Yesterday I had an opportunity to be a part of the Christmas celebrations in the Providence Home, along with the students of Don Bosco College, which is a Home for physically handicapped, mentally challenged and differently-abled People, where our crewmate Albin is absolving his degree in social works. The college is located in Valimana, Iritty, in mid the lush green of Kerala.

The Christmas celebration included various cultural activities, followed by a delicious Christmas meal. The whole event was very well organized by the specially trained and talented students of the School. The brothers and sisters working there are very loving and enthusiastic.

I returned home with very mixed emotions: I felt happy that I could contribute to some happiness of a few less fortunate souls, and a bit sad, realizing that most of us, including me, are healthy and without any disabilities, yet still blaming our life for having miseries, which suddenly seem comparatively neglectable. Too often, many of us lack a sense of sympathy and empathy for our fellow beings.

We should, from time to time, consider less fortunate people and their life. Then we might stop complaining and instead thank God for being born with all human abilities and for having a self-depended life.

I was touched by the solicitude of Sisters (teachers) of the Providence school. They care for each student like it is their own child. It seemed more as it would be a celebration of a very big family. The joy in the people's eyes was beautiful and heartwarming.