Lifetime Encounter!

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Good evening my hive family! I'm Samson, born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to Nigerian parents. My life's journey took an unexpected turn when my parents sent me back to Nigeria to live with relatives. This decision, though difficult, shaped my resilience and adaptability.

After a family meeting, my aunt took me in, providing a temporary haven. However, I soon moved to another relative's home, and then another, experiencing a nomadic lifestyle that would continue for years. This constant change taught me to appreciate the fleeting nature of stability.
Eventually, I settled at my uncle's place in Osogbo for two years, finding some sense of belonging. But a misunderstanding led to my abrupt departure. False accusations of stealing my uncle's wife's money forced me to leave, leaving me feeling lost and betrayed.
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With nowhere to go, I sought refuge in a nearby church, resigning myself to fate. During those tumultuous years, my education suffered, and my future seemed uncertain. But I held onto hope, knowing that a better tomorrow was possible.
As fate would have it, a chance encounter changed everything. One Thursday evening, while playing at church, everyone departed, leaving me alone. As night fell, I strolled to a nearby barber shop, unaware it belonged to a church member's father. Inside, people played video games until 10 pm when the shop closed. Suddenly, a church member, Femi, approached me, concerned about my whereabouts for the night. I shared my story, and Femi's compassion sparked a glimmer of hope.
Femi narrated my ordeal to his parents, and despite initial reservations, they welcomed me into their home. We returned to church, gathered my belongings, and began a new chapter.
Initially, adapting to my new environment was challenging. But soon, Femi's household accepted me as one of their own. We became an inseparable family unit, sharing experiences, growing together, and celebrating milestones.
During my last occasion, Femi's parents stood in as my own, solidifying our bond. This chance encounter transformed strangers into a loving family. As the saying goes, "people are like water that can meet anywhere." I'm grateful for this serendipitous meeting.
Femi's family taught me that love knows no bounds, and kindness can transform lives. I've learned to cherish the beauty of unexpected connections and the power of human relationships.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to hold onto hope, even in the darkest moments. Your struggles may be the catalyst for a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you, Femi and family, for showing me love and kindness.
And to my Hive family, thank you for listening.

All photos are mine.