A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil, that good may come of it... We are too ready to retaliate, rather than forgive... And yet we could hurt no man that we believe loves us. Let us try then what love will do: for if men did once see we love them, we should soon find they would not harm us. Force may subdue, but Love gains: and he that forgives first, wins the laurel.
William Penn

Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone...
George Fox

Thursday, January 19, 2012

For Bntsi Habiba (My Dear Daughter)

My daughter Olivia will be returning to Portugal in a few days, so I'd like to express my gratitude to her now, before she leaves. Throughout the 1000 kilometer journey that we walked together, from Portalegre to Fes, it was Olivia who always kept things together. When I was ranting and raving at the universe for the heavy rain, or the scary drivers, or the cold, or the lack of food or the lack of shelter; whenever I was fed up and carrying on in an angry monologue because of all the discomforts and inconveniences of perpetual, homeless wandering; when I was even on the verge of tears in frustration on one occasion, Olivia was steady, stoical, calm, and reassuring. She was responsible for finding our hosts on Couchsurfing, and she was adamant that we not spend beyond our budget. Olivia kept me in check when I was irrational, and cheered me up when I sulked. 
So again, my gratitude to you, kid. You are tough as nails, and sweet at the same time. I am proud of you, and I love you Olivia. God bless you. 

3 comments:

  1. God bless Olivia, and you, Ken!

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  2. goood job Ms ken i love this page and i wish you tell me about your news and GGooood luck to you and also your doghter from hafsa and his father

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