As we neared our destination
There seemed to be a hold-up
We soon realised it was a line-up into the parking lot
Of all the people heading for the same destination:
The Al Falah Islamic Centre to attend the Halton Interfaith Peace Circle...
I was so moved to see so many people turn up in the cold
I was a little surprised by my body's reaction
My heart started to stir and well up with tears
I thought of all the children needlessly left fatherless
Their Dads, stronghold law-abiding exemplary citizens of this country
Peacefully praying
And suddenly snatched away by some deranged mind last Sun.!?
I was standing in front of a window
Turned around and saw cute little faces in white hijabs
Sweet ittle girls in their classrooms
I smiled and waved to them
And they readily smiled and waved back
"You don't even have a hat and I am freezing!"
He had his hood up on his jacket and thick gloves
"Your sleeves are a little short and the cold air is creeping up your sleeves..that's why you're cold!" I jested back
He laughed.." Yes, that's all it takes!"
He was going inside to pray
"Thank you for coming!"
I had not realised he was a Muslim
I tapped his elbow and said I was sorry for what happened
He looked back and gave me an acknowledging nod and smile
Tim Hortons coffee were offered by ladies in hijabs
Concerned that we were standing in typical blustery Canadian winter ....
We were invited inside the Mosque
The circle of peace drifted out of the cold
Into the warmth to listen to words of healing and bridging offered by various leaders
When we ventured back out
We were greeted by yet another lady with long flowing hair and soft, gentle, blue smiling eyes
She stressed the point that the media should stop portraying the Muslims with one big, bad brushstroke because of some extremists
I agreed...
"I am sorry for what happened but look...
It's brought the community together!" I offered
She smiled and agreed
It took a tragedy for me to venture into the mosque for the first time in Canada..
I have to say that this visit opened my heart and connected me to a community very much like any other in essence
I hope the Muslim communtiy received the healing message
That we all stand together as Canadians
In complete peace and harmony
While we each celebrate and honor our own diverse heritage..
Diversity only makes us stronger, richer and oh..so interesting! ^_^
So nice to see you, Dave Gittings..
He's inviting the Muslim Scouts group to join his!
How awesome!
There seemed to be a hold-up
We soon realised it was a line-up into the parking lot
Of all the people heading for the same destination:
The Al Falah Islamic Centre to attend the Halton Interfaith Peace Circle...
I was so moved to see so many people turn up in the cold
I was a little surprised by my body's reaction
My heart started to stir and well up with tears
I thought of all the children needlessly left fatherless
Their Dads, stronghold law-abiding exemplary citizens of this country
Peacefully praying
And suddenly snatched away by some deranged mind last Sun.!?
I was standing in front of a window
Turned around and saw cute little faces in white hijabs
Sweet ittle girls in their classrooms
I smiled and waved to them
And they readily smiled and waved back
"You don't even have a hat and I am freezing!"
He had his hood up on his jacket and thick gloves
"Your sleeves are a little short and the cold air is creeping up your sleeves..that's why you're cold!" I jested back
He laughed.." Yes, that's all it takes!"
He was going inside to pray
"Thank you for coming!"
I had not realised he was a Muslim
I tapped his elbow and said I was sorry for what happened
He looked back and gave me an acknowledging nod and smile
Tim Hortons coffee were offered by ladies in hijabs
Concerned that we were standing in typical blustery Canadian winter ....
We were invited inside the Mosque
The circle of peace drifted out of the cold
Into the warmth to listen to words of healing and bridging offered by various leaders
When we ventured back out
We were greeted by yet another lady with long flowing hair and soft, gentle, blue smiling eyes
She stressed the point that the media should stop portraying the Muslims with one big, bad brushstroke because of some extremists
I agreed...
"I am sorry for what happened but look...
It's brought the community together!" I offered
She smiled and agreed
It took a tragedy for me to venture into the mosque for the first time in Canada..
I have to say that this visit opened my heart and connected me to a community very much like any other in essence
I hope the Muslim communtiy received the healing message
That we all stand together as Canadians
In complete peace and harmony
While we each celebrate and honor our own diverse heritage..
Diversity only makes us stronger, richer and oh..so interesting! ^_^
So nice to see you, Dave Gittings..
He's inviting the Muslim Scouts group to join his!
How awesome!
RSS Feed
