The Kindness of a Stranger

 Once, in 1979, I was traveling from Manila to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where my husband and I served as missionaries. There was a thirty-hour layover in Bombay (currently Mumbai), India, before I could board the Ethiopian Airlines flight for the last leg of my trip.

As I sat in the corner of the airport observing the busy activities around me, I saw a middle-aged lady sitting alone. She had a worried look on her face; something was wrong. Curious, I approached her. In limited English, she related her sad story.

She worked as domestic help for a family in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, she became sick, and the family decided to send her back to Sri Lanka via Bombay. However, the ticket did not include the connecting flight to her final destination. She was stranded in Bombay indefinitely! For several days she had begged passengers for money to purchase a ticket to Sri Lanka. I thought of helping her but did not have the courage to approach people and beg. I gave her my last dollar and prayed that I would not need anything before I reached home.

 Before I settled on my makeshift “bed” of airport chairs, I knelt to thank God for His protection and the company of a new friend. Suddenly I heard a voice asking, “Filipina ka ba? [Are you a Filipina?]” I looked around to see who asked the question. Seated nearby was an Arab gentleman. In the course of our conversation, he mentioned that he was on his way back to Saudi Arabia from a business trip to Manila. I introduced my friend and mentioned her sad predicament.

Upon hearing her story, this kind stranger handed me money and instructed me to purchase her a ticket to Sri Lanka. My new friend could not contain her happiness. Finally, she was going home, thanks to the kindness of a stranger!

 I am reminded of Christ’s words: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV).

The next day I bade farewell to my new friends as they boarded the plane to their respective destinations. I was alone again, but not for long. I, too, was going home.

Evelyn Porteza Tabingo.