In the news we daily watch examples of religious and ethnic strife. Our human family is struggling with differences...often seeing those who are different than oneself as a threat; something to be feared and protected against.

It occurred to me recently that Shanti Children’s Foundation represents a rainbow coalition! Our children are Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim. Our sponsors are Jewish and Christian. And we have come together with a common goal: education. Compassion and kindness have bridged any differences. Background, religion, location, ethnicity, culture, age, income...none of these factors seem to matter. What gleams brightly is the desire to connect. The children write to their sponsors, eager to know about their lives and world. Sponsors are curious about Nepal and Kashmir, what life is like for their sponsored child.

Here I see and feel this most natural impulse to bridge difference and to meet on the path of Life, a path that we all have in common. To connect across distance and culture. To give, to share. Despite differences, to experience that we are all human and face the same challenges, joys and heartbreak. It gives me great joy to see my friends and acquaintances contributing to make this journey a little easier for their “small brothers and sisters”. For this is what we are: a human family. When we remember that beautiful fact.