Susan notes: from sand to snow and back again - an interesting interview with a brave, thoughtful and driven young Emirati woman who has become a heroine to her countrywomen and men in the United Arab Emirates.

I love her quiet determination, her poise, maturity and humility.

Clearly this amazing young woman is going to "go far" in more ways than one. So this won't be the last we'll hear from her...

Susan notes: inspirational is an understatement.

Related links:
No Arms & Amazing
You Don’t Need Wings To Fly, And You Don’t Need Arms To Be Amazing

There's an old story about a group of nuns living with a wise leader in a nunnery.

Their lives were disciplined and dedicated, and the atmosphere in which they lived harmonious and peaceful.

People from villages far and wide flocked to the nunnery to bask in the warmth of such a loving spiritual environment.

Susan notes: an extraordinary woman whose generosity was recognised when she was named to the 2010 Times most influential people.

Chen Shu-chu is a seller of vegetables in a stall in Taitung County's central market, in southern Taiwan.

Out of her modest living, Chen, 59, has managed to donate nearly NT$10 million (that's $320,000) to various causes, including $32,000 for a children's fund, $144,000 to help build a library at a school she attended and another $32,000 for the local orphanage, where she also gives financial support to three children.