Image belongs to Dreemsteem.
Whenever I look at my journey in life, I know deep inside me that I can't thank one woman enough. She is a mother and a friend to me, I usually refer to her as an angel because that's what she truly means.
I can't thank her enough for the impact she has had on my life, she is my (a) hero who has sprinkled hope and love in the life of people she is not even aware of, we might not be able to thank her enough but I believe God has a bigger reward for her more than any human can give to her.
I met @Dreemsteem on Uptrennd at the time when I hit the lowest point in life, I lost a job I gave two years of my life to. I went through a lot before I could get the job and losing it at the most important point in my life was a huge blow to me, I had a lot to accomplish, I had dreams, I have siblings and a mother who was looking up to me.
I was depressed at that point, there was no way forward and I had to embrace blogging. It wasn't paying my bills at that moment but I felt a little bit of that depression out of my heart because I was interacting with people and I was able to pour out my mind as well.
She commented on one of my posts about children who are struggling to survive and that was the turning point of my life, she got to know about my job and blessed me with money to survive for months. She was inspired by God to start a project to help the kids in my environment and when she told me about it, we took things up and had numerous options.
Video of myself while learning birds and egg production
I went to learn about livestock farming and from there got to know about fish farming which was the option considering lots of factors, after some time she funded the project.
There were lots of challenges but God saw us through in setting up the pond and things started.
It didn't stop there, she kept supporting me spiritually.
At some point, it was tiring but God gave me the strength to continue. The first harvest went well and we expanded to two ponds with the help of lots of people, the purpose of the project was gradually coming to reality and one of the ponds got ripped and lots of fishes were lost.
The ripped pond and it replacement.
*It was a huge setback but God came through, I had savings from blogging so I decided to join it with the remaining fishes. We didn't just fix the ripped pond only but also got an extra pond to make it three, the farming season after the expansion was tedious.
New ponds
There was a night I couldn't hold back tears, I cried so much and prayed all through the night. I asked God why he brought the project this far to neglect me but I realized I have gone too far and asked for forgiveness, I prayed for support, wisdom, and his guidance.
I wanted to talk to her but I felt she has done a lot to see this dream become a reality so why do I need to bother her so much when she has other things to do as well. I continued praying and asked God to intervene.
Electricity was bad during that time and I had to rent a power generator every three days for two months, I spent about $25 on that weekly and I knew it would crumble things but I had no choice but to keep pushing.
I barely made any profit that season but it didn't hold me down, I was eager to reinvest everything back and issues came up with the land I was using. God intervened, he came through for not just me but for the project as well.
During the last farming season, I told her I had a surprise for her. I intended to get my first apprentice which was the aim of the project, it was about training and investing in a child every year, and those we trained will train someone as well. It was a massive dream which will change lives and I was happy we were close to it.
That farming season started smoothly until after a month, I noticed the fish growth wasn't giving the right weight so I got booster drugs and doubled their meals. I checked the weight again after two weeks but it wasn't coming up fast, they were half the size we should have achieved.
I sought some experts and they told me to treat them, do this and that which I did but no changes. Selling off wasn't a choice for me even though I was advised to do so, their feed elapsed at four months and I had to take from my crypto wallet to feed them more with the hope of getting an improvement but at six months, my fishes weighed between 0.6 -0.7kg instead of 1kg - 1.3kg. I felt down because that was a huge loss for me, my brother (not related) came around and he told me that the fish might be the problem. Just like humans, some fishes do have stunt growth no matter what they eat; one of the fishes that were used to hatch them might be the problem.
We went to the place I bought the fingerlings from just to be sure of what went wrong and after discussing with the person, he said I wasn't the only one who had the issue and in fact, he lost his customers. We can't blame him, the fishes he used were new and he couldn't predict what the outcome would be, I eventually sold the fish and it would interest you to know that I didn't even get the capital invested.
I was broken, my family encouraged me not to give up and in life, there will always be setbacks that you can't avoid. I remembered God's promises in John 16 vs 33 which says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world."
The journey will be tough but he has promised us victory so why should we be shaken?
I took a break after the harvest to learn more about other forms of animal farming to support the fish farming and I believe that God has laid the foundation and it will never be destroyed.
I got to know today is her birthday, too bad I didn't remember the exact day and I felt I needed to thank her more than I have ever done, I don't have riches but people don't believe me because when they seek, I respond to them. I have things I am struggling with but meeting Dreemsteem made me realize that God has a plan for me, knowing her gave me hope.
I am not just in the world for coming sake, she made me realize that I have a purpose in the world, and as an angel, she guided me through. Today's prayers wouldn't match all the prayers I say during my morning devotion for her but I need to say them again because today is special.
Mama as you mark a new age today, love will not depart from you, happiness will depart from you and you will not miss the glorious home you are working day and night for.
You are a symbol of love and hope to many people across the world, no evil will cut your days short. Everything you lay your hands on will prosper, the Lord will empower you from time to time and he won't forsake you.
I am sorry I had to write this much, you wouldn't know how much she is worth to me if I didn't tell you what that journey was like, and someday, I hope I can be able to give love, happiness, and hope to people across the world more than she is doing.
I love you mama, happy birthday to you.
Please note that all videos and pictures in this article belong to me except stated otherwise.