In Praise of KISITO

Christmas is a few days away that's why my friends and I decided to buy the things that we need today. Actually, yesterday 'coz I'm writing this early Monday.

There are 15 of us in the group and since this is our first Christmas in Canada, we thought it would be best to celebrate it altogether. The agreement was for each group of five to prepare a dish and we'll stay in our apartment and do potluck and party and drink all night on the 24th.We agreed to chip in $20 each making a pot of $300 that we could use to buy the stuff we need. We're going to prepare a pasta, chicken barbecue, fruit salad, jell-o, and some native dishes like sisig and kare-kare. Four of us did the grocery grabbing the things that we needed listed on a paper that we prepared.

Upon filling-up the cart, we decided to play a game ala price is right guessing how much our haul would cost while waiting in line. $230 said one. $280 said the other. $260 wagered one of us. I thought it would cost $265. The line was moving ok considering the bulk groceries people bought ahead of us. And then one till was opened to move the line a little bit faster. An Indian couple cut through our line and before we knew it, they were right next to the till with their goodies. One of us said that we should let them go since the spirit of Christmas, which is giving, is very alive in us anyway. Just then, the newly opened till's cashier noticed the action that just happened and she went to the couple and politely asked them to to fall and wait in line. The couple hesitantly did.

When it was our turn, we tried to figure which items we're gonna have to charge first because our budget might not cover everything that we took. Since there were four of us, we were getting our wallets ready should the total exceeds our budget of $300.

Kisito was the name of the cashier where we happened to line up. He was about 5'10" in height and has a lanky built. I will play a guessing game here. I think he is of African origin based on his tone of voice. When our total came at $274.80, I counted our money since I was tasked to keep them. I counted the bills slowly, piece by piece. When he noticed what I was doing, he immediately told us to grab a $30 discount coupon. I told my friends to do so and one of my friends hurriedly went at the customer service area. I thought Kisito noticed that we were taking too long in line, waiting for the discount coupon, so he decided to ring the $30 discount since the coupon is coming anyway.

This is Christmas in action! I say this not because it's a favor on our part but because of Kisito's act. He let us feel it IS Christmas! As a Catholic, my faith taught me that because of God's love for us, he gave his son, Jesus. I always thought that God's love for humankind is so enormous that he sent Jesus on Earth to do marvels for us. Kisisto included! All praise is due to Kisito who works for SuperStore located at 137 avenue in Edmonton, Alberta. His quick thinking, always customer-first attitude was in full display. I hope there would be more KISITO working for SuperStore because he understands his job well and is sensitive enough to feel for his clients/customers. Next time I go at SuperStore, I will surely line up where he is at. Because with him I feel the warmth and meaning of Christmas!