WALK THROUGH WALLS

SIX

Before I slept, I had to call mother to tell her that arrived safe. Then she gave me the task of looking for a priest from our home parish. According to mother, he was to help me with my spiritual growth so that I don't forget my mission in life as per God' s purpose for creating me. According to mother, whenever you go anywhere, you must align yourself with the local church. She believes that it gives you a solitude place to just have a breather when you need it most. Fr. Cyprian Oduor apart from being a priest from Kenya, he has always been my spiritual counsellor. After going back to Kenya from South Korea six years ago, he helped my accept the challenges I was going through at that time. He became more of a friend to whom I could tell anything. The Catholic priests have this vow of secrecy so whatever I told him would say with him.

I was happy that at least he was posted to do his mission here in South korea. At least I had another Kenyan in this big ocean of Koreans. Mother told me to make sure I attend mass as often as possible while I am here. He also told me to approach the priest whenever I faced any challenge. That is why when I woke up the next day, I never waited for breakfast. According to my catechism teaching, when you go to church, you should not eat so much...something in that direction I think. I took a taxi and headed to  the church that I was well accustomed to attend.

Myeongdong Cathedral Church of Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception. The funny thing about this church is that it remind me of the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa city in Kenya, that's why I feel at peace whenever I enter it . When I arrived at the gate of the church, I stood there, gazing at the beauty before me. Wow, this place is heaven. The architecture itself, the environment, the scene, the serenity that comes with it, just the best. Nothing has changed much. It reminds me of the cathedral in Mombasa.

My mind was still gazing at the amazing scenery before me. I was suddenly startled by a very deep melodious voice,
" Look where you are going. You will fall down if you continue walking like that."
" Soorry."  As l turn to look at the person who was cautioning me, I was again amazed. Damn, it is Stray Kids' Lee Felix. My Aussie best friend. I just looked at him and smiled. Yes just smiled. It never gets old.
" Lensah...! Wow you are back. Wow, you are really back."  Then he hugged me of which I did the same. " When did you get back? Wait, I don't see any bags which means you have come for the morning mass yes?" Then he stopped hugging me and hold my shoulders while looking at me as if the answers to his questions where written on my forehead. " Why aren't you talking Lensah! When did you decide not to tell me that you were coming back. Wait does Fr. Oduor know that you are back?"

" Hey, Fel, come down. Let me just hug you a little bit longer." Then I hugged him, " Do you know how much I have missed you! Chatting so much through Skype and at last I see you face to face. Fr. Oduor is not aware that am back. I am just trying my luck with the morning mass today so as to see him. My mother's orders from Kenya with love."  I told him as I stopped hugging him.

The story with Lee Felix is that we met through Fr. Oduor. He is also his spiritual counsellor. It came as a suprise for me to know that a famous K-pop artist like Felix was religious and a Catholic at that . It was during one of my many visits to the church back in Kenya. I had an issue to talk to the priest about. When I entered the office, he was on Skype chatting with Felix. I saw him accidentally and shouted his name. Fr. Oduor was amused and introduced me to him. He told me that being that we were both his students, he will not mind us being friends at least with that, we could help each other in future. Come to think of it, it may be possible that the priest knew that I will one day come back to South Korea or...?Anyway, now I am friends with the Lee Felix, Stray Kids' deep voiced singer and lead dancer courtesy of Fr. Cyprian Oduor, " Thank you Fr."

" I have also come for the morning mass. I prefer it because not many people attend it so I will not have to hide my face everywhere I go. " He told me then he suddenly kneeled down and tied my shoe laces. " Look how clumsy you are, walking with untied shoe laces."
" Thank you. I was in a rush, that's why."
" It's still early in the morning, what was the big rush"
" I didn't want Jimin to force me to take breakfast. Remember I told you about my best best boyfriend in the world Park jimin.!"
" Yes, like everytime we chat, you must mention that heart of yours."
" Seriously. I never noticed that I talk about him that much. "
" Now you know. Ok then, " taking my hands, " let's hurry and enter the church so that we can get the best front seats."

We walked in the church, touched the holy water that was placed near the entrance, did the sign of the cross and then we walked to the front. When we found the 'best seats' according to Felix, knelt down, did the sign of the cross again and then we entered the pew and sat down and prayed each one of us on our own the prayer before the mass.