Sunday, April 24, 2011

When a Muslim greets me, "Happy Easter!" and asks for THE Gossip

A Muslim workmate really took her time to send me an Easter greeting. She copy-pasted one of those photos of Easter eggs from the net and emailed to me with a subject Happy Easter.  I recall the first time I (awkwardly) greeted a Muslim for the Eid celebrations (after Ramadan). I said, "Happy... Eid (?), err, Ramadan, no, it's Eid!" Whatever it is, my intention was clear, that I was happy for them. It's the thought that counts. The next year, I became smarter (that's me loving my ego hahaha). I managed to exclaim, "Ramadan Kareem" and "Mabrouk". Lesson learned... don't forget to consult the more experienced residents + our friend, Google.

Anyway, I gave her one those chocolate bunnies. And she was so happy. I didn't imagine that the chocolate can light up her Sunday that bright. I actually intended to eat that. Pero nahiya ako... I felt something that compelled me (to get it from my bag) to give it to her instead. It's amazing how a small act can affect one's life.

Then the biggest question of the day blew me. She wants to hear an Easter Sunday mass. I supported the idea, of course and directed her to the mass timings via Saint Joseph Church's website. "Will there be a gossip?", she asked. "Gossip?", me punctuating in my mind. "You know, when the priest tells Gossip." "Ah, the gospel!. Yes, there will be."

5 comments:

Cza said...

How cool! :D I remember greeting Muslim friends in Oman with Happy Ramadan too when I was younger. They didn't mind, they got my intention cguro. :)) Happy easter!

Josiet said...

Did she really mean gossip? Hahaha!!! Ang cute naman nya. And she wanted to hear an Easter Sunday mass? =)

witsandnuts said...

Cza, do you still remember plenty of Arabic words? Ako kasi, rusty na uli.

Josiet, she really meant the gospel. She didn't know the proper term for that.

mordsith said...

nakakatuwa naman ang interactions ng mga tao diyan. and this post really made my day! =)

witsandnuts said...

Mordsith, the multi-cultural set up has its own charm. And I just really want to make the most out of every interaction. I guess that to a certain extent, there's always something to learn. :)