An acquaintance of mine works in the Outreach office in the local mosque. A few years ago, we met so I could learn more about Islam for a paper I was writing. I went on Friday so I could observe a prayer service.

That encounter has stayed in my mind, especially since 9/11 and the rising bigotry against Muslims.

I contacted her again several weeks ago so I could learn more. At that time I had been exchanging email with a conservative OpEd columnist about Islam and Muslims. I quickly ran out of knowledge and sources to cite when arguing with this man. (It had to be a man didn't it?)

Because life continually takes twists and turns, I haven't been able to meet with Sister Dian yet. In one of our email exchanges, she told me about a way she "manifests loves for Islam and Humanity."

It's a project called Give Light Foundation which raises money for durable orphanages in areas that are hard hit by disaster.

Just having this tenuous like to its founder makes my heart lighter. To know personally, however superficial that knowledge may be, someone who is making a huge difference in the lives of children fills me with joy.