INTRODUCTION: What is this story about? Makes you think, doesn’t it? Well it is about a boy from a poor agrarian background. He had many brothers and 3 sisters. He went late to school. His parents stopped him from school at the end of grade 7 ( then standard five ) to work on the farm growing vegetables and flowers for a livelihood . The boy was very unhappy. Unbeknown to him God intervened in a big way, which enabled him to move to the city and doing whatever job he could to sustain himself. He studied , worked and persevered,eventually completing a degree studying part time . He was thereafter able to build a career and a family to become a successful and valuable member of the community to reach a ripe old age .
NOTE : This story is based on a person’s real life experiences . He had a dream and followed it relentlessly . Names and places have been changed to protect peoples privacy.The story will hopefully, inspire you the reader to have blind faith and achieve great heights in life , in your chosen field . Good luck.
Chapter 1: HIS EARLY LIFE:
There was once a boy by the name of Jeebodh .He lived with his six brothers, four sisters and parents on the outskirts of a coastal city in South Africa . Their modest home was built of mud walls with an iron roof on a piece leased land . His parents along with his siblings worked the ground to grow small quantities of vegetables and flowers which were sold at a market . The cash proceeds were their means of survival.
Water was drawn from from a stream or rivulet at the boundary of their plot . However this was not always potable . A well in the neighbour's yard was their main source of drinking water . Rain water was harvested and used for washing and the garden. Clothes washing was done by the stream. The little lad went late to school at the age of 8. The reason was affordability . However the lad was bright and got a double promotion once .
At the end of grade 5, ( standard 3 in those days ), his family had to move to another location, deeper into the rural area. Jeebodh and his younger brother had to walk about five miles ( 8 kilometers) through hills and dales , bare feet to school. In this new location, the family had a bigger land which was also leased . Growing of fruit , vegetables and flowers for sale in the market were on a bigger scale . The house was built of mud walls and iron roof. The floor was cemented. About two years after the move a huge hail storm destroyed all the crops that were their lifeblood . They had to borrow money to start afresh. Fortunately for them a family close by supplied them with lots of fresh milk and sour milk.
LIFE AFTER SCHOOL:
At the tender age of 14( after grade 7), Jeebodh parents stopped him from school to work on the farm . All his protestations and pleas from the school were of no avail. Their belief was that the rural area, in the midst of nature, away from the hassle, bustle and turbulence of city life was healthy and good for character development . So it happened , this young youth, who was smart and well liked at school became a glorified farm labourer .
The life was tough, days were long , from dawn to dusk he toiled , along with his 2 older siblings . His elder sister along with his brothers were content with this life , not Jeebodh, he was an unhappy chappie. Jeebodh questioned many things , including advise and guidance from his parents .In a way he has been a little rebel from his childhood. On the positive side a healthy upbringing . Food was mostly home grown , though basic were healthy. The day began with individual or family prayer thanking God for the day . This was followed by tea with a couple of home made cookies . There after he picked up what ever tools that was needed for the task and went about tending to plants and crops or animals . Around 09.00 was some week mealie porridge and pickle . This was followed by returning to the field until lunch. Lunch was usually thick porridge with some milk and sugar . The evening was always welcomed with prayer followed by either Mealie Rice or home made bread . There after the whole family sat to listen to reading from spiritual literature by his dad or eldest brother . Bedtime was around 20.00 hrs . Only his parents slept on a choir mattress on a bed. The girls slept in one room on the floor covered with some hessian and blanket for cover . The boys all slept together on the floor in another room.
Usually early afternoon on some days of the week, it was Jeebodh task to take the few animals they had out to graze. The animals loved him as he loved them. On many occasions he would lie on his back on the veld and dream or be lost in thoughts as the animals grazed not far from him. There were occasions when he would wonder away into the woods until way into the evening , getting his family worried. Jeebodh questioned his lot in this life , and he questioned God , without answers .On some evenings he would lie outside and talk to the stars , until someone came and took him inside . Some evenings he would read late into the night under the light of a paraffin lamp. The books were usually from the school library.
GOD INTERVENES IN A STRANGE WAY.
It was a Sunday early morning on a beautiful spring day when Jeebodh and his two brothers were woken by their dad . He said “ Horses are grazing on our Cabbage field, go chase them beyond the railway line”. This was about two kilometers away . The boys obliged . On their return, they came across a Paw Paw tree laden with beautifully ripe fruit . Jeebodh wanted to take home the fruit , as high up as it was. The brothers’ attempt to dissuade Jeebodh was fruitless against a stubborn boy. For a smart lad , it appears that his decision was somewhat silly. Nevertheless he climbed the tree. As he got about half way up , boom, down came the boy with the tree on top of him followed by excruciating pain. The two brothers were in shock, not knowing what to tell their parents .
The two brothers took turns to carry the boy on their backs all the way home . They reached home tearing as they put Jeebodh on their parents’ bed. Needless to say , the parents weren't charmed, especially the father . The boy’s arm was quickly put into a sling . Before long he was on the way to a city public hospital along with his two brothers . On arrival he was immediately admitted even as the admission process was in progress . By the next day following several X-rays and specialists concurring he was taken to theatre and the bone , which was fractured on the upper right arm was re-set and the arm put into plaster cast . He was discharged after three weeks in hospital followed by several “ check up” in out patients . He was eventually permanently discharged with a warning that it will be “ quite a long time” before he could carry much weight or use the arm fully .
JEEBODH MOVE TO THE CITY :
By the time he returned home from hospital his oldest brother had already sought work in a metal fabricating plant several kilometers away . His dad wanted Jeebodh to remain on the farm supervising workers to work the land . Imagine a boy of barely sixteen managing farm workers! Jeebodh’s mind was set . He was determined to resume his studies , one way or another .With the help of his family members they managed to convince or persuade his dad that the best thing for this boy was to do what he loved most . He thus moved to live with his uncle in the outskirts of the city. His uncle was of poor means as a laundry worker . His wife did what ever piece work she could get . Their hearts were big , taking in Jeebodh even though they had two children and living in a rented outbuilding which consisted of only two rooms.
Jeebodh’s next task was to find a job to pay for his keep. He was fortunate to find a job before long in a clothing factory. He was employed as a “thread cutter”. When a garment is sewn, there are usually loose threads . He had to cut and remove them using a tiny clipper . It wasn’t easy, but the young lad persevered. He soon discovered that he needed to be part of the social circle in order to work in harmony with the others. However, as much as he tried , it was difficult . The reason , you will soon see .
JEEBODH OPENS NEW CHAPTER IN HIS LIFE :
It was the mid term school holidays . Part time classes were soon to begin and he needed to register. Fortunately he was introduced by his former principal to the principal of a college that held part-time classes. He was Mr Nelson. Jeebodh met with Mr Nelson and explained his situation. The principal’s advice was for him do a couple of subjects to start with and then the rest the following year. The young lad would hear none of it . He wanted to make up for lost time . But he did not have money . The kind Mr Nelson have him the money required to register . The young lad soon began to study.
In the meantime, he lost his job at the clothing factory .The reason ? He wasn’t suitable. Jeebodh soon learned that to keep the company of his colleagues meant that he has to join them in their activities of drinking and merry making . This was not his mould . So they soon worked him out . Fortunately he found another job soon as a Tea-boy . When not making tea and cleaning up he was allowed to learn the various operations . The staff who liked his questioning personality were helpful to him. Soon it was November and the company was very busy with staff working overtime . It was also examination time. So Jeebodh spoke to the manager, Francois . The manager said , “ Jeebodh, you are doing well and there would be good prospects for you. Do you want to work here or write exams “ Without thinking, the young mans response was , “ write exams” . Thus ended his short sojourn at this factory . Having written his exams he went home to his family on the farm where he spent three weeks .
On returning to the city Jeebodh moved house since his uncle’s humble dwelling was not an easy environment to study . Fortunately he found temporary lodging in town . Now he had a problem, with no money and no job how was he to pay board and lodge and maintain himself. For a few weeks he helped his family sell fruit, vegetables or flowers . Only in desperation would he take a little money from this mom. Soon the examination results were out . To his surprise,the young lad had done extremely well .
Full of confidence he went to register for the next level, grade 10, completely skipping grade 9. Some staff members and the principal advised him against it. The principal , not knowing how to deal with this head-strong lad permitted him to register for all of 7 subjects to complete grade 10. The young man embarked on a venture , not knowing its immensity . However, knowing that there are not enough days in the week for him to attend regular classes in all subjects , he had faith and determination that he will do it. So he attended classes in the most difficult subjects and skipped some from time to time. For others he bought 2nd hand books and began studying late nights and weekends . Even the teachers , seeing the boys determination began helping him, even though they believed he had “bitten more than he can chew”
JEEBODH SELLS SANDWITCHES TO GET AN INCOME .
The boy had his studies in hand but no income . This time around his search for work was not so fruitful. Then his luck turned . He had a brilliant idea. A friend who had a depot servicing the laundry business gave him a small space . There he prepared sandwiches which he made with bread and other items he bought on credit from a nearby store. He prepared sandwiches of varying descriptions, packed them into a reed basket and carried it on his shoulder to the bus station which was about a kilometer away .He rode the bus to various locations where factories or businesses were located . Initially he started with the factories in which he had worked and later expanded into new locations . He sold on credit , collecting monies on Fridays after pay-time . On Monday mornings he would pay for the goods that he bought previous week and buy more stuff to make sandwiches for the day. His small business was growing slowly , he was making enough money to pay board and lodge , even making up for the month that he had not paid .
He was soon able to buy himself fresh clothes, pay for his travelling and school fees as well as take home a little money once a month or so. The boy studied late into the night , and weekends . During weekends he went either to the library, park or the beachfront to study . As the year drew to a close, Jeebodh's hard work along with the help of some teachers was about to pay dividends . Once again it was examination time, when he wrote in all subjects for which he registered. As many factories were closing for year end break , the young man also took a break and went home along with many items for his many brothers for which they looked forward to . Now instead of working the field, he spent his days visiting neighbors to catch up. Already his old friends , neighbors and teachers had nothing but compliments for him , sharing his joy .
THE NEW YEAR AND JEEBODH’S FIRST PERMENANT JOB.
The young lad returned to his sandwich business with renewed enthusiasm . Soon results were out . As he saw the notice board, Jeebodh cannot believe his eyes . He passed six out of seven subjects . He did very well in some and just passed a few. His joy knew no bounds . As he contemplated on his next step , he got lucky with his first permanent job at a government hospital. The boy made sure he went to all the factories serving sandwiches to the regular customers and informing them about his good fortune .
Set on his goal to pursue his studies , the boy registered for 3 subjects , again skipping grade eleven completely . This time , the principal and teachers who supported him gave only encouragement . By now the lad had moved twice into new lodgings that suited his need space, and studying . When not busy with work, during slack times, he visited the wards speaking to patients , helping them with small chores and encouraging them to get well.
By now Jeebodh had come to realize that it wasn’t just luck or hard work that contributed to his little success story . He understood that unbeknown to him, God has been guiding all his initiatives. Along with his work and studies he spent time in prayer . Each morning and evening he spent a little time praying. As the end of the year dawned , the youth spent all his energies in preparation for examination.
A NEW HORIZON:
Jeebodh who was now a youth , once again saw a new opportunity. He took up a prestigious position at an academic institution.You wondering what this position was ? Well, it was a job as a messenger . You wondering why this silly chap gave up his position as a clerk to become a messenger. I leave you in suspense for a while . At the end of the year he completed his matric . After some turbulent few months he was promoted to a position in the laboratory. At about this time he made a promise to himself that he will marry after the of a bachelors degree .
After a years break, he enrolled to study for a bachelors degree. Yes, some people and former acquaintances could not believe that the little farm boy who left school at the end of grade seven has now embarked on studying for a bachelor’s degree .By this time , his parents along with his brothers and three sisters left the farmhouse dwelling and moved into a rented house on the outskirts of the greater city limits . At his place of work , Jeebodh was permitted to attend lectures at campus for one course per year. For another one or two courses he studied by correspondence learning through an internationally recognized university .
There were many trying moments and days as the weeks and months rolled by , encouraged by some and discouraged by a few who did not really know him. Along the way he developed severe headaches to the point where he needed to be treated for Tension Headaches. By now , in addition to the awareness of the importance of prayer and practising it regularly , he added jogging to his repertoire of activities. Jeebodh plodded along relentlessly and single mindedly. Now, not only being a member of staff, he was also part of the student population. Periodically he made time to play chess and other low impact sport with students.
After four long years the young man saw the end of the tunnel. He had completed a bachelors degree. He graduated at the beginning of the following year from this internationally recognized university. In the middle of the same year Jeebodh married a young lady who he had met about eighteen months ago. The wedding was a dignified function among a small gathering of family and friends . Jeebodh then decided that he wants to move into industry where the opportunities were better. He wrote many letters of application for jobs to which the standard response was either that he was too qualified or there were no vacancies, By the end of that year the young man left state employment for good . His first job in industry was a good one where he could use his skills and knowledge. However along with the benefits came some challenges, which by Divine grace he was able to cope with. By then the young man and his wife had moved to a small rented accommodation.
RAISING A FAMILY :
Slowly but surely, this family made progress. They also owned a little car which they purchased second hand . They were joined by a bouncing baby boy a couple of years later . All was well until the little fellow began crawling all over beyond the limits of this little accommodation. It was then they decided that they need their own home . Gut How? Funds were little and ready built houses were in-affordable. Eventually they bought a land with a loan and slowly worked on building a house . On evenings and weekends, Jeebodh bought clothing , imitation jewellery and other household items and went house to house selling them. The additional income helped to make progress with the house . Eventually , their little brick and tile house was complete. At this time a building society loan was available which made possible to pay off several private loans that was taken out as the building progressed . By then Jeebodh had moved two jobs . Before long they were a family of five with two more children who were lovely little girls . As time went by the family devoted more and more time in prayer and doing some community work also. They made time for sporting activities also .
THEY MOVE TO A LITTLE TOWN .
When the little boy , the first born was about 7 years of age , an opportunity knocked at Jeebodh’s door . This was a position in an international company based about 160 kilometers from the port city of Durban . After careful assessment Jeebodh and his wife decided to make the move. This of course came at a price . When the couple went house hunting , there was none available . They prayed for Divine grace. On their third trip a kind family offered to rent an outbuilding that did not have sufficient facilities. For about six months the family of five slept on the floor together. Then their fortune turned a little . They were able to rent a one bedroom flat which was comfortable .
THE FAMILY SETTLE IN THIS LITTLE TOWN PUTTING THEIR ROOTS FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES .
The boy of seven was soon settled into a nearby school . The older girl was about four year old , and the youngest ,a baby.Jeebodh’s past and varied experience worked in his favor enabling him to address and solve a few problems with which the company was saddled for a couple of years . Through diligence and commitment Jeebodh was making progress in the company . By way of a building society loan the couple built a house a few kilometers from his place of work . His progress did not go unnoticed by senior staff members who were with the company for many years . Along with this came jealousy . In the early days it was non cooperation which over time , periodically became back-biting and other methods to discredit him. However, Jeebodh who was not so young any more , had resilience, courage , faith in himself and determination. Gradually the tide turned , and he was accepted as part of the inner circle of managers and senior staff. About this time also the family were integrating into the community . By now the children were blending into various sporting codes including swimming
JEEBODH GETS A PROMOTION
About ten years after joining the company, Jeebodh got a promotion which went with a company car . In the same year , the son finished high school with with flying colors to secure a bursary to attend university . Over the next several years the 2 girls finished matric with excellent passes to secure bursaries to attend university . Thus the nest was empty with only the parents left .
Mrs Jeebodh’s health wasn’t great . About this time she had a major surgery from which she recovered well. Jeebodh continued to work for this company until he retired . By this time , the Jeebodhs had sold their house and lived in a rented house in preparation for his retirement . In his final year of employment he secured a house in a suburb of a coastal city.
LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
In April of 2005 Jeebodh retired and the family moved into their new dwelling . By now the family were involved in many community organizations and activities . All the children had completed university with varying qualifications and successfully employed . The son was already married and had a baby girl .To this day Jeebodh is mentally and physically active.
WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS STORY HAVE FOR THE READER ?
1. Have a dream. Dream big and follow it relentlessly . Work hard , taking good and bad fortunes in your stride .
2. Always remember that the FIRST STEP IS THE BEGINNING OF A HUNDRED MILE JOURNEY .
3. NEVER , NEVER , NEVER GIVE UP.
