JOURNEY TO SOBRIETY- Dr. Brian Chota Sampa
He wrote:
On 19//07//2022 I went to Sinda in eastern province because my young brother was sick so we went to pick him up.We arrived in Sinda around 17:00hrs and reached back in Lusaka at 01:00hrs I only slept for 2 hours and started preparing to walk.I had made arrangements to move with a friend but when I called him he stopped picking up calls when it was time to start off.I had to brave it alone because I have always believed that as a leader you should be prepared to walk alone.
When I started off on 20//07//2022 at around 05:00hrs it was all rosy until I reached katuba toll plaza,my feet developed blisters which made me start limping.I felt so tired and due to fatigue I developed fever and headache,I rushed to a pharmacy as soon as I reached chibombo and bought Domadol a pain killer but I was also worried because I was in Mpika two weeks ago burying my grandmother so the signs were also pointing to malaria because of late I had actually lost appetite and the entire first day of my walk I only drunk coca-cola and water.For that reason I had to self prescribe and started taking coartem.I had to put myself on antibiotic cover ciprofloxacin aswel because I knew due to the fatigue if I had any other infection it was going to surface.
As I was in chibombo I was offered free accommodation by people happy with the walk that’s how I spent a night there.I remember at some point thinking of quiting especially that people were calling my parents telling them that I had gone mad because I lost my job.I had to reassure my parents that it was for the right cause and they understood.
My biggest disappointment came from friends I have had in the past,who knew me so well and how I stand on facts.One of them called me and my first impression was that he wanted to encourage me especially that at that time I was now moving from John to prospect while limping.To my surprise he called to ask if I was ok and that one day all shall be well he urgently needed to meet me and that I didn’t know what I was doing.I felt insulted but I only told him,”I will call you later.”
Then I received a call from another friend who was being asked whether I had gone mad or something.My greatest support was the strangers who kept calling me and comforting me each and every time.The media also helped me believe that someone was watching what I stood for.The people I met on the road were also very encouraging such that some of them actually escorted me when i reached bushy places.
I finally arrived in kabwe on 21//07//2022 around 18:00hrs and people were happy to meet me.Its when now the same people who were condemning and doubting my mental status started calling to congratulate me.I wish to appreciate my family for standing up against all the negativity people brought towards them as I moved.
To Mutumba the Muvi TV Journalist I appreciate the coverage and the walk you did despite not planning for it.Thank you Ask Muvi TV for being there.Thank you HOT FM Zambia for everything you did.I wish to thank all media houses who helped disseminate the information without you the movement wouldn’t have been a success.For social media your support shall always be something I will treasure.For all those who called me and prayed for me I appreciate your support and together we shall achieve.
Lessons learned:
1.Difficult situations reveal who true friends are.
2.The biggest detractors are people from your inner circle.
Way Forward:
BanAlcohol
22//07//2022.BCS..AKA Dr Johnnie Walker
