Guided by love
Helping a friend overrode any last-minute studying
I am from Brazil and am currently living in Ohio. Just over a year ago, I received a scholarship to come to the U.S. to do Ph.D. research at the University of Toledo.
I had been settled in Toledo for about four months, when one day, I was struck by the Gospel passage: “Let us be guided by love.” I had an exam to take the next day and still had five chapters left to review, meaning I had about 100 pages to study. I had planned to spend the entire night studying when I unexpectedly got a message from a friend, who had come to the U.S. to improve his English.
From this phone call, I realized that my friend was not doing well. His temporary lodging in New York was deplorable, and the area he lived in was sketchy. My friend is not the overly emotional type, so I was concerned when he revealed that he was quite afraid, nervous and becoming more desperate.
I could see that he needed immediate help, and I quickly realized that my options were either to help him with his situation or continue studying for my exam. The thought, “Let us be guided by love” prompted me to choose my friend.
He and I spent a few hours talking. We decided that it would be best if he could come and spend some time at my place. He didn’t have money for a flight and was concerned that with his poor English skills, if he took a bus, he would risk getting lost. I didn’t have much money either, but I had a credit card with some bonus points on it. I was saving the points for my future wedding plans, but my friend needed help right now. Together we decided that I would pay for his flight.
He arrived at my place the next day, right after I finished my exam. Over the next two weeks I introduced him to my friends, and we walked all over the city. His English improved greatly during this period. He later confessed to me that although he felt ashamed by this situation, he also felt loved.
When he returned home, it was on a much happier note. As for that exam? I got an A-, even better than I expected.
Ruam Pimentel, Ohio
2021