[duckbutt]

I was struck by the spiritual nature of this gift. The US has no need for 14 cows. But, we will sell the cows and use the money to buy Maasai beaded jewelry to give to the 9/11 victims' families. In essence, we've acknowledged the gift and given it back to them in a way that will help them.

How often do we bring our puny gifts to the Lord -- gifts from a heart overflowing with gratitude. God has no "need" for our gifts, but the gesture touches Him in such a way that we receive it back "pressed down and overflowing".

I'm touched by their gift, and I hope the US will be generous with them.

[monkeywrench]

Well said! The thought of our puny gifts to God, (or to our parents when we were real small) crossed my mind, also. E mail this guy!

[codebreaker]

I saw the same story on the news, what a touching gesture on both countries parts-the Maasai for the gift and the American ambassador selling the cows to a local for traditional beads for ceremonies because it would cost too much to ship them elsewhere.

I hope Rudy or Bloomberg hears of the story.

[codebreaker]

The US is using the money from the regional sale of the cows to the needy and then taking that money and buying beads from local merchants of Massai to repay the economy for the gift for New York.