Much to do
When we young people heard that there was a colony of 1000 people in the desert who were stricken with leprosy, we went to explore their situation.
Noting that they were lacked of everything, even medical care, we contacted Caritas. Now we are a group of Christians and Muslims who go to visit them on our days off from work. Two medical students did some research on caring for lepers. Others got involved in other services, such as painting their dwellings. Another young person, a journalist, wrote articles in several magazines and newspapers in order to inform about and sensitize as many people as possible to the problem.
We came to realize that those patients were especially in need of someone who would listen to them: for them, this was even more important than medicines. This experience made us realize that there is always something that we can do, to give something that will be to the advantage of others.
S. H. – Egypt
The little cart
A poor man had knocked on our door several times, asking for money.
I thought it would be better to teach him how to fish as it were, rather than just give him a fish. So I started to build him a small cart to sell sweets and coffee. I made the cart’s window with a metal table we had in the house and, with the proceeds from the sale of paper, I bought the wheels. We ended up with a really nice cart! Then we went to Bogota, in the area that the poor man frequented, to deliver it to him. When he saw it he was amazed, and so happy that he wanted to take a picture with us. He got to work right away and now he leads a more dignified life.
O. M. – Colombia
I found a friend!
I was driving to the doctor’s. It was raining and I was in a hurry. I had just passed a man who was walking with difficulty by the side of the road. Then I had second thoughts and, backing up, I invited him to get in. He was also on his way to the doctor… my very doctor! Hearing that, he exclaimed: “Today I met an angel!” In fact, my name is Angelo and after I told him that, he had quite a good laugh. When we left the doctor’s, I accompanied Antonio – that was his name – to do some shopping and then back home where I met his wife, Antonietta. As they shared about themselves, I was offered a liqueur and a biscuit made by his wife. Before saying goodbye, we exchanged phone numbers and promised each other to meet again.
