True Friendship that Melts the Heart

I came from a country where everyone is familiar with their neighbors as if they are all true blood relatives. Filipinos are known for warmth and congeniality. Familiarity that one even know every detail of their neighbor's private lives. Life is easy that we can afford to stop and chat to any acquaintance we meet on the street. Not so in the western culture, life is a rat race. Every minute counts, we are speaking of dollars per hour. 

The hard working kiwis wake up early, have a quick breakfast of porridge or cereals and off to work or school, at times no breakfast at all. A nice seated breakfast of bacon and eggs with fried rice is a luxury.  

Upon settling in a neighborhood of mostly Europeans, we have to match the grace. I lost my loud self.  My husband have to nudge me when conversing with the elderlies. Even Christmas and New years passed by uneventful and back home, we are used to festive celebrations.

My husband who is an excellent cook,  thought of showing off  his culinary prowess befriending the quiet neighborhood of ten flats. A simple recipe made meticulously was cooked and thick faced as I am, knocked on every door offering our labor of love. As an old adage, "The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach". Alas! people started flashing jolly smiles to us even stopping by for a short chat, everybody's loosening up. 

After winning their friendships and respect my husband started an Annual Christmas Get Together in the neighborhood. Every 23rd or 24th of December, bring a plate, tenants old and new will gather for a social drinking get together and fun till the wee hours. A lot of catching up and small gift giving. Memorable friendships were formed that carried on for years till we moved.  The race barrier was broken. When tumor hit me leaving me so weak, they cried with me and I got the best pampering and help you wouldn't expect from an English, French, South African, Zimbabwen, Fijian, Indian and real kiwis. It was humbling and moving, God is at work again. We literally love our neighbors in obedience to him. The return is hundredfold and lasting, we all are friends for life.