Marhaba. A simple hello I like to say to everyone I pass. In Holland, I used to bike around with friends and make it a point to say, “Hoi!” to everyone we passed. Here is no different. So every morning when we walk to where we are teaching, I greet everyone we pass with a mostly-tired hello, Marhaba.
Last night, Kevin and I went out to purchase some refreshments and tonight’s dinner from the local grocery store. We wondered past the store near the roundabout as we were going to check the hours at an internet café. We had just passed the fish-smelling store with the 4-ft empty fishbowl and hear a call from behind us.
“Heej, Hey…you!”
We turned around and saw a man, probably late 20s, calling after us. We turned around to see him coming out of his store after us as our faces probably looked so confused.
“You. You normally say Marhaba…every morning you say. But today, no marhaba. You forget? I no forget.”
That morning, we had be at school at 8 instead of 9 and the shops were not open yet. And he noticed his Marhaba was missing! Wow…honestly, I didn’t even remember his face from before! (Probably in large part because I am not a morning person so normally I’m not fully awake yet!) But he told me to not forget his hello the next day. And I don’t think I will!
I can picture the mostly-tired greeting....mornings are hard for you but still you are greeting with a smile, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteLove hearing from you in numerous ways. Praying for your rest and health...and for the team as well.
Phyllis
love it!^^ thanks for updating us on what's going on. I feel like I'm almost there with you guys. Not being a morning person, I think it's awesome that the store owner would like you to remember to say 'hi'...and it sounds exactly what my mom told me the other morning. Praying for you and the team. :) miss yall - dro
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