September - back to school and more ...

September - Back to School and more …

Morris and I are grateful for media sources that keep us aware of what’s happening in our world and at home.  For the first week (or so) of September, my Facebook feed (like yours) has been peppered with tons of pics and posts of ‘back to school’.   I curiously read of parents taking their 3 – 5 year olds to pre-school or Kindergarten for the first time.  Then I browsed the narratives of families dropping their ‘young adults’ off at University or College.  I was fascinated with how similar the emotions were in both scenarios – excitement and tinges of heart wrenching nostalgia.  For younger parents, they hardly believe their ‘babies’ are ready to explore a new world - their first educational institution. For families of high school graduates, they barely imagine their ‘babies’ are now transitioning into adult domain. As I scanned these stories, I quickly reflected on the day we ‘released’ Erica and Stephanie to their initial schooling experiences (Kindergarten and Post-Secondary).  Some emotions are apparently common ground for many of us.

This year, school is still a part of our family life. Stephanie has returned to her second year of an Education Support Program at Conestoga College in Kitchener.  She will have opportunity to do some substitute teaching now as well, which is exciting for her.  September for Morris marks the completion of his first university degree: MA in Leadership from the University of Guelph. He has worked very hard for the last 18 months, particularly since this covered three appointments and our biggest life transition to a new home and leadership role in a developing country. We will be celebrating his graduation on October 21!  As for Erica and myself, we aren’t doing any formal studies right now but we are still in learning mode.  Along with being the mother of two little ones, Erica is becoming her own entrepreneur with two ventures – her Doula business as well as learning the ropes of being a Property Investor.  She is also now ‘teacher mom’ (along with teacher dad) to Anna-Lynne whose pre-school comprehension includes knowing her colors, her alphabet and she can count to 20, though she isn’t yet 3 years old!  I think she will be ready for school next year. :)  For me, my schooling life is about trying to improve my writing skills and learn more Swahali.  

To bring my focus back to Kenya, a few other schooling matters grabbed my attention this month. I walked to the ‘house’ next to THQ on Wednesday to deliver new t-shirts to our boys program, thanks to a kind donation from a friend in the US.  Here the Salvation Army offers an education and social setting to young boys who live on the streets in Kakamega. The program is called “Martha’s Boys”. Most of these boys, ranging from age 8-26 years, have little clothing - many only what they wear, made obvious by the washing we see them doing every day.  Their faces lit up as they donned their new shirts (pic below). They come from tough ‘family’ situations and many find no recourse but to sleep on the streets. They are welcomed at our program every day for a meal, learning social skills, and engage in classroom education.  In October, we will celebrate that 12 of them are enrolling for their high school final exams! My scope of emotions that day radiated from the joy of how we are able to help these boys to a sadness that unlike many reading this blog, family life is not the boys’ best asset. A good friend of mine recently shared with me how her 21 year old grandson wrote a beautiful letter of appreciation to his parents this year for their birthdays.  What a gift! How I wish these boys could know a fraction of the family love so many of us take for granted.

The toughest school story, however, is a very tragic one - a chronicle even tougher than hearing that the August election in Kenya was ruled ‘null and void’ because of corruption in the voting system. Kenyans go back to the polls on October 17.  In spite of all the focus on the country’s political woes, what reached the heart of the Kenyan people was the devastating report out of Nairobi that nine girls died when a high school dormitory was burned out last week. Unfortunately, arson is suspected. A 14 year old girl is now in custody and accused of murder and arson. So sad. Morris and I have visited many boarding school dormitories. They are often small rooms with large numbers of students sleeping in tightly fitted bunk beds. I imagined the panic when fire broke out. The news reported the heartache of the families. As I pray for the families who mourn so deeply, I also pray that the young girl implicated in the tragedy will find a better way forward in her life.  

Beyond what is happening here in Kenya of course, we are also conscious of many horrific world events this month - hurricanes throughout the southern States and Caribbean, earthquakes in Mexico and Italy, and monsoon rains causing exponential flooding in South East Asia leaving 1.8 million children unable to go school.  So many lives are torn apart and communities struggling to manage all the brokenness. 

Not sure what this September brings to you. Perhaps my musings bring to mind your own memories or increases your level of gratitude.  We live in a ‘both/and’ world.  Many of us have incredible blessings AND the lives of others are laced with disaster and grief.  I hope this blog prompts you to remember those in our world who need our prayers and our financial support. Let’s turn our empathy into action. We can all make some difference.

Let me close with the truth of one of my favorite songs in the Salvation Army songbook.

This is my Father’s world

O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong

God is the ruler yet.

23 boys who attend the Marthas Boys program along with their teacher, Vincent, and 

Major Beatrice Musieni, the Social Sponsorship Secretary 

After donning their t-shirts, they wanted a photo with me as well. 

2017 Kenya Election

August 21, 2017

Experiencing life outside your own country continues to broaden our perspective of global realisms.  The past few weeks have caused Morris and I to trust deeply that all would be well here in Kenya during their national election.  We have joined many around the world to pray for peace as we supported efforts toward promoting a calm election process as well as preparing for any potential emergency. We have a new appreciation for a place like Canada where the nuances of democracy are understood and followed without fear.  We have a more profound empathy towards a nation like Kenya where people have the same rights as anyone else but those rights are not always secure.  In 1963 Kenya became a democratic nation, but when a national egalitarian process like an election happens, suddenly there is no certainty that democracy will be followed completely.

We all knew this would be a close race between Uhuru Kenyatta, reigning President, and 72 year old Raila Odigna, the Opposition leader who was trying for the fourth time to secure the top seat in Kenya’s legislation. Interestingly, the fathers of both these men competed for the same office a number of years back.  Kenyatta’s platform focused on a promise to create a million jobs while Odinga said he would fight corruption in the country.  For weeks, people were tense and on the ‘edge of their seat’ to see whether this would be a diplomatic and non-violent process.  One horrific incident shattered hopes even before Election Day.   Levels of anxiety and uncertainty were raised when Chris Msando, director of the Information Technology commission overseeing the election’s voting process, was tortured and killed. Speculations over the cause and intention of this murder began to trickle through the land.

On August 08, nearly 80% of the 19 million eligible voters went to the polls to elect a new President. From 1:00 a.m. til late that evening, residents lined up for hours (some ques were 3-4 kilometers long) at more than 40,000 polling stations to hope their vote counted.  We woke the next morning to the news that Kenyatta was in the lead and Odigna was adamant this was a rigged election, declaring the voting process a fraud.  Immediately, some violent protests broke out, thankfully not reaching the feared levels from 2007.  As we heard of the fatalities, we knew that democracy has its limitations here and our hearts were saddened by the loss of life in an event that should be everyone’s peaceful right. It was particularly sad to know the Kibera neighborhood in Nairobi, the poorest area of Kenya, was specifically targeted. Those whom Jesus says should receive our greatest love and attention, were now the object of injustice.

It took three days before the voting tallies were complete and the incumbent President declared the winner, securing more than 57% of the votes. Every day we checked for the levels of safety around our communities and anxiously waited to ensure no major uprising occurred. When  myself and Commissioner Grace took our flight to Nairobi on Aug. 11, there was a noticeable extra police presence at the Kisumu airport. When Morris and the TC traveled to Kisumu on August 15, they could see the remnants of the fires that had occurred in the city.  Another disturbing news story revealed that the President of the IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) had committed suicide. Once again, sadness surfaced.  After several days of wondering how Odigna would finally manage his defeat, it appears he has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to challenge the election results. The ruling will be released on September 01.

If I could borrow a line from my home country’s national anthem, I would choose these words for Kenya: God keep this land glorious and free.  We continue to pray for peace in Kenya. “In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust.” 

Election Preparedness

July 13.17

A couple weeks ago, I wrote a blog on peace. Basing my thoughts on the difference between sitting quietly on my front veranda and the reality of what is going on outside the compound, especially as it relates to the national election that is now very close.  Many people are concerned that peace will be disturbed and violence may erupt. Over the past few weeks, we have been tormented with news that violence has already occurred but Kenyans are still hopeful that this will not be a repeat of the 2007 'bloody' election.  The expectation is that the voting on August 8 will create a close race between the leader of the Jubilee party (currently reigning) and the opposition party (National Super Alliance).  The hope is that the election results will be released within 24 hours. This should alleviate the worry for post election violence. If the results are delayed, fears arise that the election process has been rigged which can trigger riotous responses.

Knowing the burden that is shared by so many Kenyans right now, The Salvation Army has taken a proactive approach to help support and prepare the people. With the possibility of unrest looming all too close, the two Territories - Kenya East and Kenya West - have combined forces to prepare for the people's safety and well being. A national conference was held for both territories with support from International Headquarters to provide training and equip many of our leaders to help promote a time of peace in the land and also to prepare for emergency responses. As Salvation Army leaders, we want to help build peace in the communities and do all we can to protect innocent people.

A recent report from the Election Preparedness Conference gives the details regarding what is being done here:

To help find as many ways and opportunities as possible to promote peace, The Salvation Army has planned various strategies.  Resources for Bible studies and sermons are available to help teach Christian values on peace and to remind people of the Christian perspective. Songs have been written about peace. Opportunities to promote peace have been taken during football tournaments, in school competitions, and at various other public events.  Banners with peace messages are being used in multiple ways. Household checklists with directives to be followed during the week of the election is being distributed as well as bookmarks, car stickers, and other resources - all in the name of building peace. A film that tells the whole story of conflict preparedness and peace building is also available. An excellent music video has been created to encourage Kenyans about peace. The production came as a result of recordings done here in both Kenyan Territories of various ministry units, including the Street Boys program and various schools.  (The video has just been released from IHQ and is now available for viewing through various media platforms - Facebook, Twitter, etc. - see the link below).

While all of the country is on alert regarding the election, there are certain 'hot spots' where violence is more likely to happen. Our projects team have visited several of these areas, providing information and sharing election preparedness resources, including taking the program into many schools to share with both students and staff on how to prepare for safety if needed. 1000 checklists have been distributed to 20 different areas. 500 car stickers and 2000 bookmarks were given to every Salvation Army Division and District. 

The other concern in case of disturbances following the election is the availability of food for people. Many people will choose to stay in their homes for a number of days. Markets and shops that usually provide food may have some challenges with their stock. People are encouraged to have at least one week's supply of food on hand.  In case of a need to support vulnerable or unprepared residents, The Salvation Army is preparing a stock pile of food in case of emergency. This includes the local food basics: maize, beans, cooking oil, rice, and sugar. Other emergency supplies such as blankets and mats will also be available.  As well, many of our compounds are being prepared to become a shelter for displaced people if needed. 

So what can you do to help?  Keep yourself informed through national television regarding the election and most importantly, pray.  Yes, please pray.  We believe God desires peace for his people and we believe in the power of prayer. I call upon all those who have faith in God (in whatever form you choose to express that), to pray for peace for Kenya for the next several weeks - both leading up to and after the Election Day (August 08).  We ask you to pray for us and for all our Officers and their families and for all the residents of this country. Morris and I, along with the Territorial Commander and his wife, have made adjustments in our schedules to limit our travel during this period. However, we are scheduled to attend a Zonal Conference in Madagascar and we ask for your prayers that our travel will be possible and safe. Commissioner Grace and I leave on August 11 for a Women's Conference that happens first and then Morris and Commissioner Stephen travel on August 14. Be assured we will not take any unnecessary risks and we will be quite confident that travelling is safe before leaving home.

If you have not already seen the video referenced above, I strongly encourage you to view it. The video was made possible by the partnership of International Development Services and International Emergency Services, both based at The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London, England.  It is worth the watch. A press release from IHQ recently quoted Morris regarding this project: "Lieut-Colonel Morris Vincent (Chief Secretary, Kenya West Territory) says: ‘Everything is so well done and the children express confidently and with great passion their desire for this time in our history to be peaceful. I express appreciation to all who partnered to make this happen. We value more than words can fully express the ongoing support from the international Salvation Army for our territory (in this case for both Kenya territories)."

Here is the link to view the video and the short documentary:  http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/kenyamyhome

Thanks everyone for all your love, thoughts, prayers, and support for us and especially now for this country that needs continued peace.

Injustice

July 04.17

Injustice

The word ‘injustice’ conjures many images in our minds. Human trafficking, terrorism, war, poverty, unequal distribution of wealth, and world hunger are a few. Injustice in its simplest terms is any unfair act or wrong treatment toward an individual or group. The most recent news story of the young American who died after being imprisoned in North Korea for 15 months is one more reminder. Recently I have been made aware of two examples that tear at my heart. One is FGM – Female Genital Mutilation. I barely knew what this was until this year. While this practice has been largely eliminated in Kenya, in some areas it still exists, often in secret. Some tribes and cultures still consider this procedure to be something good for young girls - a way to prepare them for marriage or even considered as a sign of beauty and respect. Yet, it seems like such an unfair attack on the innocent bodies of precious young women. FGM can be damaging physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Many of the girls affected are trapped and have to run away from home to escape - but they have no place to go. I feel sad that what some may view as a normal expectation can be so harming.

Another example of injustice came to my attention while I was preparing to go into the field with one of our Women’s Ministry groups called WORTH.  This income generating program started in 2012 and has been successful in several areas. Through the support of The Salvation Army initially from New Zealand and now through the US (SAWSO), financial support is enabling this program to continue. Groups of women in rural villages meet weekly, giving them opportunity to save and borrow money, mostly to help start their own businesses but it also provides literacy training and other life skills. During my first visit to the program, I heard many success stories.  Women testify to being more self-sufficient and better able to support their families – pay school fees, install electricity in their homes, buy milking cows, and pay for funeral expenses were a few of the stories I heard.

On route to my first WORTH group visit, the Officer at THQ who is in charge of the program shared with us a terrible injustice that happened in another group a few days ago. As part of the program, the treasurer takes the money box to her home for safe keeping. (I know this would not be an acceptable practice in Canada but it is here). The box is locked with three padlocks and three different people have keys so there is no way for the treasurer alone to have access to the money. This is part of their accountability procedures. The tragedy which happened, though, occurred late one evening.  Someone broke into the treasurer’s home and began to beat her, demanding she hand over the money box. The speculation is that someone leaked information into the village that this lady was keeping the box of money in her home and thus the attack. The treasurer survived the attacks.  Instead of giving them the group’s money, she gave them some of her own hard earned money to get them to leave her.  The incident shook her and I am sure she is now quite fearful in her own home. 

Whenever we hear of injustice happening, we often ask – what can we do? In the cases I just shared, the Women’s Ministry Department is responding. Even if we cannot eliminate all that seems so unfair or prevent them from happening again, we can hopefully make some difference. At the Africa Women Officers Zonal Conference in August, Commissioner Grace Chepkurui, will be presenting a workshop on FGM. Included will be a discussion with the women leaders across Africa to consider further preventative measures to help cease the practice and increase the awareness of the damage it can cause. Commissioner Grace and I also have plans to share this with the divisional and district women officers at a working retreat we are having in September. We realize two things in these action plans. One, discussion is not enough. We must act. Two, it will take initiatives in the local areas from the local people to really make the difference.

As for the situation with the WORTH program, there is now a review of the practices and procedures concerning how we can better protect the women involved.  Some challenges are very difficult to overcome but we are working together towards better days.

I have no doubt that there is injustice happening all around us. It isn’t always what we hear on the news.  Sometimes it’s in our own backyard – or yes, even in our church. Let’s keep ourselves attentive to anything that promotes inequality, violates basic human rights, causes unjust injury of any kind, or disturbs any person’s sense of dignity. It’s wrong. Let’s not be satisfied to simply feel pity. There just may be something we can do. Something I can do and you can do. Be willing to get involved. You just might make a difference in your corner of the world.

Some pics of my visit to the WORTH program.

The money box

 Every group loves for visitors to come and speak with them. 

And of course, dance with them!!

The group started small but quickly grew to fill the corps building 

The Musings of a "Teacher"

June 17.17

The Musings of a “Teacher”

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. This desire remained with me into high school. In a science class one day (one of my least favorite subjects) I imagined myself as the teacher.  I wonder why that was. The subject was physics. The only reason I was in the class was I had to choose between physics, chemistry, and biology. I loved math so I thought physics was my best science option.  As I sat dreaming of exchanging places with Mr. Russell, it definitely wasn’t the subject that inspired me.  Instead, I think it was the teacher.  I remember he seemed very interested in the material he was presenting and in the students. He used a variety of teaching techniques, not just lecturing, which helped make the class interesting.  But perhaps the most important thing I remember was Mr. Russell’s reputation.  I recall him as a well-respected man throughout the school and in the community.  I recall how often he would be seen connecting with students after class. 

As most of you know, I did not chase my dream of becoming a teacher.  Instead I pursued a spiritual journey and became a preacher.  I followed an inner conviction, a divine calling from God. I have no regrets, for many reasons.  One, not surprisingly, is that as a Salvation Army Officer, I have many opportunities to teach.  I do not have the academic credentials to own the title ‘teacher’.  I have, however, exercised the role or practice of teaching - in Bible studies and sermons, facilitating small group discussions and workshops, training and developing emerging leaders (including Camp Staff), and a couple years ago I tutored a group of women officers in leadership coaching.  However successful or unsuccessful these have been, I have enjoyed 'living my dream' and hopefully been useful to a few ‘students’.

In my current role in Kenya, I am grateful that I still get to teach a little.  The appointment I have exceeds the ministry associated with the Women’s Department – as important and meaningful as that is. It also includes a leadership role with Morris. One of our joys is participating in Officers Councils and speaking at the Officer Training College. I was thrilled when I knew that both the Councils and the OTC Spiritual Days are formatted as teaching times. We choose our own subjects and both of us present (teach). Like the example Mr. Russell set for me, I am very interested in the subject matter we share and I have a deep desire to see the ‘students’ grow and develop. We have been so blessed to stand before groups of officers and Cadets who seem very eager to learn. Many of them have been keen to interact and have engaged well in a Q & A at the end of the sessions. They also like hanging out after class. :)

The two subjects we are exploring with the officers are servant leadership and accountability. For the first subject, we have gleaned insights from the writings of Commissioner Robert Street and Henri Nouwen, though our greatest resource has been the Bible – the life and leadership of Jesus.  Servant leadership is modeled for us clearly there. It is also the leadership style Morris and I have sought to emulate over the past 23 years and one we believe is the plumb line for Salvation Army Officers.  Accountability follows that. It is the means through which all leaders are answerable for their actions, attitudes, and behaviors. We are finding helpful reflections in a book called Spiritual Renewal from IHQ but once again the Bible is our default source.  For me, accountability is more than just a buzz word for the Army right now. It is a deep conviction that Christian behavior and spiritual leadership should seep with transparency and integrity.  One day we will stand before God who will judge our living. We need to be alert and responsible.  After living in Kenya for nearly six months, I can see where servant leadership and accountability are relevant.  However, I believe these are globally germane.

As I prepare and present these topics, my prayer is that I will not belong to the crowd of religious leaders that Jesus chastised in Matthew 23 because “they do not practice what they preach” (or teach). I want to own any lesson I give to others. 

So, back to my grade 11 Science class. Thanks Mr. Russell for being a good example. Your teaching skills and interest in your students have not left me.  Perhaps I will inspire someone listening to me someday - even if they are day dreaming. And more than anything, I hope the person I am will always mean more than just what I do. 

 Morris and I visiting one of our schools. 
I don't think they would want me to teach here,

but they loved the visit. 

Peace

June 02, 2017

Peace

This morning I woke early and spent some time on our front veranda. It was a beautiful morning. Birds were singing. Grass is so green with the rainy season here.  The blue sky was pretty perfect with the early morning sun peeking through the trees that surround our house. The warm rays reaching my lawn chair. A sweet morning to sit quietly,  enjoy a good cup of tea, and review my Bible lesson that I would share at Officers Councils today.  As I sit, I feel the word ‘peace’ rising up within me.  Perfect peace. It’s so tranquil. I even ventured to consider it paradise. Perhaps similar to the garden of Eden – before the Fall.  In my heart I think - “isn’t this what we all desire?” Peace. A ceasing of what brings us turmoil, sorrow, pain or confusion.  An end to conflict, tragedy, terrorism, disease, poverty, corruption. Peace. Peace in our land. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our homes.

Here in Kenya, the election campaign for a new President is now ramping up and is quite visible. Every day we see and hear noisy buses and trucks combing the city with loud speakers blaring the promises of politicians, and causing more than usual chaos for traffic.  Today in Kakamega there is a significant political rally happening. The leader of the National Super Alliance party (the Opposition) is here. Our drive to Kakamega Citadel at 9:00 a.m. showed evidence of the preparation.  During our return drive at 2:00 pm we were stuck for a while in a congested traffic jam as hundreds of extra people had come for the rally.  The venue for the event was the city’s new Stadium that is still under construction. We were surprised (though I guess we should not have been) that it was being used even though the new structure is not completed.  From our car we could see crowds of people sitting or standing on risers and other wooden structures that looked fragmented. We hoped they would stay safe.

In some ways, this campaign is no different than the ones at home - opposing parties making promises to secure votes. There are two major concerns here though. 1. Will this election be peaceful or violent?  2. Will this election make any difference in this developing country? The first concern is based on the history that there can be riots and violence associated with such campaigns as evidenced by the 2013 and 2007 elections. We are praying that this year it will be peaceful so that vulnerable and innocent people will not be injured, or worse, killed. The second concern can only be tempered with hope that life will eventually improve for the Kenyan people.  Let’s believe that someday there will be better infrastructure for road ways, that everyone will have access to clean water and food, that education will not be hindered due to poverty, and that a higher standard of health care will be available, all of which are desperately needed for people’s basic human rights to be met.

My morning quiet time was a blessing to me but I could not forget that just outside the compound gate is a world that needs much peace. So I turn to the prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

Self Denial

April 30.17  Self-Denial

My apologies for the delay in posting this. I began it almost a month ago.  I've been a little busy the past two weeks with the greatest joy of my heart - my family. :) Loving every moment of having time at home with two precious little ones - and with the big ones too.  I am now back in Kenya and wanted to share this blog.  

Being part of The Salvation Army all my life, the annual Self Denial Appeal (or more recently known in Canada as Partners in Mission) has been very familiar.   Every year, various fund raising efforts help us contribute some of our monetary riches to the International Salvation Army to help support countries of the world where people struggle to meet their basic human needs. When I attended ICO (International College for Officers) in 2005, I learned that Territories around the SA world are divided between ‘Grant Aided’ and ‘Financially Independent’ Territories. The annual appeal provides opportunity for people in the FIT areas to support their brothers and sisters in the GAT areas. I also discovered that Salvationists in the GAT also do their own fund raising and support other areas of the world who need help.

This year I find myself living and serving in Kenya, a Territory that is aided by grants from International Headquarters in order to survive.  True to what I learned at ICO, I have now seen how people here who live with so little also give out of their ‘riches’ to help others.  On April 23, representatives from all 26 Divisions and Districts gathered for the annual Territorial Self Denial Sunday. Over 2000 Salvationists were present and engaged in a vibrant worship service. Here you see a group dancing with their timbrels in a spirit of thanksgiving and also the Territorial Songsters swaying to the beat of their music - voices only.

Morris was privileged to preach the Word that day.  He focused on how we need to expand our understanding of ‘self-denial’ to mean more than just giving money. As Christians, we are called to take the example of Jesus who denied himself by laying down his life in full surrender for the salvation of others. 

During the second half of the meeting, each Division and District presented their offerings, representing fund raising from their area.  In keeping with the very competitive spirit here, prizes were awarded to each area that ‘gave the most’. It was fun to watch how excited they were to receive their trophies. But even more exciting was to hear that every year the Territory always exceeds the giving from the previous year and this year was no exception. The amount raised in 2017 was over 21 million Kenyan shillings (equivalent to more than $210,000 US dollars). This was an increase of over 2 million shillings from the year before.

I was struck on this day to see for myself the Biblical lesson found in the story of the widow who gave her mite (Luke 21). I see first-hand the conditions that people live in here. I see those who live without what most North American's consider basics of every day life like access to electricity. I see those who have no indoor plumbing or running water, those who cook on open fires every day, those who struggle to pay school fees so their children can have an education and those who just don't have these funds.  I see every officer in the Territory needing to rely on extra income from planting fields of crops or raising chickens or goats or having milking cows to supplement their small salary in order to care for their family. I know there are many officers here who do not get their allowances because the corps in which they are serving cannot afford to pay them. And yet, from these real life situations, they give to others. And they give with cheerful hearts.

I’m glad this is no longer a theory that I learned at ICO.