When strangers start acting like neighbors, communities are reinvigorated. ~Ralph Nader
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Okay, I guess my title has "lured" you in. My son was and is alright, don't worry. He was not actually kidnapped, or so it was thought. This was a little encounter I had braving through a crowd of people in a night market, which I did not intend to get trapped in.
I was at my church camp in this beautiful city called Malacca, which is also a historical city in Malaysia. Tourists would flood this city from different countries and directions. They have this street where there are lots of goodies sold and it could be very congested during school holidays and weekends. My husband and I decided to join a bunch of younger friends for dinner one night out on a free-and-easy slot in our camp schedule. They were going to eat Nyonya (Straits-born Chinese who cooks awesome tasty food) cuisine. It was told to us the restaurant is only 1 km away from the hotel we were staying so we did not hesitate, even though my husband was supposed to get back by a certain hour to get to be in the worship team. We did not know that this shop is situated at one of the busiest places in Malacca, the famous Jonker Street and it was a Saturday.
It was difficult to get a good parking, thus we parked a little further and walked to the place. It was breezy and the sun was setting, hence it was a nice walk.
There were many people in the restaurant, so we separated into 2 different tables. I sat with my husband and the worship team who were supposed to eat fast and go, so I told my other friends I would be following them with my son. The food was good and incredible.
There are many Nyonya eateries in Melaka, but this is affordable and perhaps one of our favourites. This place is called Our Kitchen and it was our first time trying the food there.
Entertaining ourselves because the food took quite a while to be served.
Levi building his blocks while waiting.
After the food came, it was gone within minutes because we were hungry and the worship team guys needed to rush. We ate and paid and they were gone. I was still feeding and eating with Levi who was slower. Suddenly, I saw the guys we were supposed to be leaving with, rushed out of the restaurant, leaving me and Levi behind because they could have forgotten, though I was all ready and actually called after them. It is okay, because they were rushing too.
The crowd was building up!
Thank God there was another bunch whom I know eating at the same place too. So, I just went with them to take a Grab car with them. Now the challenge was we were in the middle of the Jonker Street and we had to brave through the crowd to meet our Grab car driver at the entrance in 5 minutes and the driver would only give an allowance of another 5 extra minutes. That was nervous. My church friend, Saatish who is a strong bigger-sized Indian man offered to carried my son who is weighed 13 kg. Good thing Levi was okay to follow him. Then, we started our "amazing race". We braved through the congestion of people, finding routes and ways to walk faster and avoid crowds who stopped by to buy things. We walked as fast as we could, while I kept a close eye on Saatish and Levi, because I did not want Levi to feel insecure. Levi was enjoying himself, being carried while looking at the different things the night market was selling.
Levi was being carried by Saatish, getting a higher view than slipping off my hands if I were to be carrying him in this crowd.
There was a part where we got separated a bit by the crowd and I realized Saatish was slowed down. I waited at my spot for him to arrive. He then came and a few other strangers came along with him. They came to ask me, "Is this your son?" I said yes and they replied, "We were just scared, just in case." These were youngsters in their early 20s who wanted to protect Levi in case Saatish is a kidnapper. They asked him earlier because it was very distinct that Levi cannot be his son, since they have different skin complexion, obviously. Saatish did explained that he was helping a church friend carrying her son. They said, "It's okay, we will just follow you to meet your church friend."
We were really in a rush because our driver had arrived, or else I would love to take a photo with these kind strangers. I could not even converse long with them, but I said thank you. If there is by any chance you are reading this, thank you very much. I truly believe in the kindness of strangers.
As for Saatish, this is a trustworthy man. I am very appreciative of him. He did it without a single complaint and he enjoyed carrying Levi. He has been misunderstood much, but he still could laugh it off. He went to my husband and told him, "Hey, someone thought I kidnapped your son!" I do not know how I would be, without him because I would have been slowed down by carrying Levi. Thanks to Levi too who cooperated very well with us.
Sometimes, we talk about not trusting anyone in this world to be cautious. It is a relevant wisdom in this world. With all the scams, cheats and abductions going on, it is true it has put us on higher alert. However, on the other hand, there are still good and kind strangers to whom we can let our guards down. I love the community I am in, where we do look out for each other, whether we know the person or not!
So, my son is safe and sound, he did not get kidnapped! He was very well protected, even by kind strangers who do not know us!! The trust in humanity is restored! :)
Truly,
When strangers start acting like neighbors, communities are reinvigorated. ~Ralph Nader
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