October 15, 2024, Manila- Planning for the replacement of the defunct refrigerator in the Regional Baha’i Center of south Luzon, I sat in the Center’s common area, composing a message to the caretaker, who was out and about. I would take measurements of the empty box and walk over to the store where appliances are sold. There, I would look at the items on offer, with a specific style and model in mind. It will meet the needs of the kitchen staff, and not take up any more space than the old one. That would take up my day.

When my friend showed up, unexpectedly, I had an extra person’s perspective on which to draw, and she was more than glad to have me go along on her mission, which involved going in the same general direction. Doing anything with K means the world to me, so off we went, stopping at a catering restaurant and figuring out the menu for an event, tomorrow, that she is in charge of planning. We went over the menu, jotted down items that seemed appropriate, and decided on a good mix of foods.

Crossing the street, the next order of business was looking at 3-5 refrigerator models. We have tentatively settled on one, which will be recommended to the committee for final selection. That matter will be finalized tomorrow or Thursday.

Next up was an activity familiar to many-grocery shopping. We carefully looked at several items and price-checked, using the store’s in-aisle scanner. Kathy knows how to find the best deals, and so it happened, today. The items will also be used for tomorrow’s event.

We went back to the Center, and after some time spent socializing with a visitor from another part of Luzon, four of us set to work, putting plates in plastic holders and wrapping them in thin bags. I told K, last week, that I was happy doing even the most mundane of activities with her-and so she took me up on it today. We spent the afternoon walking in sync.

This is what makes the world go around.