Today’s Update 11/5/2019

”You can help someone-in-need anywhere.” That would be my status update for today. I have spent almost two months out of Iraq, the Middle East or to be more clear away from my work and out of my atmosphere. The work is still happening, and I am able to do everything I do from far away; However, I still feel crippled by the fact that I am away from all the action. I am used to being active. I am used to achieving things %100 of the times.

Yesterday I was invited by a neighbor, Micky, to go and support her friend that owns a restaurant across the street. He is a nice guy, his name is Jwan  and he’s from Peru. We went and sat around in the restaurant, had some fun, talked a bit, laughed a bit and then I had to leave because I needed to  break fast. Before I leave when Jwan was talking about opening the restaurant one last time; I promised to helping him prepping for the service. 

I woke up early today and got ready to help. I got to the restaurant, and started preparing for the meals. It was really interesting wearing an apron again. It was much different though. I thought that I will be doing prepping only but then people started coming and I had to serve them. I had to get the tables ready, welcome them, take their orders, and get food on the table; then get them their check. It was a weird experience, and a very valuable one for me. I served two tables only and few people who only came for drinks. The first table was two ladies who were nice. Both ladies looked as if they were coming from a senior home, or some medical center where they can be the receptionists. One of the ladies ordered an empanada, and the other lady order fish. I got their food ready for them, water, and kept looking to see if they needed anything else. The lady who ordered the empanada was very fast when it came to finishing her plate. I waited until both of the ladies were done, and I got them the bill. They paid, and one of them forgot her purse on the back of her chair. I came to the table to clean up after them, and I noticed the purse. I took the purse and ran after the ladies to hand over the bag to the slow eater who forgot her purse behind. The second table I served was two grumpy old Peruvian people, and I think they were grumpy for driving two hours to come to the restaurant. I welcomed them, I got them water, offered them drinks and waited for their order. The old lady ordered half a chicken with veg side, the husband ordered another dish but asked if we have rice. I told him that I will ask the chief. I went and asked Jwan if we offer any rice. Jwan said that we don’t. I went to the old guy and apologized which didn’t make him any happier. I was really excited to see their smiles after eating the food, especially after the Lucma ice-cream made by Jwan. The old guy even smiled and put extra $10 as a tip, “This is for your pocket, for you only.” he said to me. I was really happy to see how good they felt after the meal and made me happier that an extra ten dollar made it to Jwan’s restaurant.

After finishing the service I even got some tips. Of course I refused to take them. I told Jwan that I want to help as a friend nothing more than that. Just seeing Jwan’s smile and the hope that I sensed in him is good enough. Jwan asked me to help out tomorrow, which I will defiantly do. I was really happy that he decided to stand strong and keep his business operating. I really wish for him the best of luck and hope for him to be able to keep his restaurant open. He is really talented and his food is amazing, he just need a chance. 

Thank you for reading and being part of my life. 

Peace and Love, 

Dr. Sarah AK Ahmed 

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Location - Hamilton 

Time - 12:11

Micky took a picture of me just before service