don't imagine that they are many challenges in town. The busses are not free, everything is not free. It is why too they could find some homeless people in African's town. They have refused to live in the villages and went to town were they had no one to give them a place were to sleep.
Life in big town was more challenging than the villages. In the Africans villages people were able to eat even to the neighbouring's house. Everybody was members of the family but in town with many tribes and clans there, people become strangers. In the villages they could speak one language but in town they were many languages spoken. Even thought the colonist main language was spoken by all the people from various tribe to communicate it was already a sign that the African traditional values were diminishing. The love for each other was less, as many people find themselves surrender by people from different customs.
Olivier village, according to Bruce estimation was a city of about 800 people. It was just a small village.
All the people were farmers, some event had cattle. It has also a railway company but about only 100 people relied on the railway but the rest of people relied on the Agriculture and farming activities.
It was sad for the African students that in they land they had plenty of unexploited land and people who supposed to utilize those land all wanted to live in big cities. It was sad and a shame that a big continent with many unexploited land could even suffer from hunger.
It was a wake up call too for Africans students that once they work for they government they have to encourage people to love the farming activities. They had an idea too to encourage young people in Africa to love they traditional land and live in the villages.

Bruce started encouraging the students the importance and the value of the Bicycle. While they were targeting cars in Europe, Bruce was advising them to use bicycles to have a chance too to save money.

In they home land bicycles in the villages was very important. All the farmers in the villages were sometimes they were no good road, they all relied on the bicycle as the transport means. They could use it to carry they products or even for they own transports. All they families� members have asked them bicycles. People who had bicycle were respected in the villages than in the big towns.
Bicycle didn't petrol to start or oil. Many villages have not even a petrol station. So bicycles were important tools.
Shabani in particular has seen the importance of having a bicycle. One day he was sent by his uncle to drop a goat at the village situated about 15 kilometers. He has struggled a lot with the animals. The animals when was tired could just stop and lie down. It was a big goat that was needed to a wedding that supposed to take place in the evening. Time was running out for Shabani. He tried to carry the goats but it was very heavy for him. He tried to hit the animals with his leg expecting the animals to walk fast but the animal wanted to rest.
For sometime he thought that the animals wanted to drink water. He gave him water by a small river by but the animal refused to drink water. He didn't know what the animals wanted. He tried to pull the animal by the rope but the animal was refusing to walk. It was a dilemma for Shabani.
He decided to tie the animal against the tree returned to his village and asked his neighbour a bicycle. Thanks God that his neighbour had the bicycle available. Sometime, he used to borrow too many people who wanted the service of his bicycle and sometimes he was not around. It was very difficult to get bicycle whenever you want. It was always advised to look for a bicycle days before.

It was important that Shabani arrives with the goats hours before the traditional wedding ceremony so the women may have time to slaughter the animal before the sun goes down.
He took the bicycle and went to fetch the animal by the tree he tied it. Thank God that they were very few robbers who could have taken the animal when he was absent.
He had a chance to tie the animal on the back of the bicycle and was rushing to the wedding ceremony. Half way through he met a group of four traffic cops. He wondered what the soldiers wanted in the middle of villages where they were very few car?
The policemen, the traffic cops and the soldier were all known in the villages as soldiers. Few villages could distinguish the jobs of any of them.
But Shabani having visited his relatives many times in the big city of Kinshasa knew the difference. Not only because he visited the big town many times, it was also because he went to school and have learned to school the difference of the traffics cops, soldiers and policemen. He was sure that the traffics cop will let him go. Just when he approached them, they told him:
"Stop."
He had to push is strongest right leg against the ground so the bicycle could stop. The bicycle had no brakes. He saw the tree traffic cops approaching him with a pile of papers and inspected the bicycle and one of them told him: "Look, the bicycle has no light."
Shabani look at the front of the bicycle, the light did not exist. Then the traffic cop said: "First, the bicycle has no light, this is the first crimes. Secondly I saw you stopping the bicycle with you right leg. Second infraction, the bicycle has no brakes. Thirdly the bicycle has no good tires. Fourthly you are carrying an animal on the back of the bicycle. It is against the animals� right. And Firstly, the bicycle is overloaded with the weight of the animals. Then were is the paper of the bicycle and the license to ride?"

Shabani didn't know what to do or say. Those bicycle were adapted to carry all the heavy weight. People didn't care about the light, about the breaks of the bicycle and on top of that they never carry any paper while riding the bicycle. It was the first time that the traffic cops will leave the big cities and went to the rural areas to stop bicycles. He begged them: "Please let me go. I have to deliver the goat for the wedding."
One cop told him: "It is not our business." he said �Ignorance was never an excuse"
Then he saw another traffic writing in his note book and said: "We are giving you a heavy ticket for the crimes you have committed."
Then one traffic cop told him: "The ticket that we are giving you is even double the value of this old traffic."
Shabani was wondering even where he will pay the fine. He never heard about a bicycle's fine. He never heard about a crime for driving a bicycle in the rural area. He has no bicycle on top of that so where he was supposed to get the money to even pay the fine?
He waited for about ten minutes; the traffic cops were not giving him the traffic fine paper.
Then while thinking about what to do, he saw another coming bicycle with an old man riding. He felt a sense of relieve at least he was not to be the only man stopped by the cop. There was another one coming. They stopped the old man too. One traffic cop was busy with Shabani while two other went to talk to the other man. He had no animals on the bicycle but had a huge bag of coconut at the back.
They charged the old man too like they charged Shabani.
Then the traffic cop who was still with Shabani told him: "Look, we understand that you are a young man and do not have money for the fine, so you have to pay the fine by giving us the goat."
Shabani screamed: "No the goat is not even mine. It belongs to my uncle and he is not here and on top of that they are waiting for it at the wedding party."
The cop has no pity for the young man and shown no compassion and said: "We are afraid, this is the only way to charge you because you don't have money. If you have to pay the fine, it is very expensive and you have to go to our office to town to pay."
Shabani was thinking about all the sacrifices he done to get the bicycle. He remembered how the animal has given him a tuff time. The goats and the bicycle didn't even belong to him. He was wondering which kind of code he has to have while riding the bicycle. Code 8 or code 10, or code 14 or code 20, if there is one?
He never heard anyone of having a license to ride bicycle. He has learned to ride bicycle like all the people learn to ride the bicycle in they village. There was no age, no test to qualify to ride the bicycle. He wondered at which age a human is qualified to ride a bicycle? Because it was allowed only to people of more than 18 years to learn to drive cars.
Shabani was running out of ideas. He didn't want to give either the goats.
I could see how farmers were putting their products on their bicycles. People could go to hundreds of kilometers with their bicycles.
Then Shabani asked the traffic cop: "Tell me which code is the bicycle's code?"
The traffic officer told him: �It is a vehicle like all the cars and motorbike. It has one meaning, all the vehicle takes people and their belonging for a point A to a point B."
Shabani was amazed and even angry and was wondering why the traffic cops have left the capital city Kinshasa and big town and went deep in the rural area?
While chatting, they heard the engine of a coming truck. He saw the officers rejoicing as one of them told his colleagues: "Yes, a truck is coming."
He looks at the poor old man who was stopped next to him. The old man had agreed to share half of the coconut with the traffics cops. Shabani felt pity for the old man. Probably he has spent many times and energy to get those expensive fruits in town now his afford has to be shared with the traffic cops.
When the truck was approaching, the tree traffic cops decided to hide for a while so the driver of the truck do not see them to hide or change the direction.
Shabani saw the traffic cops hiding in the bush by to catch the truck by surprise.
Shabani while watching the scene, saw the old men who was about to put the bag of the coconut on the ground tying it at the back of the bicycle then he decided to run away.
The old man simply told Shabani: "What are you waiting for"
Shabani too took the opportunity too to run.
The cops saw them in the bushes while they were on the run and screamed: "Stop. Stop. Stop"
Shabani realized that it was the only think to do. The cop had no choice but let the bicycle's driver to go. They were waiting for the big truck coming. Shabani was wondering what will happen to the driver of the coming truck.

When they were running from the traffic cops, Shabani heard the engine of the truck stopping. May be the truck driver has saw them and wanted too to run away. He remembers a proverb seeing that: "You cannot chasse two antelopes at the same times."

Bruce conception and the view of the bicycle haven�t changed. His European urban and rural view of the bicycle was still the same. He learnt to respect the bicycle and people riding the bicycle. He fell in love with the bicycle not only as a toy for kid but a necessity. A vehicle like any vehicle to take you from a place A to place B.
He encouraged Shabani and the students too to rely on the bicycle as they needed to save money to help their friends and families� members back to Africa. Even thought he was assigned to take them to the college. But in the weekend they were using public transport to go to work and visit their friends in the city.

Shabani as a young boy learned to ride with the female bicycle because I was short for the frames bicycle. It was quiet a difficult experience as he started falling with the bicycle some time in the stones road. He got injured many times but he was determined to drive the bicycle. And fall in love with the bicycle ever since.
Once he started riding the female bicycle, he started even riding the male bicycle. I couldn't even seat in his early learning days on the bicycles because he was very short as a young boy.
Bruce was fortunate to have learned to ride the bicycle with his friend's bicycle. Those one where made for children but Shabani as a child learnt from the adult bicycle. The children bicycles existed only in the big African's city and the villagers who had little money couldn't afford to buy their children bicycles.

The sad side of it, it that Shabani couldn't use it to ride to his school that was so far for two reasons, first the parents had no money to buy children the bicycle. It was often used by big people for traveling long distances and carries the farm goods. Secondly for safely reason, Shabani used to walk to go to school in a group of about 40 students. Walking in group was safe than going alone. They were dangerous wild animal who could have attacked when he was alone. Most of the wild animals were scared to attack people in group.
Then they were a group of criminals who used to capture the kids. They used to kill the kid, take human body and sell it to the traditional healer for money luck and succeed in life and for superstition.
In Shabani's village area they had hundreds and hundred of bicycles but they were very few cars. No passenger private cars because of the poor roads. Only four by fours cars and trucks mainly from the city and used to fetch food to sell the big towns. Sometime a car can pass in the street after two days. They all knew the numbers of cars in the villages and their owner. Mostly were owns by organization, the priests and few businessmen. He remembered that they were less than 20 cars in the villages surrounding the villages and they village.

Already, car were struggling to get in the villages and Shabani called they villages a proudly car free zone.

Rich and poor all had bicycle in the villages. Even those few people who had cars had also many bicycle. Even the priests themselves ride bicycles in the villages. They ride the best bicycles, meaning a bicycle that had breaks and light.
Bicycle were riding in the road built for cars, every where. Everybody relied on agriculture and everybody could use the bicycle to take them to the farm, come back, and transport agriculture product, takes people to school and hospital�

Bicycle was everything. Something little strange all the bicycle were imported. Most of them from Asian countries then send to Kinshasa the capital of Congo, bought from the capitals city to other smallest cities, then from there bought in the villages.

Out of hundred or possible thousands of bicycles Shabani saw few were new. Most of them were second hand. I haven't seen in that city a thrown part of bicycle. People were fixing their bicycles. Some bicycle were really old I can estimate even more than thirty years.

People learn and knew well the bicycles. Everybody knew how to ride the bicycle from an early age. But the only think they weren't able to fix was the brakes. Most of the bicycle Shabani remembered that about 90% of bicycles in his village had no brakes.

Shabani was wondering and I realized that brake were may be very weak and was the weakest side of many bicycle he saw in Africa or it was difficult to fix them or may be people weren't interested to take care of brakes. But He decides to take brakes of Europe where they were many cars.

Bicycle was the only way to save the energy of walking long distances and the only way to save money too. The challenges of riding in the big modern towns bicycle were the traffic of cars as many drivers cared less of the bicycle.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: CULTURES CLASHES

The best place that the four students were interacting was at the dinner table. All the four Africans students: Limete, Shabani, Matonga or Matonge and Kalamu not forgetting the fifth member of the big family they European caretaker Mr. Bruce.
Life for those African's students sent to Europe to study after they country Congo got independence so that they may take care of they country after they country's independence was full of shock as they were comparing two cultures, the European culture they find in Europe and they native culture they left in Africa.
They used to talk about everything and all enjoyed the company. It is where Bruce learnt a lot the African's culture and end up loving it. He was able to relate to his friends the Africans stories even without being in Africa. For many people Bruce could have spent many times in Africa. For some he was one of the colonists who returned when many African's countries get their independence.

Many made money in Africa and many colonist had bad memories of the end of they reign. They lost all they invested; they lost everything they had in the continent. They were not expecting a sudden change in the continent.

The four Africans were adapting to a new environment and new world. The student could tell Bruce how lazy they become since they arrived in Europe. They were not able to walk many miles with feet the way they used to walk. They used to attend school far from their homes villages and most of the time the one who lived far from schools were the one who arrive in time and the one who lived next to the school most of the time were late to arrive to school.
The African student end up interpreting this phenomenon as a natural thing. Those who have the opportunity do not see the importance of those importunities. The one who do not have those opportunities were the one who sees them.
The realized that most of the children from the rich families were not able to be successful like they parents. Poor had the energy, aggressively and the hunger of success. They were the one who often succeed in life. The African's students have shown it in they studies. They were the one getting the top max. They knew the importance of the studies. They knew why they left their countries and families plus they loved one to be in Europe. They knew they mission in Europe.
There were many stories they could tell Bruce. In they provinces they used to say that the orphan were the one who benefited from the advice of the neighbouring parents while the neighbour's children do not take seriously they parents advises.

It was very difficult for African to meet new phenomenon in Europe. They used to see girl and women especially in winter wearing the short clothes and sometime exposing they sensitive part. For the African they were wondering: �Why not walk naked if the clothes bore you?"
They had those rumours before their arrival in Europe that a white woman hides her breast only but for an African they hide they private part. The African's women were not shy to give a baby breast at any place. When the baby needed food, she couldn't prevent of feeding her.
Then comes a difference in the culture. They used to see women who were acting as men and men acting like women. They learnt that they were gay and lesbians. They had they right in Europe and the society accepted them easily while the African tradition calls it a handicap or a default or a disease that supposed to be cured. The African used to call that phenomenon a genetic error.
They were children too who were naturally born with the tendency of loving people of the same sex what is known in Europe as homosexuality and those rare one who were not even interested in all in sex. But the African culture had no room to allow them to express their feeling.
Kalamu's cousin never shown any sort of interest in women until he reached the early twenties. The family decided without his approval to give him a woman. His name was Kashama.
Kashama saw a woman arriving with the bags accompanied by his family�s member: "this is your wife."
Kashama tried to explain: "I do not need a woman now."
He has given this excuse for many years in the land were people were getting married in their teen. His family had no time to listen anymore to his excuses. They left the woman without Kashama's agreement.
Kashama's unwanted women felt that the husband given to him was showing no interest in her. She kept complaining to the family�s member that Kashama and his given wife were sleeping like brother and sister.
It was a shock to the family. Kashama was showing no interest in the woman but they were confident that one day he will change his mind.
Kashama kept telling his woman that: "When we will bed it will be fire."
And the woman was ready and urged him: "I want to see and feel that fire you talk about."
He kept postponing. It took weeks, months and nearly a year for the woman to ask a permission to live Kashama. She was not seeing the fire that Kashama kept promising him. Kashama was a name of a leopard.
In they tradition they used to give even children the name of animals expecting the children to inherit the courage of certain animals.
The leopard didn't show the aggressively of his nature. His brother and sister kept blaming Kashama: "How come a leopard could live with a goat without eating him?"
That was unusual for the nature of that name. They later find out that Kashama was impotent.
That was one of the one of the problem with the arranged marriage. They finally took him to many traditional doctors to be healed.
Even thought the arranged married had his problem but used to last for many years. Those women's given to men were very faithful because of the respect of they culture. The African realized that in Europe they were many divorces and they even said that they had the impression that people were marrying to get divorce. They had the impression that they were many divorces than marriages.
It was just a new phenomenon to the African's student. In their land divorces never existed. Some men instead of divorcing will get a second wife. Even thought polygamous was part of they culture. They realized that many men who had no intention of becoming polygamous will get a new woman once he is unhappy. But for a woman to have another man when unhappy, it was forbidden.
They realized how women were not treated equally to men. The society used to care more about men and give men more importance. The children belonged to men. But some African culture the children belonged to women but those culture were very few.
They heard a lot about the women's right in Europe than in Africa. They had strange stories about a husband having raped his own wife. Those were very unusual to African. A married women claming that she was forced bedding his own husband. It was difficult to explain as Bruce explained to them one day: "When sometime, some women sleep with a man and regret after it becomes a rape or an abuse."
They read in the newspapers how many rape reports were not leading to the conviction of the accused. Bruce new that he had a big responsibility to look after those student who will be future ministers in they country. He used to advise them a lot. A future African minister once in trouble it may even jeopardize the relationship of they two countries. It will appear in all the newspapers. He knew that even thought he was they guardian, they could always be time when even one student may get into trouble. Even thought the students were showing a good moral, they could always be a hypocrite who time to time may be involved in the improper conduct.
The priests based in Africa time to time when they used to come to Europe used to insist that the students do not get involved in relationship because it may affect they studies.
But he knew that he has only two eyes not many to control effectively the grow up men. But used to advise them to avoid problem: "Makes sure that the women you sleep with do never regret that life time experience."
He thought that his advises that sounded a short sentence but meant a lot to the students. They were already wise with they background cultures. If there was a culture having many rules, it was the African's culture.
The Africans students were told by many villagers to see the wives of priests in Europe. Because many priests were singles and were European at that time. Many people kept suspecting that the priests could have hide they wives in Europe. When they go back to Europe they were not going to visit their family's members and friends or go to Europe for the church service.
Many people especially from the new wave of the African's churches had the confidence that the priests had wives and children. When going to Europe they were going to visit they wives and children. There was no way that a man could live all his life without children. And many of the priests who remain in Africa were old. Some people used to even write to the students: "Please give us the names of they wives, children and grand children."
When the students used to respond that they didn't find any. The writers used to respond that they were lying. They were covering the priest's secret because once they reveal those secret they will be send back home.
The priests used to play a big role between the Congolese and the Belgian's government. They were the one who managed to secure the bursaries for those students. So the Africans felt somehow that they owe the priests a lot. Another preacher even went on preaching that the priests made sign the Africans secret paper before they left Africa: "Don't ever reveal the names of our wives and children. Once you do so you will be chassed from Europe and once return to Africa you will be assassinate."
They were very scared especially of the Catholic Church in many part of the continent. The powerful church was suspected of even being involved in the politic of the world.
The Catholic Church was the powerful one. They had built big schools and hospitals. They had big enterprises and big farm in Africa. They had many followers too. Many people used to say that the Catholic Church used to names the president before they even take power.
The students used to receive many letters not only from they families members and friends but by many people too. They used to laugh when they used to read those kinds of letters. They wished that they could even find one wife or a child of a priest based to Africa. They couldn't have lied just to please the menacing writers. On top of that all of them were catholic followers. Making a founded story to please those people was just impossible for those Africans.
But the students used to wrote them the realities they meet in Europe. They used to tell them that not all the Europeans were rich, they were also very poor one. They were beggars, homeless and people too starving from hunger. Those realities were not accepted by many Africans. They believed that all the European were rich, the money was made in Europe and brought to Africa. They were no way that the money inventors could be poor.
This reality was understandable to the students that many people could disagree with them. They haven't seen a European beggar in Africa most of them were bosses in Africa. It is that kind of thought that even brought Shabani's family and all the student's families in trouble in Africa. Everybody believed that because the students were in Europe they had plenty of money. No one knew that they used to work even part time to try to get money and buy them some gifts.
It was already a pressure for students. When someone's ask for money and they couldn't just say that they don't have money. They used to try hard to work and even save their bursary's pocket money to please the families and friend's back home not forgetting too the neighbours. After all they were African and believed in witchcraft. Not having to satisfy they families and friends could just bring curses in they life but trying to make everybody happy worked on them as they could be blessed and get more money and opportunities in life.
Those first Africans' students had a pressure in they lives even in Europe and they had to educate people back home. Before the independence of their countries many people complained a lot how the colonist took their opportunities. The students have heard people who could not read and write complaining that the European teachers has taken they dream job of teaching. Sometime they used to wonder how a man could be a teacher not knowing how to read and write.
Matonge especially have heard plenty of those kinds of stories just a month before the independence when he accompanied his uncle at the garage.
They find a mechanic celebrating when they announced the date of independence. He complains about doctor Rousseau of taking his job. Matonge was wondering how come a mechanic could be a doctor? He had at the same garage a Marabou complaining that the European pastor has taken his followers. He was wondering how a none Christian could expect to teach Christianity once the colonist leave. He had a young soccer player striker complaining that a European defender has taken his position in his team Lupopo. It is why he warmed the bench for many months.
All the people Matonge met at the garage chatting about the after independence were expecting to take all the dreams jobs and posts after independence. They were not aware that very few African will benefit and the qualification was needed. Even the government promoted many nurses to doctor�s position, many miners to engineers, many clerk to directors, many teachers to principals and inspectors, many sergeant to captain... the skill was needed as the performance in all the institutions and companies were dropping.
The expectation was very high before the independence. It was after the independence that they realized that many post left by colonists were not filled. The new Directors of enterprise spending many times reading newspapers and magazine in the offices. They were very few qualified people to fill those vacuums left.
They tried to promote people to fill those vacant post but they performance were not good at all. Especially the new classes of businessmen who benefited from the independence. Many were even unable to renew the stocks in they shops. It is then the government too realized the problem and even tried to fix it. One of the way of fixing it, was to give many student bursaries to attend universities and send other overseas. This group was the first one to be sent to Europe and they were planning to send more overseas to try to teach students.
When the students arrived first in Europe they were few Africans in that continent but just few months of they arrival, they started meeting other African too. Not only students but people involved in other activities too in Europe: some were students, some were businessmen, and some were sportsmen and many more.
They used to feel first that they were only few of them in the land of millions. Not only were many from they native land some were from countries such us: Cote Ivoire, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola...
Sunday afternoon after they work schedule the African too started socializing meeting each other. They formed a big bound in that land. They were always happy to see each other and talk about they mother land, listening to they music, and eat the African food.
It was very difficult for students to adapt to the European food. They used to eat in Africa a food called Papa made of the maize mill and cassava mill accompanied by vegetable or meat. But some time in Europe eating bread and soup, meat or vegetable was first as a punishment but they get used to eat.
They didn't enjoy first the vegetable in Europe because they main vegetable in Africa was the cassava leave. It was very complicated formula to make the cassava leave eatable. The woman used to boil it many time in hot water. Then take the leave and using the big kind of pot and crush it for many hours.
Thos women were courageous and very strong. They were able doing all sort of job carrying their babies at the back and sometime pregnant at the same time. It was usually for a woman in Africa to have ten, or more children while in Europe women had few children.
When the African's student colleagues used to ask them how many they were in they families. They couldn't believe when the students used to tell them the exact number. From the same mother may be 10 and may be five were dead and 5 were alive. Then they add may be twenty from the father's side. They fathers who had many wives.
It was unbelievable for the European to hear that. They often said that African had many children because they used sex as entertainment. They were very few entertainments in Africa. Many part of the continent had no TV and Radio...
It is why the African when they used to read in the news papers about a man raping his own wife, it sounded scandalous. A wife never says no to his husband.
They were rape too in Africa but the rate was very low. A neighbour raping is neighbouring's daughter...And it was punishable by the traditional court and some time the accused faced death by stone.
At the same time some families wanted to solve the matter amicably. The accused could pay some animals or work for the victim families in their farm for a certain period or give them a certain amount of goods.
All the unsolved matter in the African's tradition leaded to death or curses. It was not advised to hide any wrong doing for your own sake. If you hide the incest for example, you will loose children...
Many children too used to die because of many diseases. The African's traditional medicine even thought it was undermined by the western used to cure many diseases too. As long that you follow the instruction properly and tackle the disease in his early stage.
Unfortunately in the new African's towns many people started using the traditional medicine as a business. Many traditional doctors were good but some become criminals. They were not able to get into the isolated bush to get the acquired roots and invented themselves with the roots collected nearby to try to heal people. And that alone damaged the traditional medicine. One of the examples was Shabani's family who met the twin crooks traditional doctors.
It what was happening especially with people having immigrated from they villages to towns and there they meet thousand of tribes and all sort of problems started. For those crooks traditional doctors they were nothing impossible to them. Even the modern medicine was sincere that they could not cure all the diseases.
Matonge's culture was very strict to good morality that they wanted the men to be married to only virgin's girl. And they had they way of testing the virginity.
For the first time the men had to bed his wife they used to use white sheet on the bed. The man will be allow to marry that women once only they see a trace of blood on the bed.
It what happen to Matonge, but Matonge kept a secret from his family and all the community. He only revealed to Europe to the house mate that the women he loved wasn't virgin. He managed to put of the white sheet the red medicine used to heal wound on the sheet called "mercurochrome".
The family when they saw the red marks they were very happy and allow him to marry the woman he loved.

While on the table eating and chatting, Limete once read what his maternal uncle wrote to him: "Do you give also the visitors newspapers when you eat? You don't have to loose the African's culture of sharing."
In Africa even thought they knew that Europeans were rich but they were told that European does not share food. They preferred to eat with their children while giving the visitors newspaper to read.
Limete haven't met one of his colleagues who invited him but when it come to eat, they give him a newspaper reading while struggling to smell the good food. He asked at Bruno if he was doing so because he was a European.
Limete's sister once wrote to him telling him that: "Please can you send me an European cosmetic to make my skin light. The baboon urine has burn my face..."
The problem of being light in skin was a usual practice in African. They wanted to be very light in skin that they used all sort of products, from the real and fake cosmetic product. Then anything that could burn the skin and make it light was used include the cement, petrol mix in the body lotion...many formulas took place.
It was a shock to the students. They were wondering why women were obsessed of light skin. Who told them that being beautiful it was being light in skin? It was not only women who were using those sort of cosmetic even men too joined the women especially the stars: singers, soccer players even some politician.
Kalamu who was light in complexion himself hated the light skin, for some they called him coloured. Being born from a European's ancestor went through many crisis. At primary school when they studied that they were tree races: Black, White and Asiatic called yellow race in that book..
They never mention a coloured. He felt that he was left out. At twelve years his mother had to call for a priest to come and help him with counseling. He felt that God never loved the coloured and never created coloured. He created all the races not coloured. As a young boy like all the children they obsessed with being in paradise. He felt that God won't take him to paradise because he was not in the races that God created: black, white and Asian.
The priest had to come and explain that God created everybody. That geography book didn't mention all the races. The priest went on to tell him that they are even entire countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, Morocco...that people are mainly coloured people. The priest showed him many pictures. The priests encouraged him telling him: "You must be very happy because coloured is the best race. They are not black or white. White are envy to be black and black envy to be white but God created coloured a race having white and black blood."
It was Kalamu who advised Limete to write to his sister that she has to celebrate her race. God has created each and everybody unique and she must be able to celebrate her skin.
Kalamu advised Limete to even mention the consequence of burning the skin with that unhealthy formula. He insisted that Limete warn her sister of the skin cancer too.
Many people has burned they skin and the skin has lighted for some months then damaged later.
The students who were working part time in the super market realized too that it wasn't easy to got even jobs in Europe. It was easy sometime to do what you didn't want to do than things you want to do. They met once a group of university graduates of Lagos in Nigeria in a restaurant. They had qualification but couldn't find the suitable job and were working in restaurant as a stepping stones. They realized that unemployment was just a global problem. It was not what they wanted to benefit from the work but it was what the company will benefit in employing you.
It is what once Kalamu wrote to his friend who was working already in Congo in a big import and export company as an accountant: "If you ready to do what you didn't dream of doing then come."
The advantage with Europe is that when they exchange the European money to African's money it was a lot of money back home. What the students earned as part time workers was more than what many people earned as full time workers in Africa. But it needed a lot of sacrifices too for students to save that money.
You won't talk about the African's culture without mentioning the witchcraft phenomenon. It was the phenomenon that existed in all the black African's culture. It was so real in Africa that the African's students never forget to even mention. But one day at their dinning room Shabani got a letter written by a unknown men from Kinshasa. He wondered how the man even got his address; he suspected that it may be one of his friends of family member who gave him his address in Europe:
My name is Lumbala. I was motivated when I met a boy called Zola Muzi who was eight years old. When his mother died, his uncle accused him of casting a spell on his parents.
His father abandoned him, leaving him to be raised by his old grand mother.
When his old grand mother died, the boy had to face the world alone. He started leaving in the street of Kinshasa and joins the children called Shege (homeless). It estimate that they are about 30 000 street kids in Kinshasa in the land that had no homeless people before the colonialism.
It was hard for Zola to survive; he used to carry bags for the merchant of the big market Zandu and earn little money to buy any food and used to sleep on the pavement in front of shops.

I took some Shege( street kids) and I started an organization called Children heaven. I have Zola and other 12 streets children that I look after. I work for ONATRA, the maritime company in Congo. I found it difficult alone to look after those children and look after my family: my wife with four children. Some few people too assist me but I need more resources because they are many children abandoned in the similar situation.
I am asking you and your colleague if you can found some donors to support my project of looking after those unfortunate children or the so called witches...
A boom of religious sects has made the matter worst. The self proclaimed prophets have sprung up in Africa, offering deliverance ceremonies for children and people believed to be possessed by evil spirit. Some whip and some even burn children to coarse them to confess that they are witches and spell they families.
When someone dies in the family, when some one his involved in an accident or someone loose his job or retrenched or cannot succeed in his project, they join the prayers group where some prophets will say that they got a vision: "the child is responsible of the misfortune".

Those children who has been accused of witch sometime they develop a violent character. After suffering and some girl even end up being sexually abused are not keen to return to the families that chassed them. We always say that in our proverbs:
"All the children are angels, it the society that made good and bad people."
No one even imagine that a one month baby he carries could be one day a killer. They are all innocent.
I plead you future leader of our country to look at this subject.

It was the most shocking letter that the students has receive from they land. they were silence for many minutes and didn't know what to do or what to say.

The letter was accompanied by tree pictures of those street children he look after and his photos.
They all from rural areas in Africa but they have been to this big city many times for vacation...it where they took the plane to reach Europe. Bruce was touched too and was the first one to say: "Those children need counseling as well education to help them to recover from the ordeal and reintegrate themselves into the world or their family."
Bruce suggested that he was ready to take the letter and show too many organizations in Belgium to try and raise found. He dreamed of going to Africa one day and this letter motivated him to one day be able to assist the street kids. Meanwhile he promised to assist Lumbala with little money every months.
All the student agreed to assist Lumbala. They regretted that in big town the African's culture was quick to die. People have become greedy and unable to assist other. The traditional Africa had no stranger and everybody was part of the extended family.
Limete remembered how he witness in his neighbouring village 6 old women who were suspected of being witches and given a poisonous substance to drink. He never forgets how the witchcraft suspect died. But what was sad is that those claims have expanded to children too.
Bruce once read the Human Rights watch that about 60 to 70 percent of these children in the street have been accused of witchcraft or sorcery
Shabani even said that this was one of the priorities they have to look for because politicians have not shown any interest in assisting children.
This was a wake up call for those future ministers to reinforce the law to protect women and protect children. The constitution has to forbid charge of witchcraft against children.
Already what they were seeing in Europe was already giving them of what to do if they complete they studies and return. The interaction of the European and African culture give them an idea to what he needed to be done in they home land. They didn't appreciate all the culture they met in Europe, they knew what to take and what to reject.
They wanted to make sure not to abuse of power once in power. Kalamu's once while in holiday in Kinshasa as a 12 years boy witness how the authority abused of the power without thinking of children. They used to play soccer in an open field in the holiday. It was a good feeling as many children from different corner of the country could meet and play soccer in holiday.
But one day they went to play soccer and find fences to the open field. The children decided to cut the fences and make their way through the field. The next day the find new fences with sound and bricks aside. They did the same cutting the fences and going to play soccer.
The third time they find now heavily armed soldiers protecting the field. While watching the soldiers they saw other truck coming with construction materials. The soldiers were telling the children: "Don't play with fire."
They later heard that the ministers of finances has taken the field and was building one of the biggest houses in the country. The children could not get access anymore to the playing field. The children entertainment meant nothing to the authorities. It wasn't long that they saw a huge and beautiful house with long protecting wall being build at the playing field.
The children had no choice but started playing soccer on the street. Each time a car passes, they have to leave a space for the cars. When Kalamu returned to his village he later heard that two of the boys he was playing with were knocked by a car. It was not the only incident many of the playing fields for children were taken by the authorities for they private properties and many children started playing too in the streets. Many were hit by cars and sometime electrocuted during the rainy season where some of the underground electrics cables were not well protected.

The students knew that they have a huge pressure and many people expect more from them. But they had to have the resources and the support of everybody once they return home. Many people expect them to deliver it was like giving a formula one champion and old and slow cars and expect him to win the race. They haven't built new roads, no bridges and no schools, no hospitals...since the independence. All the uncompleted projects were still not completed.

The Africans students who were the hope of the future Africa knew that they had to reinforce and implement the law for the defenseless people: such as woman. Not only woman but also the elders who were suspected of being witches and the children too who were often left behind.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: THE REUNION

Joseph Chansa after hearing that his brother was popular with women in Europe he was so concerned. To stop his brother from getting into immorality pushed Payo traveling arrangement serious to join his husband Shabani in Europe. He took charge to get her a passport and visa.

In few years in the land were it was difficult to see an Africans. Just in few years Africans started pouring in Europe searching a better life. The independence that many people celebrated of didn't change much but it has brought more misery. Only few people benefited leaving behind millions in aggrieving misery.

Meanwhile Shabani talked to his friends about his brother's determination to send her wife without the acknowledgement of her mother: "I spoke to my brother today he his very determine than ever to send my wife here."

Joseph Chansa Samba was a very respectable man. A man who was about to be a priest was able to knock at all the offices and embassy to help Payo to get a passport and the visa. But Shabani was little bit scared that his wife arrival may his budget. He had to look after his family in Africa especially after the death of his father. Joseph Chansa wasn't able to help the family.

He has to move out from here to find a suitable place to live with her. As a single he may live in small space but with a woman by his side, he needs to find a much bigger room to live. She will need a much larger space to feel comfortable. A big space means a expensive
"You don't have to complain but face it." Matonge told him "You wanted her now that she is about to come, you start giving excuses."
"It not about excuses, I am still a student." Shabani said "I don't want her to starve here."

They advised Shabani to start from now to look for a cheap and suitable apartment for you and his wife.

He was determined that his wife may work as a domestic worker or do any kind of job to boost our income. For Payo who hasn't attended school like many of the women in the village, she has little choices to get a better job.
"It come at the right time when you need more money to support your big family." Bruce encouraged him.

The future priest brother Joseph Chansa Samba looked at all the difficulties that the family will have after loosing the bread winner. The woman will bring much more stability in Shabani's life and their family too.
Chansa decided not to inform Mom all the traveling arrangement he is making.

Joseph Chansa knew that their mother Tumba will not support that idea. Sometime it better to reserve a bad surprised to the one who opposed to your reunion. She never accepted their commitment and she won't change her mind sooner.
"Tumba will never forgive me for calling my wife here without her acknowledgement." Shabani was scared.

Shabani accepted some time to hurt her mother for once to live with the woman who loved him and the woman he loved her too. It doesn't make a sense to please someone who will be living far away a 8000 kilometers. He was doing what the Bible recommends a man to do. A man or a woman will leave his family to live with is lover one.

After two months Chansa 's effort was successful. Payo was to arrived and join his husband after two years. This was great news for both Shabani and Payo.
Shabani and his friends went to the airport to welcome Payo. She was wearing the traditional African clothes accompanied by her two years daughter named after Shabani's mother, Tumba.
Shabani hugged her with tears they all wept and celebrated: "I have been waiting for this day for a long time."
"The struggle is over now." Said Payo with tears of joy.
"I am now complete with you."
"I cannot believe that we are together again."
They hired a taxi her news home. Shabani had rented a flat in one of the building in town. A one bedroom with a living room, living room, bathroom, toilet on the second floor in elder's building.
Many Africans who were living in the city who knew Shabani gathered at his new place to welcome Shabani's wife. Include the 3 colleagues of Shabani; Matonge, Limete and Kalamu and they caretaker and friend Bruce. They all knew the postal card scandal. They wanted to see the woman who almost lost her husband because of the postal card gift. They were very few African in the city and they all knew each other. They were all living like brothers. The four Shabani colleagues, friends and former roommates were there plus other twelve African living in the same town were in that small apartment.

Around ten hours in the evening, they started the small welcome party. It was a good news happening at the good time a Friday afternoon.
They bought food, beers and played African songs. The music reminded them of the continent and many souvenirs in their ancestor's land.
The neighbors were wondering, who were the men who are celebrating in a flat on the third floor? The have to hire a hall to do their party many suggested.
It was just too much noise for a Friday.
The neighbor who was in her early sixties went to knock to Shabani's door. They couldn't hear the knock because of the playing music. She insisted, when they were about to change the LP disc they heard a strong knock as one of them said: "Knock."
"There are knocking at the door."

Shabani went to open the door.
The knocking woman saw an African opening the door. This was her shock of her life. She never saw an African in a building. No African ever lived in their building and the caretaker was not at his home at that time.
She asked: "Who are you?"
"I am Shabani, new tenant of this flat."
"Why too much noise?" She asked
"I am sorry, we are celebrating the arrival of my wife from Africa."
"This is not our business." the neighbour said " This building his full of old people who want to rest."
This was not Africa where when there is a party the neighbour joins you but in Europe when there is noise the neighbours complain. It was just clashes of cultures.
"Excuse us" Shabani told the neighbour "we are doing noise for this night only and we will never disturb you again. It is a big event for me and friends."
"This is not our business." She insisted.

They didn't care about the reason of the noise but they wanted to rest.
"Okay" Shabani promised "I am sorry for disturbing; I am going to adjust the music volume."
"Please."
The woman looked inside the small flat saw many people. But Shabani promised to reduce the volume: "I am deeply concern about you too. I promised that I will reduce the volume."
"I expect you to think about us too."
Shabani went to reduce the voice in saying: "Gents, the neighbor are complaining of noise."
A drank man responded: "Who is that neighbor?"
"The one who have knocked at the door before."
"Let her go to hell, we are celebrating."

He said that if they don't know how to celebrate in their culture the have to leave them alone celebrating. "Tell them to join us and we will show them how to celebrate."
"Guys, let think about the others tenant?"
"Which tenant?"
"The neighbours".
"Don't reduce the volume, those occasion do not happen twice in life."

They left their home far and they were happy to be together in a foreigner land.
As the majority refused to reduce the music volume. He ignored the woman call. Then the same woman returning after thirty minutes complaining again. This time a visitor told to Shabani: "You are too scared and scared of the neighbors let me go and open the door."
He went to open the door saying: "What do you want?"
The woman saw another man this time opening the door: "We are sleeping and you still doing noise."
"What do you want" Kupa said "we are celebrating."
"It is not our business" she repeated "we want to rest."
"Go to hell."
"What?"
"I say go to hell" Kupa told her "I repeat go to hell."
"I will call the police to intervene."
"Go to hell with your police."
They never seen a policemen in they homeland going to stop a party or even ask them not to make noise in Africa. They only come to separate fight in the parties.

Bruce was very happy and excited with the African music. He slowly was
Acting like an African. Bruce was able to describe how Africa looks like without even being in Africa. All those stories he had from the Africans for the past tree years were really an African school. Time to time he wore African traditional clothes. He made his hairs dreadlock and was planning to visit the continent at the end of the year.
This time Kupa one of the African who arrived in Europe 9 months ago in search of the better life decided to open the door himself. Telling Shabani. "You are scared of the neighbours"
"Who was there?" Shabani asked.
"An old woman who want us to stop celebrating."
"I think is the same woman who knocked before. Let please reduce the volume, we don't need loud music to celebrate."
"Your are too soft like a lady" Kupa said "we are celebrating. In Africa we celebrate with loud music."
"Please."
"No man" Kupa argued "I live very far from here I come to celebrate like in Africa with my Africans brothers"
Some persuaded him: "The woman may be right she want to rest."
"It is not our business"
"I am Kupa the name that my parent gave me."

He was an African and he was proud of it. They have to celebrate like in Africa. He said: "If you are not proud of being African in Europe me I am proud of being an African."

Shabani Shabani wanted to please everybody. It was a big occasion to be unified with his wife after almost loosing her for a postal card drama. He wanted to please his African colleagues too. He has left the house and now had to live with his wife in a flat. It was a first time to be seperated with his colleagues who become more than friend. At the same time, he wanted to please the complaining neighbours. Who to please? the fellow Africans or the Europeans neighbours?

Matonge was still the elder of the African student in Europe advised Shabani to accept to suffer the consequences of the party. "Tomorrow go to all your neighbors and apologize." Kupa must be a drug addicted, uneducated and mal raised man who is involved in many illegal activities here. I was not happy to see him among us. He may cause us problems. Matonge insisted: "We have to avoid Kupa next time."
All the Africans were ready to stop the noise except Kupa who wanted the party to be lousy.

The group of the African student accepted to definitely to invite Kupa next time, he is very impolite treating me of being soft in public, specially under my wife's eyes who just arrived.
The woman, who knocked at the door, fed up and very disappointed by Kupa answers called the police.
In fact even the students didn't know him very well. In that time when they were very few Africans in Europe. The Africans when they meet in Europe, used to befriended just because they were all minority in Europe. They used to greet each other with joy exchange the addresses just in the first meeting. They felt so close and used to help each other like blood hood brothers and sisters.

The African to please one man, they ignored again the woman request to reduced the volume instead of reducing the strange visitor Kupa went on to increased the volume.
The police arrived after thirty minutes to persuade the African to reduce noise.
They knocked at the door, the men inside couldn't hear the knock because of the loud music.
They knocked now hard at the door. Shabani went to open saying: "Who is knocking again?"

He opened the door expecting to see the same woman but saw two men in uniform. He then said: "Oh police?"
Before even talking to them. Kupa realized the danger that he was avoiding everyday. He was illegal in the country and on top of that he was wanted by the police for his illegal and expired visa.

He taught that the police who come to ask Shabani to reduce the volume come to arrest him. Kupo tried to come up with quick plan to escape the police officer at the door, wondering to himself what to do: "I am finished. I have to escape the justice; I know that European police personal cannot run. Let me jump from the window and find a way out."
He was right because Kupa escaped many time the police officer just by running. He had no visa for Belgium. He had a French visa that helped him to enter in Europe but expired already.

Blinded by beer he decided to execute his move to escape the police as usual. The Africans saw someone opening the window and in two second the man jumped from the window from the third floor. He even forgot that he told the old woman complains: "Go and call the police".
They all screamed: "Kupa jumped."
"Kupa want to commit suicide"
Shabani who was apologizing to the police personals: "I am sorry, I am reducing the volume now�"
Together with the police personals heard Africans in the living room, screaming for help: "Kupa have jumped from the window."
"Help."
The police officers and the African stopped their party and went to rescue the man who jumped for the window.
The man broke his jaw and his left hand.
They didn't know why Kupa could do a strange act.
He was unstoppable he tried to run away crying: "My arm, my arm."
The all followed him and caught him five hundred meters away. The man didn't want to be rescued and sent to the hospital. He kept denying his injury: "Let me go."
"What wrong man" his African colleague told him "you are bleeding."
They could see the teeth coming out of the month. And blood all over his body but he wanted to flee:
"Let me run"
"Let go to the hospital.'
"I am fine" Kupa said "I don't want to be deported" he has escaped many time being deported. "I cannot go to Africa"
Eventually the man, who supposed to be transported by an ambulance, was transported by the police van to the hospital and latter arrested after the identification shown that he was wanted by the justice after escaping the deportation camp many times.
Kupa swore like many African when leaving the continent that they were just going to Europe make money and have a capital and return to his home country. But many don't get that capital money they dreamed of and even stuck in Europe unable to respect the promises they made.
Jupa and many illegal immigrants swore to die in Europe than being deported or send back home.
The trouble of Shabani was not over as the caretaker of the building got all kind of complains of his return. He went straight to meet the new tenant who did not comply with the building rules. He called Zoao in his office: "You have less than one week in this building and I am already tired of you."

The building caretaker got all kind of complains, some were saying that they nearly got cardiac arrest because of the degree of noise from your apartment last weekend. The building caretaker was not here, he went to visit my daughter. He insisted: "Don't blame us of being racists."
He was not a racist and he didn't know what racism is too. They live in the building like brother not like enemies. 90% of the residents were elder.
The majority of the population in Africa where youth because they had many children but in Belgium they were more elders because they had few children.
"I am deeply sorry for all the troubles I made." Shabani apologized.

He explained that he was celebrating with couple of homeboys on the arrival of my wife. He hasn�t seen her for more than two years. They have gone trough many challenges before their reunion.
"This is not our business and it will never be our business." the building caretaker said.

They had families and friends too but they don't act like you? This building his plenty of old tenants and you are the youngest tenant in this building. The old people need peace. He insisted: "I am sorry you have to leave this building at the end of the month."
"I promised you that, I won't do any more parties in the apartment and I will comply with your rules"

The building caretaker seems to like Shabani despite the complain of many residents he forgave the young tenant in warning him: "The problem is not only the party but the bunch of visitors that you invited too."

The building caretaker gave him a last chance to live here and he won't tolerate any kind of noise in Shabani's apartment. He allows him to live with his wife and daughter only.
He knew that Africans lives in a big group with many relatives. He will put him out of the apartment regardless if you complain or sue as of racism in the newspapers. He told him: "I think that I am fair enough to give you the last chance."
The man who recalled all the effort he did to search and find the lovely flat got a first lesson of living into a building: "Thank you for your understanding, I promised you that I will stick to your rules. It is a big lesson to me and my newly arrived wife."
"It is not my rules but the building rules; this is not a campus where in the weekend student�s party"

Already Shabani was planning in future to call some of his young brothers in Europe, but noticed that he will be in trouble. They don't allow many people in the apartment. He was thinking about making an alternative plan.
The African do not mind to sleep in group even in a living room. Back home their lived always in group. It was already the cultural clash.
In African when they celebrate all the neighbours joins them but in Europe the entire neighbouring complains.

This was the warning that Shabani wanted to stick with for the survival in the building. The party was not over as Shabani decided to invite his school and work colleagues, priests and many friends to come and witness the woman he loved, he decided to organize at the same time the religious wedding to add on top of the traditional wedding. His best friends Bruce helped him too plus his countrymen colleagues Matonge, Limete and Kalamu. They were also planning to call their wives; they were also in the late stage of the planned. Having saved money and got their wives visa.
Bruce who was not interested in getting married wanted too to get married seeing young people committed to marriage. He took Nicole, they woman he claimed to be his friend in as fianc�e and they planned to get married in few months.
He hired in the local hall a two hours for the religious marriage ceremony. The marriage ceremony was to be a very private and simple ceremony where more than 50 guests came to see Payo, Shabani's wife.
Shabani a catholic had all the reason to invite a priest to bless their life time commitment. The served many non alcohol drink, macaroni, rice, meat�Payo wearing the a rented marriage dress and Shabani wearing a black suit tied the knock in that ceremony presided by father Simon, the priest.
Out of all the guests, there is one guest that Payo wanted to see. The only guest that was the most searched by Payo was the woman who sent her the postal card and wrote to her. Her name was Albertine Dutoit. She was not angry with her but wanted to thank her personally for her good initiative as she kept asking his at husband: "Where is Albertine Du Toit?"
"Why?"
"I am very anxious to see her."
"I saw her in the group." Shabani said "She will definitely come to see you."
"The picture she sends was is her picture?"
"No, she bought in a shop the postal card." Shabani explained.

It was not her picture or the picture of her daughter. In Europe they use postal card for many circumstances: birthday, marriages, anniversary, wishes, Christmas, new years�He told his wife that she will see in all our gifts you will find postal cards. It was unlucky that the postal card sent by his colleagues landed in the hand of his illiterate mother. She interpreted the picture of the woman and daughter according to her understanding. He insisted: "I won't blame my mother is not her fault, I will blame the inaccessibility to the modern civilization in my mother's generation: read and write."
"Yes" Payo said "I want to meet her just by curiosity."

The gifts were presented in group and Albertine wrote on the postal card in the name of all my colleagues. Shabani didn't want his school colleagues and especially Albertine Du Toit to know that the gift she sent you almost broke their marriage!
"I won't tell her." Payo promised
"She will come and greet you."
"But all the colleagues almost came to greet me" Payo noticed "where is Albertine?"

When they were about to leave come that woman that Payo wanted to see. She was wearing a red dress with a big stomach and she approached Shabani and said: "Shabani, I am six months pregnant."
"Pregnant?" asked Shabani.
"You heard what I said" Albertine says "and you know who is the father of my coming child his."

Payo kept wondering why Albertine, never greet her while all the Shabani's colleagues met her and look at Shabani reaction when Albertine told him the pregnancy news. She immediately suspected that something intrigue is going on. Someone needed to confess before it is too late. As Albertine repeated: "Shabani Zoao, I am six months pregnant and you know who the father is."
Payo was watching his husband Shabani Zoao and Albertine du Toit. She was in her white wedding dress. The eyes of those two people were accusing each other. Shabani decided to conffesse in introducing the two women watching him.
Shabani look at the newly wed woman: "Payo, this is the woman you wanted to see; she is the step mother of our daughter."
Then he looks at Albertine: "Meet my wife and the step mother our coming child."

The postal card mystery returned. The myth becomes reality, the unthinkable become reality, the coincidence become reality, the unexpected become reality, and the unbelievable become a reality. The postal card becomes a true picture.
The mystery of that picture was a reality in coming. �It was a reality in making.�

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is a pleasure to be able to write after many attempts. I don�t� admit to have failed many times. I always don�t believe in term or word fail, for me fail may mean victory. Some time to jump you have to go back and try to jump. I lost more than 3 times the original scripts. But every time I tried to rewrite, I feel that I improved in the new attempts. It why I am saying I don�t believe I fail. Fail may be a ground of learning.
As a human been, I don�t take away the pain each time we fail, It normal in the human nature.
Postal card is a historical novel talking about the difficulties that had Africans students who went to study in Europe. It wasn't easy for them to adapt to the new culture.
The conception that had also millions of African of Europe. In this novel we talk about a student named Shabani Zoao together with his tree country man were awarded a governmental scholarship. At the same time his family back home went through many troubles because of his departure to Europe.
His fiancee back home when she gave birth, Shabani colleagues sent her many gift include a postal card with an European woman's holding a baby. For Shabani's mother it was Shabani's new wife with their child. Find more in this humor historical novel. The event happened in thee 1960's. Shabani didn't fail in his attempt to adapt to the new civilization he found but was just learning.

This story is partly developed and inspired from Zamenga Batukezenga short story.

FROM THE SAME AUTHOR :Dicho

 THE CANNIBALS: The arrival of colonists in Africa and the cannibals practices in early 20th century.
 THE WITCHCRAFT: The rural and urban life and the witchcraft.
 A PRINCE IN AMERICA: The life of a Prince who went to New York to study and find his lover.
 POSTAL CARD: A life of an African students in Europe in the 1960Th.
 THE ANGELIC AND DEMONIAC VERSES VERSES: The Biblical interpretation of some verses and the will to make miracle.
 Eyes for eye and teeth for teeth: the follow up of the angelic and demoniac verses.
 THE LOST DREAM(Baku aller): AN AUTO PRE BIOGRAPHY.
 THE VICE VERSA: A collection of 12 short stories taken from some own novels.
 VERBAL DIARRHOEA: A LIFE OF A PLANE CRASH SURVIVAL REPORTER ON HIS WAY TO AFRICA TO COVER THE AIDS ENPEDEMIC.
 DOCTOR LOVE: A DETECTIVE WITH AFRICAN'S SOCIAL CASES.

COMING SOON (Fiction): Dicho
Note: the title may be modified in the editing process
 THE HANDS OF GOD( PART ONE): an imaginary soccer novel.

 THE STUMBLING BLOCK: the falling of a dictatorial regime.
 THE HIGH AND THE LOW: COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES.

COMING SOON ( Non- Fiction):
 ENCYCLOPEDIA(the world conventional): Self scientific research not publishable.

[email protected]
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[email protected]
Dicho Disashi Ilunga
6, cotton road
Greenside 2193
South Africa

Or 11, union height
Edmond street
Arcadia 0083
South Africa

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