The little orphan and I walked down the mountain to the city to buy shoes. She slipped out of her small rubber sandals into a new pair, carefully counted 45 rupees (less than one US dollar) into the shopkeeper's hand, and walked away.

"Wait! " I called, as I reached for the discarded shoes. "You've forgotten your old sandals. "

She glanced back at me, "No, leave them," she firmly replied. "I only need one pair. Leave them for someone who has none. "

Love. Compassion.

I must practice.