I’ve shared about Ochinga a number of times here,
here
and here. We spent ten years together at Dar El Awlad
and he has made appearances in this blog more than others boys. This could be because his journey has taken
many compelling twists and turns. Or
this could be because he is….Ochinga. (Those
who know him are nodding their heads) He
is a special young man. I rarely have
encountered a person who faces the walls in front of him or her with such conviction that God will open up a way to good things on the other side. Ochinga’s challenges haven’t been mere inconveniences;
they’ve been the kind of circumstances so unfair and unfortunate that they could
stifle one's hope for a future all together. Time and again I’ve seen the barriers in front
of him and said, “This will be the time he is disappointed,” and time and again
I’ve seen things fall his way. I will
not doubt anymore.
Yesterday I dropped Ochinga off at the Beirut airport to
embark on a new adventure of college in the U.S. in Waxahachie Texas. Obviously this is not something that just
happens but is the result of dreaming big dreams and being determined to see them
through. You won’t be surprised to hear
that I considered the likelihood of this working out for Ochinga next to nil. After all, he needed a college acceptance, money
for tuition and travel, a visa to the U.S. and many other requirements met in order
for this to happen. Lo and behold God
has provided, just as Ochinga expected. I don’t think he knows what he’s getting into
(neither does Waxahachie!!!) but it is not an unfamiliar story. I too have been a young man heading to college
in Texas with more than enough insecurity to fill a dorm room and just enough sense of
mind to get to the right classes on time.
It turned out to be a wonderful
4-year adventure for me (thanks mainly to the people God put around me), and no
doubt Ochinga will have the time of his life as well.
I’m proud to say I’ve been a part of getting Ochinga to
this point but realize I am only one of many who have helped him in the journey. He has developed a vast network through Kids Alive, his church, local NGO’s, his schools, youth groups, and personal
relations, and he has valued every contribution extended to him. It’s no wonder that Ochinga is planning to
study social work; he is a product of collective compassion and he’s planning
to make a nice return on the investment other have made in him. The recent development of college in Texas is
something I can take no credit for.
There are others who have helped make this dream a reality and many
others will no doubt be part of seeing the reality fully realized. As for me, I felt compelled to deliver Ochinga
to the airport if not just to hear one more time the silent, tender voice in my mind say, “oh
ye of little faith.”
Bon Voyage Ochinga!
Thanks for teaching us what faith looks like. Be blessed as you journey on. We’ll be
watching with pride and joy!
