In the heart of the Al Yarmouk church neighbourhood, there is a man selling inflatable balloons on the side walk. With a broad smile on his face - he is a true beacon of hope, always spreading joy to all the passersby as they make their way for the weekly Sunday service. Surviving on meagre income from the sale of balloons, he often greets us as we make our way for the service. He never fails to enquire as to our health as he greets us though we never purchase any of his balloons. Days and months have gone by as we have kept meeting him every Sunday evening before mass. One day, as we entered the church gate - I was as usual on the lookout out for him. The spot was completely empty - a blank pavement with passersby coming to and fro from the church. At that moment, I was in a state of thoughtfulness. I wondered where this individual could be or where he may have gone. Weeks and months passed, and we could still not see him. We then decided to keep him in our prayers - hopi...
How many of you have ever been on an adventure that completely changed the your view towards life? One moment, you’re having fun, and the next, you’re questioning everything. That’s exactly what happened to me two years ago on a trip to Musandam. It was one of those great moments – calm waters, blue skies and excitement of trying something new. One of the activities was the banana boat ride. Now, if you haven’t tried it before, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a banana-shaped boat tied to a speedboat that drags you across the water at high speed… until it flips, sending everyone crashing into the sea. I was excited. I had never done something this adventurous before. The ride started, and within minutes, we were flying across the waves.The boat sailed for a span of 15 to 20 minutes in high speed, when all of sudden – Swooooooooshhhhhh! The rope tied to the banana boat was left lose. I clung to my life jacket as if it were the only thing keeping me alive, my fingers...