by W. Schmidt: Starting something new is always a challenge, but also rewarding and it pays in many ways. To start a new project in Congo, especially in the interior of the country, involves a lot of ground work. Our school project in Mushapo suffered a major setback when the province Kasai where it is situated got engulfed in an uprising which until now was typical only for the East of the country where the majority of the natural resources are located. When the fighting in Kasai started to unfold, slowly spread and finally reached our far away village, it brought our project to a standstill. My wife and I were hit hard by these news, gripped with discouragement and despair. But then angels of courage comforted us and gave us new strength, hope and vision. Instead of looking down, we now lift our eyes at what a blessing our…
A Compilation: Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple. – Scott Adams (geb. 1957) You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for others — something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it. – Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do. – Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909) St. Francis of Assisi stated, “All getting separates you from others; all giving unites you with others.” The heart of selflessness is generosity. It not only helps to unite the team, but it also helps to advance the team. – John C. Maxwell (geb. 1947) Human beings who leave behind…
Author Unknown: Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. I had not believed this until a small elf-like student with wide-eyed innocence and soft rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas. Mark was an 11-year-old orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter middle-aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister's son. She never failed to remind young Mark, if it hadn't been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant homeless waif. Still, with all this scolding and chilliness at home, he was a sweet and gentle child. I had not noticed Mark particularly until he began staying after class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt's anger, I later found) to help me straighten…