Last week, I attended a conference in Lusaka. Each day, we were given coupons for lunch. After the second day, I wanted to try something different, so I visited a traditional restaurant in the same building. The serving staff were very warm and took the time to explain the various dishes they offered.
Fast forward to departure time at the end of the 3rd day, and I found myself in a bit of a bind when I couldn’t reach my landlord by phone. We had an arrangement that whenever I needed transport, I would call her, and she would make the arrangements. Unfortunately, she was unreachable. Since I didn’t have a local number, I couldn’t order a Yango (a ride-hailing service provider) myself. It also dawned on me that the days of easily finding taxis or cabs parked near hotels were long gone. Standing near the exit gate, I tried to figure out how to get to my lodge. As I was contemplating my next move, many people passed by. Two ladies approached, and after we exchanged greetings, one of them stopped and asked, “You look worried, are you okay?” I explained my predicament to her. To my surprise, she offered to use her phone to order a Yango for me. As we walked toward the gate, she mentioned that her transport had arrived, and she kindly offered to drop me off at my lodge instead of me finding a separate ride.
Once we got into the car, she introduced me to three members of her family, who were also in the vehicle. She added, “You are a visitor here; you are in a strange land. It is our responsibility to ensure you are treated well.”
During the ride, they chatted and laughed joyfully, clearly a happy family. As we approached my lodge, I asked for her phone number, expressing my intention to check in on her the following day. The next day at the conference centre, I messaged her to see if we could meet during my tea break. She explained that she would be busy in the kitchen at that time, but suggested we meet at the traditional restaurant between noon and 3 p.m. We agreed on a time. I arrived at the restaurant just after noon, and to my delight, there she was behind the serving counter. I then realized that she had served me lunch the day before. It struck me that when she stopped to check on me, she remembered our previous encounter.
I thanked her again for her help, and then I asked if we could take pictures together. She stepped aside, and we took some photos. Taking advantage of her being away from her colleagues, I asked if she could use her phone again to call a Yango for me. She agreed and asked me to wait while she made the call. Once she confirmed that the Yango was on its way, I offered her $20, thinking it would cover both yesterday’s and today’s transport. However, she looked uncomfortable and refused, saying she didn’t feel right accepting my money. She even offered to pay the driver who was coming to pick me up, stating, “I did not give you transport; I was giving it to God. God has blessed me immeasurably, so I don’t want you to pay me.” I felt embarrassed and kept my hand extended with the money, insisting she take it. But she continued to resist, becoming slightly annoyed by my persistence.
When the driver finally arrived, she asked one of the servers to accompany me to the car to ensure my safety. By the time I reached the lodge, she had already contacted the driver to make sure I was well taken care of. I am still shaken by this experience, which taught me several valuable lessons:
1. Some people have an innate ability to see beyond the physical; she is one of them.
2. Abundance doesn’t always have to be a material transaction; it can be spiritual.
3. We should always be ready for great and positive things to happen to us.
4. Ubuntu is alive and well; we just need to slow down to truly “see,” “hear,” and “feel” for each other.
5. I am now challenging myself to see more and do more for others.
6. Sometimes, a simple “thank you” is enough.
7. Not everything needs an explanation.
Ubuntu: meaning “humanity” it is sometimes translated as “I am because we are” (also ” I am because you are”)