My God in that Man

KWENTO NG ORDINARYONG TAO (PART 2 OF 2)

I am Snow. Two years ago, I left China which I lived for 18 years. And I came to Davao, a totally strange city for me. At that time, I didn’t know how many surprises and memories were waiting for me in this unfamiliar city. I won’t believe I would fall in love with this beautiful, peaceful and lovely city.

Studying English is my purpose to choose Philippines, because it’s an English-speaking country. My mom chose Davao for me due to her three-year work experience in Davao. She knows Davao is safe and Ateneo de Davao University is excellent.  Every day that I spend in Davao is always fresh and different.

Two years are not long but it’s hard to count the surprises and stories that had happened to me. They are all precious and worth-cherishing.

Among these memories is one most unforgettable to me.  It happened in a hot afternoon. My mom and I got lost in DCLA while we were looking for our friend’s store. We were dripping with sweats and kept asking passersby about the store, but no one knew it. When we almost gave up, we found a man who looked like a Chinese. We tried to speak Mandarin to him but he cannot understand. Then I described the store in English .He thought for a minute and called his wife.  “My wife and I will drive you to look for that store if you don’t mind.” He asked. “Sure, sure, thank you so much.” We answered excitedly.   Then we started to look for that store. He stopped his car at each of his Chinese friends’ stores and asked that store’s address. He let us stay in the car because it’s very hot outside. He kept getting off and getting on the car under the heat of the scorching sun.  He searched the store carefully in every street. His wife kept wiping his sweats on his face. His shirt was totally wet. I suddenly felt my eyes were wet, too.  Finally, he got the address from a Chinese friend. He smiled happily and told us, “Let’s go.” When we got off his car, we bowed to him. He got off the car and bowed to us, as well. We kept speaking thank you to him, and he just smiled to us then said goodbye to us. When we realized we haven’t asked for his name, he already drove away.

We were so touched by this man. He helped us without any reasons even though we didn’t know each other. I always got help from people in Davao, whether I know them or not. They never asked for rewards.  In Davao, I feel like I’m staying in my hometown. I never felt lonely because all Filipinos are friendly and hospitable to me. I love breathing the fresh air. I love seeing the blue sky. I love eating the delicious fruits. I love those lovely people.

LET US TIE THAT KNOT.  E-mail us with your stories of faith, hope and love.   Follow me on Twitter @ChengVilog.  ‘Til next kwentuhan, higala!