My Perfect Moment
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"My heart had become heavy and full of joy." Alpha fled from Sierra Leone during the Civil War, and was forced to leave his wife and two children behind. He thought he would never see them again.
Transcript
"My name is Alpha Bah, born in Sierra Leone. I was a freelance photographer there and well established.
Life was good for us until the rebel invasion of Freetown. People were forced to work for the rebel government, including myself. So, I ran away to safety without saying goodbye to my family.
A year later, the rebels were ousted and I made my way back home looking for my family, but they were gone without a trace. A military coup took place called 'Operation: No Living Thing'.
I was scared for my life, dressed like a woman and traveling in a little boat in the middle of the night across the Atlantic Ocean to Guinea. It was a death sentence, but worth trying.
Eventually I arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker separated from my family. In the refugee camp in London, I became a translator.
When I was despatched to Cardiff I left my mobile number for anyone who might need my help. One day I got a call to offer support for a newly arrived family from Sierra Leone.
As this young woman told me about herself I began to feel as if I might know her. She ran out of money, and I quickly returned her call. I started to get mixed feelings but I wanted to be sure. I asked her, 'Do you know anyone by the name of Alpha, a photographer in Freetown?'
'Yes', she replies.
I asked her, 'Who is he to you?'
'He is my husband but I didn't know if he is alive or dead'.
I asked her, 'Can you recognise his voice?', she started becoming suspicious with all my questions. My heart had become heavy and full of joy. My feet become cold and shaky, and tears going down my face. I told her that you are speaking to him.She then paused for a while, and I heard her crying. I can feel the pain and the joy why she is crying and I couldn't hold myself any longer.
My help workers did a tremendous job in reuniting us as a family as quickly as possible. I couldn't wait any longer to see my wife and children after a long and bitter four years of separation.
One bright afternoon in 2001 ... here we are reunited in Cardiff, and for me, that's my perfect moment."End slide - Special thanks to Phil and Shaheda for their support in bringing us together.
An interview with the author
Please tell us about yourself.
In Sierra Leone I worked as a commercial photographer. I have lived here in Cardiff since March 2001.
What's your story about?
When I first arrived in London I volunteered my time as a translator. When I moved to Cardiff I left my telephone number for anyone that might need it. I was quite shocked when I answered that special call.
How did you find the workshop experience?
I enjoyed it very much. I learned a lot about new technology, made new friends and met other people working with the refugee community in Cardiff.
