This was a year of adversity for most Americans. For many, it meant the end of an era, whether the loss of a home to foreclosure, or a long-held job, or just the ability to go on a real vacation. Adversity is like a psychological nor’easter—a great storm that blows into our lives without being …

At Christmastime it is traditional to wish our community well, offer season’s blessings and share joyous stories that touch the heart. This is such a story. It is of a young African boy who rose above despair and followed his dream to better himself and his village against all odds.
At the age of fourteen in …