We were five—five hearts, one rhythm.

People knew us as the Zelophehad’s.

How God brought the five of us together at the Nigeria Christian Corpers’ Fellowship in Benin still feels surreal… like one of those beautiful divine surprises! 

We didn’t plan it, but somehow, we all ended up in the same room at the fellowship’s lodge. Just like that, something started—something real.

That was where our bond was born. So sweet!

From the moment we met, we became almost inseparable. We cooked together, gisted like our lives depended on it, rocked each other’s clothes and of course, showed up in church side by side.

You know that kind of “sisters–in –love” vibe—where there is lots of laughter, little drama, deep talks, and plenty of memories!

Yeah… that was us.

Service year came to an end… and hmm, that send-forth at our Final Year Brethren was mushy-mushy. You could feel the emotions in the air—love, joy, tears of  gratitude, and that quiet ache of “what next?”

And then… we showed up.

All five of us stepped out in style—same Ankara gowns, gele sitting pretty, heels clicking in rhythm like we rehearsed it. The way we walked to that podium? Ahh, you’d think we owned the moment.

When they called our names and presented us with the award for “The Best Soul Sisters,” it just felt right. Yes, that was who we were! 

Of course, promises were made—“we’ll keep in touch,” we said. This time, they weren't just mere words. A WhatsApp group was created where we showed up, every Friday, to pray, to reconnect, and remind ourselves that what we shared didn’t end at our service year. 

Then Saturdays? Oh, Saturdays were for catching up—video calls, laughter, updates, “how is life really treating you?” kind of conversations.

And then Busola dropped it—something like, “there’s already a man in the picture,” and we should all get ready for asoebi gengs.

Omo! The way we shouted—“awnnn, awnnn… love is sweet ooo! God, when?”—you would think we had all found our own too. Such a  pure sisterhood moment.

Tinu, as always, stayed coded. She said something like, “As for me, I just believe God is working things out, and He will perfect all that concerns me.”

But we all knew her style. Auntie loves to keep things low-key—but come on, we already had our suspicions. Those marathon calls during our service year, sometimes more than an hour straight? Yeah… we knew she was already engaged.

And of course, we celebrated her too—quietly cheering, teasing, and sharing in her joy like only sisters could.

Faith said she was into writing and would soon publish two of her books.

“Opooor! Latest author to be!” We all chorused.

Dorcas said she was applying for a scholarship for her Master’s program in the USA.

“Our Doc!” We all cheered.

For a moment, I stayed quiet. One would have thought it was a network glitch, but no… I was just quietly thinking about why life didn’t seem to make sense for me the way it did for my sisters. I was working in a private secondary school, earning a measly #35,000, with no prospect for a husband yet. 

“Sharon, are you still there?” Tinu’s voice pulled me out of my reverie.

“Ehn… yes… yes,” I stammered.

“So, what’s up?”

“I’m still trusting God for something good,” I said softly, letting the words hang between us.

“God is working it out already for you—you’ll see!” Dorcas said.

“Amen o! Don’t worry, sis, it’s coming!” Busola laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

That night, I sat on my bed, the echoes of their voices still ringing in my ears. And then, the tears came.

“God, what did I do? Why is my life like this? 

I whispered, my voice breaking under the weight of questions I had buried for so long.

Kai!

Have you ever felt the weight of silence from God? That moment after you’ve poured everything out—ranting, crying, murmuring—and heaven feels still… almost like God is gently asking, “Do you want to cry a little more? I have enough buckets for your tears.”

That was me that night.

I cried myself to sleep.

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To be continued.