It is not bravery and intelligence that is required in such acts, but a heart full of kindness and determination to reach out, that matters. This little village girl’s selfless and courageous act leaves us wonder struck!
Hamdü Sena Bilgin is a beautiful, 11-year-old Turkish girl, who lives in a small village outside the city of Rize. She lives with her family on a small farm, where they raise goats and sheep for their milk.
It is Hamdü Sena’s job, every morning, to leave with her goats and sheep, with Tomi, her pet dog, tagging along to assist her. They guide and protect the animals as they walk along the snowy hillside, far away from home, to find a place for the herd to graze.
One day, after walking far away from home with her herd and Tomi, she realized one of the goats was going into labor. She was sure there was no way to take the goat back home to deliver her baby. The goat had her baby out in the cold, wild snowy mountains.
Now, Hamdü Sena was sure the mother would not be in a position to walk back, and certainly not the new born baby. That is when she thought of a brilliant idea. She walked her herd back home, leaving the newborn with the mother, only to come back armed to rescue them.
As usual, she was out herding the sheep on a snowy hillside, along with her dog Tomi, far away from home…
One of the goats went into labor. The girl was certain the mother and her baby would not be able to walk back.
So she decided to do something smart. “After the goat gave birth, I led the rest of the herd back to the farm”
“Then I grabbed two backpacks from the house and went back to the goat and her baby”
The girl carried the mother goat on her own back, and placed the baby in Tomi’s backpack.
The girl and her dog were able to safely return home with the mother goat and her baby. The snow was so thick, I was exhausted… But it was worth it.
To these simple villagers, the animals they tend to, and live with, become a part of their family. Such acts of kindness and care, are not thought of as extraordinary; and that is what makes these humble villagers so gracious and beautiful!
This story was originally published on The Dodo.
