This is one of my favourite quotes of Eleanor Roosevelt, because it’s so true and relevant for my life. I have mentioned in my previous posts that I have been counting my blessings because I have so many things to be grateful for. One thing that definitely stands out is the amount of people whom have left their footprints behind on my heart.
I’m inspired to write this post because I received an email from my ‘big brother’ Ernst the other day. Ernst was my leader during my first journey to India nine years ago. After getting to know Ernst, he became like a big brother to me. He certainly has been a huge role model for me when it comes to development aid. Throughout the last couple of years we’ve fallen out of touch. He worked all over Africa for War Child and I was out in the world for my study and work as well. Nevertheless, when we were in contact, our band has always remain to be good. Every now and then I read articles about him and just simply admire and being very proud of him continuing his great work for War Child. Receiving his email made me reminisce about how he has influenced my life for the better.
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| Ernst at work in Uganda © |
Ernst is one of the many people that I have been blessed to meet throughout my life. Footprints from people all over the world have marked my heart for eternity. Although I haven’t seen or spoken with some of them in a long while, my bond with them is still very much treasured. Some might be out of sight, but they still remain in my heart...
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| Claudine |
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| Hadley |
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| Amy aka Shorty |
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| Claire |
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| Ria |
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| Jorinka |
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| Mayke, Mus & Loes |
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| Annemiek |
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| Paul |
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| Phil |
And there are so many more to mention, which I will definitely do in future posts on my blog. As if God hasn’t blessed me enough with these wonderful friends, He keeps on sending people my way who add more and more footprints on my heart. Footprints sure do seem to have a special meaning in my life. I will devote a post on this in the future as well.
For now, I want to leave you with one of my favourite poems:
= Some friends stay forever near our heart =
As we walk our path of life,
We meet people every day.
Most are simply met by chance
but some are sent our way.
These become the special friends
whose bond we can't explain;
the ones who understand us
and share our joy and pain.
Their love contains no boundaries,
so even when apart,
their presence still embraces us
with warmth felt in the heart.
This love becomes a passageway
where even miles disappear
And so these friends God sends our way
remain forever near.
Be grateful for these special friends who cross your path in life, for they are rare and make your life worthwhile. My wish for you is to have a whole lot of footprints on your heart!
Lots of love,
Bao-Nhi
