Now, I love pictures. And I keep them by the truckload. And you know what they say; that a soul never thinks without a picture. That resonates with me. So a while ago, I was flipping through a stash of them – from the last 10 years. Memories. How they linger!
On a sunny morning 10 years ago today, I sat on a lone school-type desk, literally four steps away from everything – Printer, Water Dispenser, Bathroom and even the Exit Door. I stared at the walls. I gazed up at the ceiling. There was no window to look through. A far pittance from the spacious, glass-walled, cushy corporate office I was accustomed to but had now traded for this. Then I peered down at my desk-top. In one corner, I spied a gift-wrapped pack. Mona, my ever supportive life-journey mate, had somehow sneaked in a card and a miniature model ship (I love everything ships!) to wish me Godspeed. That marked the nondescript launch of my foray into the murky and cut-throat world of Shipping and Logistics where “Headquarters” now constituted my location, and the buck stopped squarely at my desk. And what a stormy but thrill-filled voyage it has since been. Months-on-end away from home. Howling gales beating upon us. Our sails sometimes ripped. But this boat, it just sails on! That feeble seed of faith that was buried in the ground that October morning has since blossomed, ringing true the wisdom of the minor prophet (with a major message): “Who despised the day when little things began to happen? They will joyfully look on as they see the plumb-line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” And my biggest benefit beyond profit, by far? Experiencing God, firsthand, and seeing the intersection between God, Kingdom and People. And so today, I give thanks and praise for the people I’ve encountered over the years and the friendships that remain. My amazing co-workers who are growing gray with me in the trenches, the folks we have been blessed to serve and friends of the business, world over. And the God who watches over us all from can-see to can’t see, ensuring we live to see another day. Another year. Another decade. A century, may be?!
July 19, 2018 at 11:35 pm
Wow, indeed, who can ever despise humble beginnings..! Sky’s the limit my friend Jacob Zikusooka..!
July 19, 2018 at 11:38 pm
Thank you Giuliana, and skyward it is!
July 19, 2018 at 11:38 pm
Inspirational!! 🙂 Say to wisdom (Mona), “You are my sister.” Call understanding (Mona) your special friend. Proverbs 7:4. And she is more than that, she is also your wifey (I bet you don’t need a reminder)! Mukama mulungi!
July 19, 2018 at 11:39 pm
Amen to that Andrew! Mona sure is:). Mukama Mulungi ebiseera byonna!
July 19, 2018 at 11:40 pm
HALLELUJAH!!!
July 19, 2018 at 11:41 pm
Hosanna!
July 19, 2018 at 11:41 pm
I wish you 100 more good, God Blessed years my friend
July 19, 2018 at 11:42 pm
Thank you mate, glad our paths crossed!
July 19, 2018 at 11:43 pm
Beautiful! God speed indeed. May He grant me the faith to take the leap when I need to
July 19, 2018 at 11:44 pm
Amen Jackie, you are already treading the road less traveled. Godspeed for the rest of your journey!
July 19, 2018 at 11:44 pm
Congratulations, Jacob and Mona, your shipmate! Many business endeavours do not make it that far. God bless you with the health, wisdom and connections you need for many more yrs. Btw, I owe u a call.
July 19, 2018 at 11:45 pm
Shipmate…I like that already, thank you Andrew! Yes, you owe me big time:))
July 19, 2018 at 11:46 pm
Wow that’s profound…what a journey much like that of Abraham believing that He who called you is faithful and would see you through! Cheers to many more
July 19, 2018 at 11:46 pm
Thank you James. And you and Julie have been cheer leaders the length of this journey!
July 19, 2018 at 11:47 pm
Awwwwww….What a journey! Ebenezer- Thus far He has brought you. We are proud of you and are amazed at the great things that He has done and is doing for you. We are in your lives forever. Heheheheee. You guys rock. You know we love you.
July 19, 2018 at 11:47 pm
Congratulations. Indeed He will be faithful to complete what he began in you
July 19, 2018 at 11:48 pm
Yes indeed, He will. Thank you Liz!
July 19, 2018 at 11:48 pm
What an amazing journey! May the Lord Almighty continue to bless you and all you do. Very encouraging
July 19, 2018 at 11:49 pm
Thank you, and Amen Onyait. I take that, in Jesus’ name!
July 19, 2018 at 11:50 pm
I was there, have seen it unfold with the same amazement and with you I bless God!
July 19, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Yes, you were Ary. Yes, you were! I owe you and the other “board member”(!) for believing enough to let me exhale, spread out my wings, and fly!
July 19, 2018 at 11:51 pm
Inspired!!! May God continue to bless the work of your hands Jacob Zikusooka
July 19, 2018 at 11:52 pm
Thank you Rose Murigu-Prewitt!
July 19, 2018 at 11:53 pm
He who began a good work in you has made you a blessing and your life journey a poster for those who wish to push the possibility frontier by His power. A decade in business with remarkable results!!! We celebrate!!!
July 19, 2018 at 11:53 pm
Thank you Leonard, my bosom brother-come-lately. And what an inspiration you are!
July 19, 2018 at 11:54 pm
You, Jacob, are an inspiration!! Sitting at your feet and learning about life should be on many a young man’s bucket list!
July 19, 2018 at 11:55 pm
Humbled Nate. Humbled, considering I fall terribly short on many counts
July 19, 2018 at 11:56 pm
Intersection of God, Kingdom and People …. Very well put.
Enjoy your journey of faith and keep on keeping on.
July 19, 2018 at 11:57 pm
Thank you Suraiya, always onward!
July 19, 2018 at 11:57 pm
Inspiring
July 19, 2018 at 11:58 pm
I’ve watched you in amazement for the last few decades(I don’t think I’m allowed to say how many) …and Well, I’m still amazed!
God is surely with you. All I see are bigger things to come. As for how far… Ebenezer! I’m blessed with a double thrill. What you write about and how you write it! Blessings Ow’oluganda
July 19, 2018 at 11:59 pm
I know what you are talking about my brother! I too stand amazed when I look back. I can only hold on tight and enjoy the surf ahead! God’s been good to us Arthur. I have some pictures to prove that, if you have lost yours:))
July 19, 2018 at 11:59 pm
Please do share! I shall check my copies as well. It has been sometime since I had a look.. He surely has been good!
July 20, 2018 at 12:00 am
Congratulations Amigo! God’s truly faithful. I believe we met shortly after that start. I might as well celebrate our friendship ☺ My only advice to you; start writing the message for the 20th Anniversary because the next 10yrs will come and go in a flash. Proud of you my broda. I feel like sending you a dedication? ?
July 20, 2018 at 12:01 am
He he he ‘tagwan Ricky, tumira?. Yes, I too celebrate our friendship – what a hard one it has been! But seriously, it’s been a journey, sharing our trench stories, holding on and seeing God bare His arm of strength for such as us. More power for the glorious years ahead!
July 20, 2018 at 12:01 am
Congratulations brother. God is indeed worthy of praise.
July 20, 2018 at 12:03 am
He sure is! Thank you, my brother!
July 20, 2018 at 12:03 am
Congratulations Jacob. Great testimony.
July 20, 2018 at 12:04 am
Thank you Patrick!
July 20, 2018 at 12:05 am
Thanks for taking the risk to follow Jesus into the Great Unseen. How many have never known His providence due to inaction based in fear. He is ever faithful to lead and provide, onward and upward, and it’s clear there are many of witnessing and cheering your journey. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” -John A. Shedd
July 20, 2018 at 12:06 am
That’s profound truth, Vicki. And thanks for the affirmation!
July 20, 2018 at 12:07 am
I cant say with certainity that things have been going smooth…But one thing is for sure that you have been smiling all the way….I love a Man who smiles even at the storm!!!
July 20, 2018 at 12:09 am
Thank you Wyclef! With Jesus right there with you in the storm, you can’t help but smile, and even laugh. This divine exchange is a sweet deal!
July 20, 2018 at 12:10 am
Shared Blessing!!!
July 20, 2018 at 12:11 am
Jacob, you are a good man. Wishing you more decades, god bless you…
July 20, 2018 at 12:11 am
Thank you so much, my good brother, Turgut!
July 20, 2018 at 12:12 am
I was torn between the beautiful prose and choice of diction as well as the magnitude and seriousness of what you share.
Humbled to know you…. Each time I think of you, I marvel at God’s grace and awesomeness.
What a journey.
#Europaleaguejust
July 20, 2018 at 12:13 am
Jacob bamuwe Liverpool. He might bring em some much needed smiles 🙂
July 20, 2018 at 12:13 am
Hahaha hah. ..
Naye Ricky Mugabi.
I shall report you to Ben Mwine
July 20, 2018 at 12:14 am
Ricky you talk badly! Wama congs Jacob, that’s inspiring…..