Te Aroha Remembers.

Angela Neighbourly Lead from Te Aroha

Today was a day of remembrance, of mourning, of emotional outpouring, sharing ones faith with another and being welcomed into the sacred worship place of the Te Aroha Muslim community. With the sun shining through the windows we were all as one, listening to words we did not all understand, but through the sincerity of the speakers we understood they were words of love, of strength of compassion and of faith. It was indeed humbling to be part of a multi-cultural gathering, remembering those we do not know, but sharing the grief of many. Tears were in the eyes of many, sniffs and nose blowing through no reason other than they were touched by the gentle voices of our community who are worshipers at the little Mosque. What better setting could have be ordered, than to be there, with the back drop of the Mountain, Te Aroha, The Mountain of love, and as we silently and reverently left the hall we were welcomed by many to share with them a lunch that had been prepared and was sufficient to share between well over 100 people. The Mayor spoke proficiently of being as one, of supporting each other and thanked the Muslim community by welcoming us all into their place of worship on their special prayer day. And at the precise time a 2 minute silence with only the whisper of breathing took place. The room was packed and outside many standing and listening, sharing in this special moment.
Thank you from our hearts for the support shown, and whilst this was all taking place, the president of the Muslim society here in Te Aroha was representing his people in Christchurch by helping with the task of saying goodbye to many victims from this tragedy.
Thanks to the Police who showed their support by being present and thanks to everyone whose contribution today came from the heart. We were proud to be part of this gathering.