Mission Imposible: The True Of One Man's Journey To The Life He Dream Of (Part-2)

Instead, Legson turned to his two books, reading the familiar words that renewed his faith in himself and in his goal. He continued on.

On January 19, 1960, fifteen months after he began his perilous journey, he had crossed nearly a thousand miles to Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

He was now growing stronger in body and wiser in the ways of survival. He remained in Kampala for six months, working at odd jobs and spending every spare moment in the library, reading voraciously.

In that library he came across an illustrated directory of American colleges. One illustration in particular caught his eye.

It was of a stately, yet friendly looking institution, set beneath a pure blue sky, graced with fountains and lawns, and surrounded by majestic mountains that reminded him of the magnificent peaks back home in Nyasaland.

Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Washington, became the first concrete image in Legson's seemingly impossible quest. He wrote immediately to the school's dean explaining his situation and asking for a scholarship.

The dean at Skagit was so impressed with Legson's determination he not only granted him admission but also offered him a scholarship and a job that would pay his room and board. Another piece of Legson's dream had fallen into place--yet still more obstacles blocked his path.

Legson needed a passport and a visa. The missionaries who had taught him since childhood helped to push Legson's passport through government channels.

However, he still lacked the airfare required for a visa. Undeterred, Legson continued his journey to Cairo believing he would somehow get the money he needed.

He was so confident he spent the last of his savings on a pair of shoes so he wouldn't have to walk through the door of Skagit Valley College barefoot. Months passed, and word of his courageous journey began to spread.

By the time he reached Khartoum, penniless and exhausted, the legend of Legson Kayira had spanned the ocean between the African continent and Mount Vernon, Washington.

The students of Skagit Valley College, with the help of local citizens, sent $650 to cover Legson's fare to America. When he learned of their generosity, Legson fell to his knees in exhaustion, joy, and gratitude.

In December 1960, more than two years after his journey began, Legson Kayira arrived at Skagit Valley College. Carrying his two treasured books, he proudly passed through the towering entrance of the institution.

But Legson Kayira didn't stop once he graduated. Continuing his academic journey, he became a professor of political science at Cambridge University in England and a widely respected author.

Like his heroes, Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington, Legson Kayira rose above his humble beginnings and forged his own destiny.

He made a difference in the world and became a magnificent beacon whose light remains as a guide for others to follow.
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