Lindsey Superstar

The Other Side

" Papa how are we going to get us to school? our plants were damaged " Twelve years old Jet asks his father Samuel as they studied the oranges closely. " Don't worry son. God will provide for our needs " Samuel said to him " Will he drop our needs from heaven Papa? " Jet replied " He sure will son" Samuel smiled. His eldest's naive remarks brought him joy.
Standing five foot eleven inches his son is Already at the level of his ears. Perhaps Jet would grow taller than him maybe six feet or even taller and perhaps his eldest will fulfill Samuel's dream of becoming an MVP for the Philippine Basketball Association.
But despite his sons physical attributes he is still a child. For three years Samuel hides his anxiety over how he will be able to raise his three young men well.
His late wife Sharon is an excellent home maker and she's a teacher too. To this day it's still a mystery to him on how Sharon can juggle time between teaching, tending to their kids and doing the house chores in a day.
" It's already late and you should do your homework " He told Jet " I'm already finish Papa" Jet " what about Sky? Doesn't he have any homework? " Samuel said referring to their second born " No Papa. " Great boys so let us sleep now " He uttered " Sure but will you read us a bedtime story tonight? Elijah said. " it's been a long time since you read one " Jet said referring to his five year old brother.  " I will. Go to your room now I'll just finish the dishes okay " Samuel. His eldest did as said.
Samuel's tears dropped unconsciously " Sharon dear help me to become an excellent father to our children " He talked to his wife in silence.

" I promise I won't be long. The seminar is just more than a couple of hour after that I'll be back as soon as I can" Sharon said as she put on some lipstick " Ahhh we were apart for a month and now that I am here you have to leave as soon as I came home " Samuel responds. He had just gotten home from an educational trip to Australia after a days travel since he arrived he is finally home. Their town is pretty remote he has to spend another day for a a land travel.
" Dear don't be mad. It won't be long I promise and always remember I love you" Sharon said before she gave him a long deep kiss. " Okay take care and be back. I can't  wait to cuddle up with you " Samuel joked. Sharon just smiled.
Samuel then walked his wife to the door. " I love you always " Sharon said once more before she turned her back on him.
Later that day Samuel was shocked by the news that his wife's service vehicle encountered an engine problem and it fell on the cliff. " Why do you have to leave so early my dear? " He thought to himself before he wipe his tears.

The following day.
Some ten pre school tribe children knocked at their front door. It was only six in the morning and Samuel and his children are eating their meal. "Good morning amo! " They great him with smile. " Oh children? What can I do for you?" He asked " We like to study here " They answered " Ahm children. Mama Sharon is already gone and I am not a teacher and besides the school from other village has already accepted you " He explained " But Amo, none can teach us like Mama did " The student by the name of Lina who is already eight but she is still in pre school " Oh I think you must go home first then I call sister Myrna maybe she can help " Samuel States. Referring to the nun volunteer in  their village.
Samuel and Sharon were originally from San Miguel the neighbor town of Pag-Asa. Fifteen years ago when they were newly Wed his boss at the Agriculture office assigned him here and hence his wife who decided to come with him. It is here that they first started their life as a couple.

This house was first built as a hut just enough for the two of them. Little by little they bought concretes iron wroughts. Each pillar of their house was a labor of love from the villagers. Every week two men would come to render their free service until the whole house is finished. Some villagers would give timber and rocks for free.
What they would do is give them meal and free fertilizers if a sponsor crop companies happens to give sample.
Their horses were gifts from the tribe chieftain after he helped him get a loan cow.
Even his organic farm was started with out capital. The crops were from his office while his plant bed were done by the villagers for free too.
Samuel managed to get a doctorate degree in Agriculture and he travels to different countries lately but all was possible because of benevolence from sponsors. Days of scarcity from money still happens. Oftentimes he and Sharon would pray together for financial provision. But now that he is alone from whom will he rely on strenght when praying.

Samuel paused for a while when he saw a man smiled at him. They are at the town's livestock market. No one can watch over his youngest today so he bring him along. It's  his eldest sister Mary who looks after his kids when he is away. But not today, since his brother in law had a minor operation. They are almost of the same age and he seems familiar to him. " Sam how are you? " The man asked " I'm good " He responds smiling too. " I'm Johny remember? " Johny said " Oh my buddy! Is that you? I'm sorry, You've changed a lot" Samuel exclaimed Johny was one of his close friends during highschool But the latter migrated in the US so it's been a long time since they've met. "Papa who is he?" Curious Elijah inquired " He is my friend Johny say hi to Tito " Samuel. Elijah ran to his back instead. " Shy boy " Johny smiled at the toddler. " Looks a lot like you " Johny continued.
" Anyways bro I came here to see you " Johny " Oh really? Why?" Samuel " My wife and I has a small import and export store in Washington and you know we sell organic products but this time  we'd like our customers to taste organic produce from our country " Johny " That's a very good idea. That would be of great help to our farmers " Samuel said as he put his arm around Elijah while they walk. " I've met your sister Olive at our town yesterday and she told me about you growing organic crops " Johny " Ah yes but just in small numbers. I can't afford large scale and also the cost of mobilization " Samuel " Ahggg don't worry about it bro. We will give you advance payment so you don't need to borrow money with interest. What we just want are produce in excellent condition and we want it delivered right on time okay? " Johny " Sure that's a deal " Samuel almost cried of joy just last night he was so anxious but today God just sent someone to be a channel of his blessing.
He and Johny Ate lunch at a nearby dining before they parted.
His friend bought Elijah car toy before leaving. His son got so delighted he is content with just being inside his office.