All it takes for evil to triumph in the world is for good men to do nothing. - Edmond Burke
Good evening Web Wanderers,
This week I've given much thought to Burke's quote above and what I call, "The Courage of One". Examples fill our collective ethos, perhaps the most notable being the photo of a lone man standing against 4 tanks in Tiananmen Square in 1989. But this is simply an example of the extreme...each day, people of courage and conviction perform acts big and small that, even if they are never noticed or recognized, leave an indelible mark on the social tapestry that binds us together. Each of us has the opportunity and potential to perform such acts every day of our lives. Yet, despite living blessed lives, the majority of us (myself included) go through entire days where the only person we enrich is ourself.
Then there are people with less than nothing who end up giving more than we can fathom. People, who despite their own adversity and unmet needs, give of themselves unconditionally and without reservation. This week I was introduced to one such extraordinary individual.
This past week, I learned that Michael assumed responsibility for a new orphanage with 12 young residents. The long story short, the individual who was in charge of the house was exposed as being a cheat, liar, and a drunk. The man stole all of the money that was intended to care for the children to support his own vices and philandering ways. The 12 children were expected to share a single twin bed, and were lucky to get a serving of rice each day; their diets void of vegetables or basic proteins. Their only care was provided by a lone didi (female house staff), Sabrita. Despite not receiving any of her owed wages, or a bed to lay her head each night, she has stayed in the home day after day to ensure the safety of the children and to provide for them to the very best of her capability.This would be impressive and have earned my respect if the story ended there; but it does not. When you look at the picture of Sabrita to the left, you see the modest smile of a 27 year old woman. What you cannot see, and which silences me in awe, is that Sabrita has done all of this despite the fact that she lost her feet in a tragic accident as an infant. This amazing woman, who has every right to feel society should be taking care of her, instead has found the strength and innovation each day to care for 12 high energy youths. How many of us could claim to have such courage?
So now I'm a man on a mission. My trip to Nepal is no longer so much about the children, but rather meeting, being inspired by, and doing all I can to support remarkable individuals like Sabrita. I'll be in Nepal for only a month, and then I'll head home to the comfort of my own condo. My goal is to help give and/or develop the tools they need to be successful in their own lives so that they can continue to help others.
Fiona and I would love to be able to introduce Sabrita to a doctor who would be able to provide her prosthetic feet to increase her mobility and general quality of life. She deserves the same life-changing blessing that she bestowed on those 12 children. Without her, they never would have survived to join Michael's fold. If you, or someone you know, could be of assistance in this endeavor, please contact us at TomandFiona@JourneyToNepal.org. We're all immeasurably blessed when individuals stand up for what's right. People are inheriently good, but sometimes are afraid to stand up against seemingly unconquerable odds. But when one person stands up, it often gives the courage to another to stand beside them. And then two more. And then four. Join me at Sabrita's and Michael's side. Together we can indeed change these children's lives.
Humbly,
Tom
