It’s approaching 1 am, and I’ve just returned from Amsterdam. I met up with Jenny in the city after wrapping up work, and my goodness, it marked our first reunion in a staggering eight months. Seeing her again was an incredible experience, as I’d missed her immensely. Jenny shared stories of her recent trip to Africa, and I must confess that, after hearing her tales, it became abundantly clear how troubled our world can be. I was quite disheartened by some of the things she had to recount, and I feel compelled to express my thoughts on the matter.

Jenny had spent eight months in Africa, dedicating her time to volunteer work with underprivileged children. Her accounts of the experiences she had undergone were profoundly moving and underscored the grim realities of our world. She conveyed her frustration that, despite her sincere efforts, her assistance seemed to mean little to the people she sought to help. It’s worth noting that she even financed her own flight to Africa. Her intentions were nothing short of noble, yet her generosity went largely unappreciated. The children she endeavored to aid were between 5 and 10 years old, a multitude of young African souls. Jenny, driven by her enormous heart, sought to make a difference and effect change. Nevertheless, her stories left me with a heavy heart, revealing the seemingly insurmountable challenges even the most dedicated individuals face.

There’s an adage that change begins with oneself, but I must vehemently disagree with that sentiment. Frankly, it’s utter nonsense. I could hardly contain my emotions, and tears threatened to stream down my cheeks as Jenny recounted her experiences. I listened to her stories for hours, and it was truly eye-opening to learn that charitable organizations sometimes have a hidden agenda that veers away from the spirit of selflessness. Our conversation led me to believe that in the world we inhabit, selfless acts of kindness are a rarity. Jenny’s motivation was the simple desire to feel good about helping others, a noble aspiration. However, in the context of her time in Africa, her efforts seemed to go unacknowledged. I was furious upon hearing this, and it appeared that her goodwill had backfired in some inexplicable way. Why? There were other volunteer workers from various places who arrived at the charity organization with the misguided notion that their mere presence made them heroes. Jenny was the one who truly dedicated herself to making a difference and enriching the lives of the children. In my eyes, she was the real hero!

I apologize for the rant, but this issue has genuinely stirred my emotions. Now, Jenny has returned to Holland, and I’ve emphasized to her that she should take immense pride in her actions. I find myself deeply envious of her; I can’t think of anyone I know who would undertake what she did. She strived to help, to care, to love, and to sacrifice personal comforts for the sake of others. I’ve reminded her that this has been a profound learning experience, and the lessons she’s acquired should remain close to her heart and mind. I’m confident that, despite the charity organization’s shortcomings, the little orphans she touched undoubtedly respected and loved her as much as she showed love to them. In truth, I don’t see many people in my circle capable of what Jenny accomplished. She’s nothing short of a saint, and if she happens to read this, she must always remember that. No one can take away the invaluable experiences she’s gained. We all inhabit this shared world, and the quest for equality is a noble one. Her thoughts on the matter are absolutely justified. No matter how ardently one strives to make a difference, it often feels like an insurmountable challenge. We need more individuals like Jenny.

I could continue discussing this for hours, but I’ll refrain. It’s time for me to get some rest, as I need to rise in a mere five hours. I’m looking forward to meeting Jenny again on Sunday for Amsterdam’s GAY PRIDE celebration. It should be a fantastic time! I hope everyone is doing well. Peace out!