During my spare time in the office I make sure that I read all the blogs of my seminarian friends. I read the missionary story of Frt. Jaekel Solde, SVD and was amazed by the the story he associated with his mission in Ilocandia. Since I am in saudi arabia I was really interested to read the story. The story goes like this:
An Arab Sheik was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center in Manila for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case the need arises. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn’t be found locally, so, the call went out to a number of provinces.
Finally an Ilocano was located who had a similar blood type.The Ilocano willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano as appreciation for giving his blood, a new Toyota, diamonds & a million US dollars.
A couple of days later, once again, the Arab had to go through acorrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Ilocano who was more than happy to donate his blood again.
After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a thank-you card & a jar of candies.
The Ilocano was shocked that the Arab this time did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab & asked him: ‘I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me a Toyota, diamonds & money… but you only gave me a thank-you card & a jar of candies’.
To this the Arab replied: ‘Manong, I now have Ilocano blood in my veins’.
In my seven years working in Saudi Arabia, the people and the place itself are my home. Dealing with them is quiet difficult(I admit), but if you were adjusted to the culture and behavior of some, you'll get used to it. Just like the Arab sheik in the story. He felt that he belongs to the ilocano heritage since the blood flowing in his vein came from ilocano donor. It really tickled my bones when I first read it in Frt. Jaekel's blog.
Hope you enjoyed reading the story!!
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