CLAPSTONE LEARNING

***WHEN YOU WERE THERE*** Episode 3    In a long while, Kester had battled with the guilt he felt whenever he think about what he did to Mona. But through the help of "new creation" teachings, from his fellowship, he has been able to convince himself that he is a new creation in Christ, hence, old things has  passed away, and all things become new, though sometimes, the thought of guilt often over ride his heart.     Kester decided to change his number to avoid contact with Mona until he was ready to face her and tell her the truth.     His fellowship president promised  to help him with the process.    Kester is really growing fast in his new faith and has decided to change his name from Kester to Paul as he often regarded himself as Saul of tarsus now Paul, though he hasn't officially  changed the name.    Mona have never been to Kester's place,  so she didn't know how to find him.    She was worried  and wondering why Kester hadn't kept in touc

**WHEN YOU WERE THERE** Episode 4    It's Mona's first day in her new fellowship. It's one of the largest fellowship on campus and Mona prefers it to avoid been noticed.     Kester is an usher in the fellowship and when new comers are welcomed, ushers are to help them with their bags and Bible to the front seat.     As part of the service, first timers where welcomed as Kester and other ushers move to welcome them, Kester took the black hand bag of a Lady who was covering herself with a veil. You are welcome, Kester said as he made to shake her, it was Mona!.    Their heart both skipped as they stood, starring at each other for some seconds. Mona! Kester! They both called each other the same time.    Where have you been? Mona asked as she tries to hold her emotions.    Kester also tried to put on a smile as his hands were shaking.    He welcomed Mona to the first timers seat and left without saying a word.    The remaining part of the service was a mess

**WHEN YOU WERE THERE*** Episode 5 (The braided hair.)    Kester quickly rushed and opened the door as if he was praying for someone to knock or expecting the knock.   It was Kester's talkative neighbor.   He needed a lighter to on his cooking gas.      Kester tries to introduce some talking to delay him since he was good with talking but the neighbor seems to be in a hurry today.     Guy, I need your lighter please, he asked, standing at the door.       How far man, you go Church so? Kester forwarded.        Guy, leave that question for another day, give me lighter, I dey hurry . He said stretching forth his hand. Because you don born again now, you no go allow person hear word. Abi you no get lighter? Shey you bin dey smoke last  year? He continued. Now Kester becomes so uncomfortable by the turn out of the conversation, so he rushed in quickly and handed over the lighter to him.     Mona heard their conversation.    Kester was not sure if Mona heard it, and

**WHEN YOU WERE THERE** Episode 6     Mona left straight to the village without picking anything from her lodge.      All attempts to reach Mona failed.  Everyone was looking for her; Kester, His fellowship president, Sister  Pelline, And the entire fellowship Mona attended before leaving for Kester 's     Mona cried all the way till she arrived her home town.     She took a bike and headed straight to her grandma's house and knocked on the door.     An old woman came to open the door, it was Mona's grandmother and the look on her face expresses surprise.    Mona,  mummy, what are you doing here? You didn't inform me you were coming, Her grandmother said, hugging her from the shoulder.     Mona was cold and didn't respond to her questions or hug.      Come in my dear, Her grandmother ordered.     What's the matter with you Jewel? She forwarded.     You haven't said a word to me since you came in, Your eyes are so red and swollen,

**WHEN YOU WERE THERE** Episode 7     She went  straight into her room and sat on the floor, gazing at the pictures on the wall.    Her grandma entered without knocking and sat beside her.     Mummy, Her grandmother called her.    Do you know why I often call you my mummy?    Because you and your  mother was my only surviving child before she died, and you too, her only child.    Now you are my only grandchild, And each time I look at you, I see my mother, your great grandmother in you.    Hmmm... She was really a very strong women.     My father left her to cater for us, and she gave us all we ever needed.    She never let anything pull her down,    She saw through every problem and came out strong.    That's where I and your late mother got our strength from.    You are our offspring and I see a strong woman in you, She said to Mona who is fast asleep with her head resting on her shoulder.     Grandma quietly lay her down to sleep and went Into her ro

*WHEN YOU WERE THERE** Episode 8    Weeks turned into months, and news about Mona.     Kester have moved on and will soon be rounding up his program in school.    He sat in his room and thought; If Mona was truly pregnant, then she is carrying my seed! And now, no trace of her, he said and sighed.     Mona turned into a very bitter, rude and mannerless lady.   Grandma has been sick and Mona didn't notice.     Mona's ordeal and behavior made matter worst and grandma is not recovering from her illness. Kester graduated! Mona was delivered of a baby girl, though there were complications.    Mona named the child gold.    There's an evangelist who often visit Mona's village with his wife to hold a massive crusade, they are newly weeded couples.   Mona became an auxiliary nurse in a government hospital.   Grandma died and Mona's world came crashing.     Kester soon secured a job in a federal hospital at Abuja.     Things seems to be working w

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE** Episode 9 .... I often regard my self as the tithe of the family, Am solely concentrated to God, So I almost don't contact my biological parents when bad things happen because my spiritual parents often show up on time. Felix said, Besides, they stay abroad, apart from my younger brother who just rounded up his studies. Felix added. OK, but that's not actually where I was going to, Mona confessed. OK?? Felix said, paying rapt attention. You woke up singing, Mona started with. I did? Felix asked. Yes! And you where singing beautifully, But that's still not the point, Mona said, looking straight at Felix who has sat down. You have devoted your life serving God, I see you and your wife burning for God, You even said, you regard yourself a tithe to Him, Mona pointed and Felix kept nodding. Now, This same God you are sold out to, enjoys watching bad things happening to you, Mona queried. You had a very fatal accident

*WHEN YOU WERE THERE* Episode 10 (A new leave.)     Felix looked forward to seeing Mona the next day but Mona didn't show up.     Gold, Mona's baby is sick and Mona took days leave to take care of her.       Felix was discharged from hospital two days into Mona's leave.    No sight of Mona after four  days  that Felix was discharged and Felix couldn't trace her place.    That nurse Mona, Where can she be? I can tell she have a quarrel with her maker. Felix thought within himself while eating and giggled.      How can someone be so bitter and speak against God?? Felix thought aloud and paused.    She judged her Maker and attacked me for judging her. Felix said and drank water.    Felix is preparing to go back to the city to inform his family and his wife's about all that has happened.    They are not yet aware of anything because the mission that sent them was waiting for Felix's arrival before they can meet with his family and jumoke

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 11 .... Mona is 3 years older than Patricia, her maid.     The maid quietly collected the money from Mona and left.     How come I seem to do everything by myself when that's the reason she is here??? Mona murmured.     "There no pap ma" Mona mimicked,     Look at the way she even said it, as if am supposed to award her for that!    Am even suppose to hit that her dirty mouth.  Mona continued.     Who even know if she's the one drinking the pap,    I don't even trust her. Mona exclaimed, facing Felix.    Felix didn't say a word. Ummmh! What were we even saying before that idiot interrupted??? Mona asked Felix who was just watching her. Nurse Mona, Let's talk. Felix said silently. What??? I hope it's not about what just happened??? Mona questioned. No! Its about what happened before. Felix said, looking keen at Mona.      I don't believe you were always like this, Felix started,

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 12 .....What's the matter with you,? Nurse Mona,    Felix asked, noticing her null mode.    You don't know anything about me, Mona said, looking at Felix with all seriousness.    So never you judge me, Mona warned Felix.     I don't want to know anything about you nurse Mona, Felix said affirm. And Mona looked up surprised.    I just want you to know more about him, Felix continued.    About who? Mona cuts in. Jesus! Jesus nurse Mona. Felix said,    and Mona turned her face one side, not showing interest. Mona,    I know you thought you know Him, Felix said, looking straight at Mona,    But I wanna tell you about a different person, Felix said, catching Mona's attention. Oh! Mona said and paid attention. Felix preached to Mona but she was quiet all the way.    He loves you, And that's why He is still standing by you, Or didn't you notice? Felix concluded. I do! Mona said silently.    

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 13     Mona enjoyed her fellowship with God and her change of attitude was noticeable.     Felix's wife was buried and Kester was around for the burial.       Brother you are strange o,    You never told me you had an accident, Kester quarried.    Are you not tired of complaining,? Felix joked as they laughed and hugged each other tight .    I have joy, My long long prayer have been answered Felix said, looking at  Kester.     Kester was smiling, He knew where his older brother was going to.    You are now saved! Felix exclaimed. As they both laughed.    Tell me how it happened?? Felix questioned but went on,    If someone had told me that you won't get saved on my account I wouldn't believe.    I travailed in prayers for you day and night.    I have preached to worst sinners and they got converted. Buy you! Felix said, pointing at Kester who was just laughing, How did it happened? Felix asked, looking at Kes

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 14 ..... Felix looked up and replied. Its a miracle!    But brother.....     Kester tried to continue but Felix cuts in.    If your conversion was a miracle, that this is also a miracle.    And until you are ready to tell me about your conversion, I won't tell you about this. Felix said and stood up, laughing as he walked away.    Kester laughed and followed him.    Brother, when its time, I'll tell you all about my conversion, am just trying to trace someone for now, Kester said.    Eh, till then na,  responded, Carrying the TV remote and pressing it to change the channel.    Later that evening, after meal, Felix phone was ringing, so Kester took it from the dinning to meet Felix who was in his room reading.      The caller's name was saved "aunty nurse". It was Mona calling.     Felix picked the call.    Hello: Felix voice came through.  Mona was screaming out of excitement.    Calm down, Felix said,

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 15     Felix thought of Mona all through that night.    Thank God I persevered. He thought.    She's not as bad as I thought,    She was just acting out because of what she might have been through,    But what could that be?     And who could that be that must have made her go through all she might have gone through?? Felix asked himself.    What's her educational qualification??. Felix continued.    And the baby golden,     she have never mentioned anything about the father or her husband.    Is she a widower?    I can't ask her all these questions even though I want to,     She might get hurt by my questions and I can't stand that, Felix thought aloud, and covered himself to sleep.    Mona on the other hand, is just minding her business, serving the Lord.    The next weekend, Kester got set to return back to his place of work.    So you are leaving me eh, Felix said     Yes brother, You know my kind o

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 16 ......Thanks, Mona said shyly.      Have you had something to eat,? Mona asked, Trying to distract Felix who was still starring.     Yes! Felix said,  taking his eyes away from her and looking at the bag in her hand.     ....But I'll obliged if the food was prepared by you. Felix said.      Rice and dodo, Mona said, Dropping the bag.        OK... So... You have a nice place, Mona commended, Looking around.    Thanks, Felix said, Paying more attention to the flask.     The village head gave you this place?? Mona went further.     CAN did. Felix reluctantly replied. Collecting the flask from her hand.     Please sit. Felix ordered.     Mona sat and served the food.    Felix insisted that Mona eats with him, So they both ate together.     Mona parked the plate and Felix commented.     You are an absolute great cook. Felix said, Using a toothpick to pick up food from his teeth.     Thanks, Mona said.

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 17     All through the rest of the day, Felix couldn't eat.    He was so worried about Mona.        He laid on his bed, rolling from one end to the other, until it was night.     Mona on the other hand was unusually quiet and cold. She didn't play with gold nor speak to anyone.    She laid on her bed and thought. "I don't know how long I can keep my past away from Felix.  I have to avoid seeing him, she said aloud and wept.    I can't avoid him, He seems to be the only family I have right now.    But my past is my worst horror. I don't even want to remember it, especially that it left me with a scar.    Mona thought with tears in her eyes and her phone began to ring.     It was Felix calling.       Felix could not bear the silence so he decided to call.    It's 9:pm and Mona managed to pick. Cleaning the tears from her eyes as though Felix was going to see her.     Hello sir, Mona's voice ca

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 18    Emotions are rising between the two, especially Felix.      I don't think I want to be her brother, Felix thought within himself and laughed out.    As days went by, Felix spent most of his time with Mona.   They both visit converts and attend church programs together.    Its a week already and the mission elders where already calling Felix to know his plans to return.    All things are set for the journey and Felix had not call them to give a date of his returning.    Felix is not sure if he's ready to travel to Ukraine.     He's enjoying every moment with Mona and don't want her out of his sight.    He often visit her, They eat together, Study together, Pray together and played together.    He also takes gold with him to places when Mona is busy.    Felix has given it a thought and was sure he wants to make a family with Mona.     Whatever and whoever makes you happy, stick to it.   These words from

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 19    Felix is well traveled so all things where made right.    He had prepared the table and wine was just by the corner.          Mona came in.     Wow! Everywhere is smelling beautifully, Mona said as she walked in.     Ah! I smell fish! Fried fish! Mona said, pipping at the dinning.   Anybody home?? She called out.    Felix came out, wearing a kitchen apron.    He smiled and went to hug her.    You smell kitchen, Mona joked.    You've been cooking? Mona asked.    Yes, Since morning, Felix replied, looking at her dress.    So are we in afternoon now? Which one is since morning? Mona said, laughing.    You look sweet, Like the chicken am frying. Felix complimented.    There's chicken too? Mona asked, opening her eyes wide.    Yes Felix said, Am still frying it.  Hope its not a sin to compliment a sister, Felix said, eying her.    Mona laughed and made to go to the kitchen.    .... Felix stopped

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 20 ..... You know I work in  the mission house, Felix asked Mona who nodded, listening.    After my wife's burial, they told me that they are sending me to Ukraine for mission work. Felix said and paused, expecting to see a reaction from Mona.    OK?? Mona said, listening.    I'll be leaving next weekend to prepare for the journey. Felix said and stopped.     Next weekend?? Mona screamed but quickly calm down.     Oh, OK, Mona said quietly.     Mona I know our meeting was brief, but each moment spent with you, are memories I won't trade for the world. Felix said softly to Mona who was still quiet.    Mona are you OK.?? Felix asked her, bending his head to see her bowed face.    Mona was already in tears.    No no no no no, Please Mona stop! Felix begged.    Don't go please, Mona said softly with her head still bowed.    Remember I told you you are the only family I have now? Mona said, raising her tearfu

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 21    Felix quietly went on his kneels and prayed; Sweet Holy Spirit, I need You now more than ever before, Mona is mine and am not letting her go, She's Your daughter and am Your son, Daddy please speak to her, My words are failing me, She listens to You, so please help me talk to her, And Daddy, don't forget to tell her that I love her very much, I love You Lord. Felix said and sat on the floor.     Mona got home and The Lord had already started working on her.   She laid on her bed. Lord, I love him too, But how can I tell him about my past? And that I don't even know the father of my baby,? He is Your son, Please Lord, touch his heart to accept my past when I tell him. Mona prayed silently.    The Holy Spirit witness in her spirit that Felix is the one for her.    Felix had already gotten that witness long ago.    Call her, The Holy Spirit prompted Felix.    He'll call you, The Lord told Mona.    Ah! Da

*WHEN YOU WHERE THERE* Episode 22 ... She sat down and Felix sat beside her, facing her and wrapping his legs on the coach like a baby.      Mona took Felix's both hands and without any information, she started praying;    Lord, be the center of this union in Jesus name.   And Felix didn't even close his eyes.    Amen!!! Felix said laughing.    How many kids do you want? Felix asked without even thinking.    Are you for real? Mona asked, smiling and shaking her head.   Now what I wanted to tell you, Mona said, turning a serious face.  Yes dearie, Felix said, paying undivided attention.    I hope you'll still feel this way for me after hearing this. Mona said, looking straight into his eyes.   I will even feel more. Felix said, removing imaginary dirt from her head.     Mona breath down. I was a student of Uniben, studying law.    Everything was working well for me academically, spiritually and socially, until that dreadful day. Mona said and