The New Secret Room

Father Kiesler had decided that he was going to spend Christmas with his parents and that he was going to take Monifa with him. He called his mother at lunch time that morning to tell her. She sounded happy and told him that she and the rest of the family couldn't wait to see him. …

Ruth’s Day Tour with Nigel

It was the weekend. On Saturday, Ruth and Nigel took a day trip by train to Bath where they visited the Roman Baths, took a relaxing dip in hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa, visited one museum and one gallery, climbed Bath Abbey’s Tower, had lunch at elegant Georgian Pump Room Restaurant where they each enjoyed a …

Rescuer of Warsaw’s Children

“You see a man drowning, you must try to save him even if you cannot swim.”― Irena Sendler, Life In A Jar She was a woman of great courage, risking her life to rescue 2,500 Jewish children.  People may wonder how could one person save so many children. It was in her nature to help …

Dinner Talk & a Warning

Thaddaus on his way to Krasi where he was to meet Ms. Sambu. It was early Saturday evening. During the week, he had called her and asked her to have dinner with him. She sounded surprised but accepted his invitation. They arranged to meet in front of the restaurant at seven. When he got there, …

Kalisa on Campus

At first, he thought that his mind and eyes were playing tricks on him. Missing Kalisa and longing to be with her were finally taking a toll on him to the point where he thought he saw her a few moments ago. I'm losing my mind, he mused. As much as I wish she were …

Teaching, Playwrights and Burgers

He reached the plank and emerged from the water. As he hoisted himself out of the water, with his hands flattened on the wood, he turned his head towards her direction. She could tell that he was looking at her. Her heart began to pound like crazy. Should she leave now before he got completely …

First Day at Jacksonville University

It was the first day back to university. He had mixed feelings. While he was excited about the new year and teaching new students, he couldn't stop thinking about Kalisa and missing the times they spent together in Kigali. What was she doing at that moment? Was she already at the school or was she …

Losing a Child & Finding Love

Michaela was a student of Tamal Laghari's. She was a very bright girl who had many friends. When she died from an acute asthma attack, he was devastated. He went to the funeral where he met her mother. She was an attractive woman and a widow in her late thirties. Her husband died when Michaela …

Celibacy & Abortion

Father Kiesler was in his office with Bishop Haas. The bishop had just completed his pastoral visit. He seemed quite pleased. "Father Kiesler, you're doing a fine job with the school and the parish," he told him. "As fine a job as the late Father Schmidt." "Thank you, Your Excellency." "Is there something on your …

No Education Leads to Risk of Child Marriage

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com On March 23, 2022, the first school year here in Afghanistan, I was excited about returning and eagerly looked forward to seeing my classmates and teachers again. I along with other students showed up bright and early only to find the doors closed and armed Taliban guards. My heart sank. …