Kindness from a Stranger | When a Stranger Paid for My Ticket Home | by Anuththara | Inspiring Story #230

I had a very depressing day. I didn’t get any sleep. I was exhausted. I felt completely broken inside. I had no idea what my future held.

I was studying in Russia and wanted to be a doctor. But because of my financial situation, I decided to return home to Sri Lanka. I was leaving behind my dream and my boyfriend, Gavith, whom I had planned to marry one day. 

Losing My Dream, Leaving My Love

On the morning of my departure, Gavith and I set out for Moscow. Our finances were limited, so we took a regular bus. The journey was slow, and heavy traffic delayed us. By the time we reached the city, I could barely breathe from worry.

We hurried toward the underground station, planning to take a train and then a taxi to the airport. Everything felt heavy. The noise, the crowds, the weight of my bags, even the air seemed to press against me.

Then the worst thing happened. As we ran toward the train, the police stopped us. They checked our visas and passports. Our delay grew longer. Gavith was taken to the station because he didn’t have a special permit for Moscow City.

They let me go because my documents were in order. So I had to travel alone, carrying all my heavy luggage. I sobbed. That was the saddest way to say goodbye to my love. I believed I would never see him again. I could only take pleasant memories with me.

The Situation Gets Worse - Desperate and Out of Options

When I arrived at the airport, things got even worse. The flight gate was shut. I was alone, exhausted, and broke. It was also the last day of my visa. I cried, tears streaming down my face in front of the counter.

“You can take the plane tomorrow, Miss. But you have to pay one hundred dollars,” the staff lady said.

I didn’t have that money. For me, it was a huge amount.

I wanted to be strong and face the moment, but I just couldn’t. I broke down and cried uncontrollably. I thought of my parents and what would happen to them if I was sent to jail without a visa. I prayed silently.

Suddenly, I heard a strange, deep voice.

“Don’t cry.”

Kindness from a Stranger: The Miracle at the Airport

When I turned around, I saw a Nigerian man standing there.

“I am helpless,” I said. “I have nothing to do but cry.”

Even though he didn’t know my full story, he quickly stepped up to the counter. He opened his wallet and handed over the money. He helped me with the papers without asking anything from me.

God really heard my prayers and sent a miracle that day. The man even looked out for me right up until I left from our connecting flight in Dubai. 

That day helped me realise that even in our hardest moments, goodness still exists in the world.

Before saying goodbye, I took the man’s postal address, and when I returned to my country, I sent him a thank-you card to express my gratitude. He never replied, but I still remember him, my saviour, with love and respect.

Carrying Kindness Forward

Life moved on in ways I never expected. I heard that Gavith got a new girlfriend. Instead of becoming a doctor like I dreamed, I studied hotel management and became a guest relations officer in a five-star hotel. 

My life hasn’t turned out exactly as planned.  Still, I will always remember the angel God sent to me.  I think of that day at the airport and the man who stepped forward to help a crying stranger. I want to make sure his kindness continues to live in me.  

Now, wherever I can, I help another being - person or animal. In doing that, I pass on that same miracle of goodness given to me at a time when I needed it most.