The countenance of kindness radiates so bright, embracing and positively capturing the hearts of all. It leaves prints that linger far beyond the breath of men.
This year, kind hearts of men introduced the world to James, a Nigerian security guard at Providence College, who was recently given a monumental shock by the students he protects.
Working 4 overnight shifts a week, student organizer Brandon Reichart said James greets everybody with a smile and always welcomes conversations no matter what time of the night.
But for the last five years, James has not been able to return to his homeland to visit his family, and so Brandon organized a GoFundMe to secretly arrange a trip back to Nigeria with pocket money included.
The GoFundMe page said that all donations will go first to buy James a ticket, then to pay for his food and lodging, but the donations kept on coming until the fundraiser was halted at $30,000.
Then came the fun part, when Brandon and some of his fellow students entered James’ office and surprised him with the ticket.
“We started a GoFundMe to take care of our own, because that’s what we do here at Providence College. As long as I’ve been here they’ve done that for me, we do that for each other, so now we’re doing it for you,” said Brandon, with James sitting in his chair looking perplexed.
“You’re part of the family, so our gift to you is a trip to Nigeria,” he says, while a fellow student tries to hand James an envelope; James covers his face and falls to the floor.
It is clear to see and appreciate how a warm hug, a generous smile and a welcoming heart could all create arrays of open doors and opportunity in places and times we least expect.
At TLI, we still stand on the existing belief system and mantra that, no act of kindness, be it ever little, goes unrewarded. Just be the positive change you desire.