My name is Michael.
I have always believed that business is built on trust.
For years, I worked hard to own my pickup truck.
It was not just a vehicle.
It was the tool that helped me earn a living, support my family, and handle my daily responsibilities.
Every scratch on that pickup carried a memory of long days, sacrifices, and hard work.
One day, a man approached me and said he wanted to buy it.
He explained that he needed it for his business and promised that he would take good care of it.
We discussed the price and reached an agreement.
He paid me part of the money immediately and promised to clear the remaining balance within two months.
Because he appeared honest and confident, I accepted his word.
I handed over the pickup.
At that moment, I believed I had helped someone achieve his dream.
I never imagined that the same decision would later become one of the most stressful experiences of my life.
The first few weeks passed quietly.
Then the deadline arrived.
I called him to ask about the remaining payment.
No answer.
I tried again.
Still nothing.
The phone that was once always available suddenly became unreachable.
I sent messages.
I reminded him about our agreement.
I asked him to respect the promise he had made.
But silence was the only response.
I started feeling trapped.
The vehicle was gone.
The remaining money had not been paid.
My plans started collapsing because I was depending on that payment.
I decided not to give up.
I visited his home hoping we could solve the matter face-to-face.
Every visit ended the same way.
His wife would tell me that he was busy, away, or at work.
I left peacefully each time, hoping he would eventually contact me.
But days turned into weeks.
The frustration became overwhelming.
I began asking myself:
“How can someone take what belongs to me and ignore every promise?”
I did not want a fight.
I wanted fairness.
A close friend saw how much the situation was affecting me and advised me to seek guidance from Dr. Magongo as part of a traditional consultation and personal reflection process.
I shared my story.
I explained the pickup deal, the unpaid balance, and the stress caused by the broken agreement.
Dr. Magongo listened carefully.
He advised me to remain calm, continue looking for a peaceful solution, and avoid allowing anger to control my actions.
A symbolic recovery process was prepared to represent seeking restoration and releasing the emotional burden caused by the dispute.
The process included symbolic items representing reflection, hope, and renewal.
A white cloth represented peace and a new beginning.
A candle represented light and finding direction.
A calabash of water represented renewal and calmness.
After that period, I focused on resolving the matter without conflict.
Then one evening, my phone rang.
I looked at the screen.
It was the buyer.
His voice sounded different.
He wanted to talk.
He admitted that avoiding my calls had been wrong.
He explained his difficulties and apologized for delaying the payment.
We finally sat down and discussed how the remaining amount would be cleared.
When the agreement was honored, I felt relieved.
But the experience changed the way I do business forever.
I learned that trust is valuable, but written agreements are even more important.
I learned that patience can prevent unnecessary conflict.
And I learned that when a problem appears impossible, staying calm and searching for solutions can open a way forward.
Today, I still do business.
But now, I make sure every agreement is clear.
Because behind every transaction is someone’s hard work, someone’s sacrifice, and someone’s future.
