There is a place that calls one home amidst the bustling rush of modern life, a place I term "beacon"— my hometown. It is located in Kwara state (North-Central), a place which isn't that popular — Owu Isin, along Omu-Aran. It's the time I feel so happy knowing the Joy that comes when one meets with family, embracing the warmth and celebrating the festive season with them. A place far from the noisy cities, but one where you'd feel refreshed with some peace of mind. When the "Ember" months arrive, my heart yearns for the comfort of home.
Somewhere in my hometown
As the year draws closer to an end, we await the festive season where families travel from far and near wanting to see each other. My hometown is a place where every corner holds a cherished memory of past Christmases. But I doubt this year's Christmas would be fun without the presence of my Grandma. We all thought she would celebrate this season with us, but God had a different plan which was to take her home peacefully.
It still doesn't stop me from planning on travelling home especially to see my Dad who is left in the village. Even though these past months have been tight for me and money was spent on a lot of things, I still have plans to go home to meet up with my family. Thank God my siblings would be coming home. And guess what? There is some good news which isn't new to me and my two siblings but kept secret from our family until we get home, then we will spill the beans. I can't wait to see their reaction.
Some day ago, my big and immediate younger sister called me as we had a group talk about how we planned to travel and spend time with our Dad and other family members who would be coming home; I doubt we would have lots of people coming because of Mama's absence. But still, we would be happy to see those who would be around to celebrate with us. I have the instinct that my aunts might try to send home cows just as they do every December to celebrate the end of the year. This means, there would be lots of meat to enjoy 😉
Just like I said, I have spent a lot these past months on my Nysc and other things which have made me think about my travelling, whether to stay behind while I settle my accommodation issue or I should go while I only use a few days, then I return to start packing my stuff to a new place I would be staying for my service year. My siblings begged that I must come home and I accepted their proposal 😄
My big sis and younger sister
I have planned on travelling in the next 3 weeks as proposed by my siblings since we planned on going home the same day but in different directions. I also suggested buying some items home which we would split the money equally among ourselves to get something home for Dad and everyone at home so we would enjoy the season together. I also have some things listed to buy for my siblings and cousins who are in school. This would cost me a lot of money but I would be mindful of how I spend knowing I still have some responsibility of mine next year.
I will make sure to have some cash with me as I plan to give some people money at home or better still, get them some gifts as my way of showing gratitude to God for seeing them again. Even though I only planned to celebrate Christmas, it will surely be worth it. The way this year came by, I do not have a choice than to stay with them for that period while I celebrate the new year at my new place. I hope to have found a nice apartment before then as I do not want to start looking for a place come next year when work would begin officially as a corps member.
