Thursday, September 30, 2010

Unity among diversity, 1

One thing I really miss about being a student in the UK is meeting people from different countries and cultures. It made me realize that we don't need to fit in a particular box and the box doesn't neccessarily have to be a square nor does it have to be black or white. The first person I met was a friend I actually "met" on facebook almost 5 months before we left our own countries and it was totally by accident. I was having fish and chips with my dad under a construction site as it was raining and I saw her walk by and in my mind I knew i knew her and at the same time both of us were like, "hey, are you...?"... my poor dad didn't understand anything. For him facebook, online chatting etc didn't make sense. This friend was Canadian American and she taught me to be calm when there's a raging storm outside. She also helped cure all my throat aches thanks to yogi chai!
The next few people I met, I do not remember to be honest.. some were American, Japanese, Hungarian, Polish, South American, Australian. They were people passing through my life when I was new in a foreign country and needed people to talk to.
Then I met someone while struggling to carry my bags up the 3 floors of my residence. This pretty exotic bubbly girl who told me she'll carry my heavy bag (she did! while i carried a small one) and told me to hurry up so we could go to the University together. This girl, a Persian Indian (I told you she was beautiful) taught me that it's okay to make mistakes once in a while and to love myself and she brought me out of my shell. She also cooked for me, looked after me, listened to all my boring sob stories and helped bought me cheesecake when i needed it! God brought her in my life for a reason and today she's my sister, has been my wife and has been a mother in some sorts. My family.
Then I met my lovely classmates, my lovely Omani sister who taught me what to expect in a marriage and who has been a great help in many ways.. My friend from the land of the Nile, gorgeous with lovely curls always full of life, and always calm, she taught me that nothing is really worth getting worried. My mediterranean friend, always laughing and who knew how to make us laugh. My beautiful Nigerian sister who was taught me about life, love, God and how to handle my future husband, her daughters are blessed to have her as their mother. My gorgeous Russian friend who taught me to have fun in life and not to take things too seriously :) And i must mention our British friend who taught us to be on time and to take work seriously. And then the "Chinese gang" as we called them, who taught us that with diversity there are always clans and that people stick to what they are familar with. I loved the mix.
Then I met my American Vietnamese sister at church. She was my mentor, my friend, my sister. Always there when I needed to talk and still is. She radiates God's love to everyone she meets and I thank my God for bringing her in my life. Our Canadian sister who is always bubbly, active and has the most adventurous, funny stories taught me to love and forgive those I couldn't. Sadly, she didn't approve of our chip and cheese :)
Then I met my very own little Tamil friend... she taught me to laugh when i thought I couldn't, always listened when I was venting and is the best person to facebook spy with. With her, life is never boring and i'm sure a lot will agree! She also taught me that most problems can be solved with a bit of chips and cheese. Be cool, stay cool, have fun my friend!
One thing i especially loved about being there was meeting our Pakistani neighbours. My own Pakistani sister, a fiery, sassy, sexy diva you don't want to mess with, senstive yet strong, deeply in love with the Divine.. she taught me that every individual is pretty much the same yet unique if you can learn to look past the borders. I really enjoyed listening to her outlook on life, love and God and miss it now.
There were others but this is long enough for now.
I miss you all and pray God keeps y'all safe :)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Gituuu,
such a BEAUTIFULLL article (in its true meaning)!!
Im trully happy that i had the pleasure and honour to meet you girl! You were like a fresh breeze in early spring days my friend! I was happy to have you around and really hope that one day again I will see you again! :) Dont change lovely and keep on shining!!!:)
May God bless you
With cuddles and love
Alice xxx

Clover said...

Thanks beautiful! Look out for a mention of you soon! xxx

AGI said...

Sangita, i love calling your name in full cos I feel you,the energy and peace that flows from you. You became a younger sister and actualy sometimes more like a daughter. You are freash air from God. I love and miss you dear. Good piece. Ada

Kelly said...

Ohhh Lovely Gitu,

You are so sweet and this is a most wonderful blog! I am so lucky to have you in my life and if you ever need more yogi tea, it will be on the way! Hugs, Love and may we meet again soon!!! =)You are amazing!!

With Love,
Kelly

Clover said...

Thanks Ada and Kelly. You guys were my family in Glasgow and i'll always cherish our times together. I hope we get to see each other soonly!
Much love!