that good could be truly done well

Almost a year ago, we met Luca. A passionate cyclist, he has a heartfelt desire to make a bicycle pilgrimage from Sardinia (where he lives) to the Holy Land. But he doesn't want his journey to be just for himself; he wants to give it a deeper meaning and combine the physical destination of his journey with a shared goal. Through mutual friends, he learned about us, and so the idea was born to end his journey here, raising funds along the way to build an inclusive playground at the Arsenale dell'Incontro. His idea coincided with a dream we've had for a long time, as well as the willingness of the company Pozza di Vicenza, which produces professional playground equipment. The company chose to share this desire, offering its professionalism and actively contributing to the project.

Luca left at the end of May and arrived here in Madaba just before Christmas. He shared his dream with our children and young people, and chose to donate his bicycle to them as well, so that after traveling thousands and thousands of kilometers, it could be available to those who don't have one but have long dreamed of one. It was a deeply moving and festive moment that involved everyone, young and old alike.

His arrival in the Holy Land and the approach of Christmas were an opportunity to ask friends and supporters for further help to cover the costs of the playground, because—as we always say in the Arsenals—good can be done truly well.

A few days ago, the playground arrived! Seeing them here after months of waiting, planning, and online meetings to best plan each step was a tremendous thrill for everyone. Even the local company that handled the assembly, when they learned of the story of this playground, decided to help us as much as possible. And with everyone's contribution, the Arsenale dell'Incontro sports and recreational area now has its own inclusive playground! Once again, generosity, willingness, and a good desire have become concrete Providence, making things happen. At the Arsenale, we'd say they've given legs to a dream.

Every bike ride our kids take, every slide, and every swing will be a silent but immense thank you to all those who made this gift possible. And they will remind us older ones of the importance of continuing to dream, to give, and to "pedal" every day... with a goal that is Beyond.


The Sermig Fraternity in Jordan
NP March 2025