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There was a little village
high up in the hills. Some distance from that village, tucked away in the
woods, was a home for orphans. One day the orphanage caught fire and
burned to the ground. The people in the village were very sad for the
orphans because they lost everything in the ravaging fire.
The man who was the leader of the village called the people together and
set a certain day when every one could bring gifts to the children to
replace all they had lost.
When the day arrived, the leader of the village drew a large circle in
the sand. He instructed each of the villagers to place their money and
their gifts inside of the circle.
One man in the crowd was very poor. He had no money or worldly goods
that he could share with the children. So when all of the villagers
had made a large pile within the circle, the people turned and looked
at the poor man. With one giant leap, he thrust himself atop the pile
of goods and gifts, explaining to the crowd, "All I have I give to the
children. I give myself. I will carry all of your generous gifts to
them and give my hands and arms and legs and back to help them
rebuild their home."
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