King of Nigeria John Favors
Knowledge of a foreign language opens up opportunities for us to communicate with people of other nationalities, cultures and expands our understanding of the world. As a translator I had the honor of communicating with very interesting and talented people. One of them was King of Nigeria John Favors.
It was back in 2002-2004, but the sweetness from contacting with this person is still very bright in my impressions. I was at his public appearances, but the first chance to speak as his translator came to me very unexpectedly during his two-day visit to Rostov.
My mother learned from a friend who organized the visit of His Holiness to Rostov that he would be giving an interview on one local television program, and my mother and I decided to come and see him from afar. He lingered, we waited. His Holiness appeared accompanied by men of seven, I don’t remember exactly, including two translators.
The elevator was very large and we got acquainted and started talking. When the elevator took us to the right floor, he asked for a translation for him during the interview. Of course, I said that it would be an honor for me.
Events developed rapidly, in a hurry, it was a live broadcast … getting to know the presenter, a studio, cameras, a microphone. Everything was spontaneous. His Majesty turned out to be a very kind man, briefly told me before the broadcast about what He plans to talk with the host, supported me and said that everything would be fine. Everything really went well, so after the broadcast I drove with him in the car to translate a public evening lecture. Pure ecstasy.
At the end of his visit to Rostov, His Majesty said that he was pleased with me as a translator and said he would recommend me, but this is another story. I remember his joke and the words that I was a useful assistant, and he would put me in his suitcase. I met with him during his visits to Russia. Unfortunately, he fell ill and left this world in 2005.
Thank you, Your Holiness, for the mercy that you have shed on me giving your association and the opportunity to serve you personally!
