It was a sunny Thursday morning, and I was excited for the day. On this special day, I would travel to Lesotho to go be an assistant facilitator for a performance arts workshop.
How this arrangement came about ……
I overheard the facilitator talking about this and I invited myself. I literally told him that I was coming with, and I didn’t care if I had to spend money from my own pocket. To cut the long story short, he agreed and offered me some stipend. Definitely, a cherry on top for what I thought would just be a passion project.
Anyway, where was I? Uhmm right…Thursday morning!
I woke up early and prepared for the trip. I was to take public transportation to the border and meet him there. For some weird reason the taxi took long to fill up and I was not going to make it on time. To my surprise, I had feelings I couldn’t understand. Feelings of uncertainty and regret. Suddenly the trip didn’t feel right, and I texted my partner.
“Just keep in touch with him and tell him about your challenge babe, I am sure he will understand,” my partner replied.
“I don’t know maan, I really don’t feel like going anymore. I would honestly rather go back home, even if it means I won’t get refunded the money for the trip. Something is off” I added
“You are probably just nervous because you hate being late. Just text him and take it from there,” he assured me.
I then texted the facilitator and he understood. Turns out he was also running late and encountering obstacles of his own. I kept updating him of my whereabouts and he told me to relax.
“No worries, we will get there even if it’s later than anticipated. Besides, this day is more about getting to know the participants,” he said.
I should have been more relaxed after that, but I was feeling so uneasy. I started praying, thinking maybe I am going to be involved in a horrific accident or something. I prayed for whatever I was to encounter. However, my prayers felt flat. I just couldn’t connect with the Lord.
Finally, I made it to the border, and we were excited to see each other. He was driving with some lady who was to join the workshops. They are somehow related and share the same surname. I asked the lady a few questions about herself and her passion, just to make sure we all felt free with each other. We laughed all the way.
Then, for some reason the facilitator started talking about the spiritual challenges Satan throws his way every time he must preach to the congregation. He also spoke about how he encountered something weird on his way to me. So, he went to the filling station and as he was about to pay, he realised that his bank card was no longer in his pocket, where he knows for sure that he put it. Fortunately for him, the attendants trusted him and agreed that he would EFT the money as soon as he gets access to a cell phone network.
He looked at me in the rear mirror and spoke
“It is as though some force is fighting against our need to be present at the venue”
“I know what you mean, I have the same feelings” I said
“Haibo, what are you guys talking about?” the lady asked
“Ag nothing. We will win” I said.
The facilitator looked at me, gave me that look that says, “We are in for a ride” and we both laughed and changed the subject.
What we did not know was just how much turmoil was waiting. I get goosebumps every time I talk about that weekend.
I felt like we were in a scene of a horror movie. Worst of all, I couldn’t just up and leave. I was so scared that I couldn’t even text my partner. The thought of reliving the moments as I updated him, sent chills down my spine.
We encountered evil!!!!!
To be continued…………………
Jane Mpholo is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and changemaker from Botshabelo, South Africa. As CEO of Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, she is pioneering work in theatre, film, and site-specific performance art. The first recipient of the CCIA’s “Outstanding Actor in Theatre” award, she has performed, written, and produced for national and international stages. Honored with two honorary awards from Onalerona Productions NPC and the Southern Region Women in Media Awards, she is a mentor, producer, and advocate for inclusivity. Through bold storytelling, she sparks important conversations, shaping the performing arts landscape and inspiring change worldwide.
