Tuesday 7 May 2013

A Stranger who paid my Bus fare

A stranger made my day today... or I will say my week :-) A gesture that left me really thinking that, to be a generous giver does not really require one to have plenty.

On my way to work this morning, I sat next to this guy in a matatu, a total stranger. When the tout started asking for bus fare, I was holding the money in my hand ready to give the tout then this guy seated next to me says, "wacha nilipe" (let me pay for you). He immediately gave the tout fare for two people. Something in me wanted to tell him "No, Thank you", or ask him "Why do you want to pay my fare?" but I thought that would be rude and embarrassing to him, I sat there surprised and confused.Then I looked at him keenly to see if it was someone I knew but believe you me, I have never met him anywhere before in my life. So I said thank you assuming it could be someone who probably knows me back from my neighborhood but again I wanted to confirm. I finally composed myself and popped the question, "have we met before? do you know me?" Then he looked at me and answered by another question, "kwani ni vibaya nikikulipia?" (Is it wrong if I pay for you bus fare?)

Throughout the short distance, I had tones of thoughts in my head. The first thought was that maybe he had seen potential in me and the only way to get to talk to me is through that. Looking at him, he looked like someone who needed the bus fare much more than I did. Honestly, am the one who should have paid for his fare. I could guess by how he was dressed, with torn muddy shoes that he was a casual laborer somewhere.I don't really know. Luckily, we alighted at the same bus stop and I was so eager to hear what he was going tell me. But the guy just minded his business as he walked past me. Then it was clear that he was just being kind and generous. Still amazed, I tried thanking him again, but I don't remember hearing his response and off he went... he seemed to have been late to his place of work.

I was so touched and overwhelmed. I will never understand why he did that, the only thing I did was say a prayer to God to bless him more. I pray that he never lacks anything in his life especially bus fare. That God may remember him and make him successful the rest of his life time.

This taught me great lesson. May be the guy was sowing a seed by paying for my fare? I was left thinking I don't need to have plenty to be a blessing to someone. Or someone doesn't have to appear needy for me to bless them.

Until now am still wondering what just led a total stranger pay my bus fare! Someone that one will look at and sympathize with, and honestly I did. Someone that looked really needy. The incident has refused to leave my mind completely.