Shukran (thank you)

The most beautiful and wonderful thing happened to Dave & I last night and we both felt it should be shared, particularly when there are so little 'good' news stories presented in the media.

Last night I got home from my weekly Pilate's lesson and Dave wanted to go for a walk straight away. I had just done an hour of muscle strengthening and my legs were a little wobbly but Dave said he wanted to talk about 4wd's and our trip - so off we went.

We normally walk along the beach but it was a bit cold and windy and I suggested to Dave we just walk up Balnarring Beach Road instead and he agreed. So off we go, chatting about our respective days and how Dave went to a 4wd place in Hastings and was actually 'helped', what kind of 4wd we're going to focus on getting, our budget etc., etc., etc.

We walked past a house and there was a BBQ smell wafting our way and we saw a family in the front garden around a BBQ and we said "G'day" and Dave mentioned how good it smelt. All smiles and we kept walking not thinking more of it.

20 minutes later we were on our way back and before we passed this house on our return there was still a yummy BBQ smell. As we went by, the family was still out the front and they called to us.. "we have put some food on for you, for when you walked back this way".

Oh my goodness, how nice. They had cooked for us 5 homemade skewers of lamb which had herbs throughout it (Yum!!) and they placed these in some pita bread. A lady asked "do you like Hummus" and I said "yeah, love it".... huge dollop of homemade Hummus on a separate plate. They came over to the fence and gave us this food saying "this is how we do a BBQ! :)" and one of the guys gave Dave a can of soft drink.

We introduced ourselves to each other and they explained they were there as part of respite for a family member (young boy) who had dialysis 3 times a week. This family was going through a tough time and they could still think about sharing with others. It was amazing, beautiful, inspiring, uplifting and wonderful. No stranger has ever offered us that kind of hospitality in our lives. This lovely family was Muslim.

I feel like I shouldn't have to explain the religious background of this family, they're citizens of Australia just doing their thing. However, because there is so much negative representation of Muslims in the media and about only a few who do not represent the majority, I feel compelled to.

This is the kind of stuff we want to experience when we travel and it has happened on the back door of where we are living now. It is wonderful.

Open eyes, hearts & minds bring such beautiful moments to your life.