Maybe it was Moses' lucky day.

I met Moses today. Oh, not the biblical Moses. Instead, a Nigerian. Age 26. His full name is Moses John. Yes, that’s right. His surname is John. His first name, Moses. Gives one a hint. That he’s Christian. Yes, a Catholic. Trying to make a living. In Italy. As a street peddler of knick-knacks. And it ain’t easy. He has to do some begging, too. Moses won’t make a go of it in Italy. Unless he becomes fluent in Italian. And even then, he might not. Anyway, he speaks good English. That’s why I know about him. Met Moses in the parking lot of a grocery store. In Carbonia. In Sardinia. He approached me. In Italian. But it wasn’t long before I knew he spoke English. Suspected so. Right from the start. People from Africa speak lots of English. Often with a British accent. Moses sounds well-educated. He’s a computer engineer. Knows computers. Inside and out. I imagine he could be a computer whiz. Which could land him a decent job some day. Especially if he finds his way to an English-speaking country. Maybe the U.S. I’d like to help Moses.  Maybe to migrate to the U.S. Where he could build himself a decent life. Won’t do it in Italy. And he left Nigeria, too, because  of lack of opportunities. Went to war-torn Libya for a while. And came to Italy a year ago. Looking for work. And so far, nothing better than street peddler. That can be downright discouraging. But I tell Moses not to lose faith. Maybe his life will take a turn for the better. I’ll inquire. As to what he has to do to end up as a legal immigrant to the U.S. Wish it were easy. But then, it’s gonna take more than wishing. Told Moses to stay in touch. Maybe our chance meeting was  fated. Something meant to be. We’ll see. I’ve advised Moses to take life one day at a time. And to hope that this was his lucky day. –Jim Broede