(379)The Land of Happiness, Guarded by Angels

That day, as I walked along the streets of Lithuania, I looked up at the white clouds smiling as they welcomed me and waved me on my way, and my heart was warmed. Big Sister Cloud gently nudged open the vault of my memories, and in an instant I was transported back to those delightful days in 2018, when I had ventured alone into a foreign land.

Along the way, people would often ask me, “Why are you here all by yourself?” I would burst out laughing and reply, “Simply to keep a promise! A promise I made to a friend ten years ago.” And so, I began telling the story.  Back in 2008, I went
to South India to attend a yoga course. During afternoon tea, I volunteered as
a “tea server,” serving tea to teachers and students throughout the school.  Ruta was my partner in this little mission.

For an entire month, the two of us happily carried our teapots around, pouring tea, chatting, laughing—and, along the way, began a beautiful friendship. When I left India, Ruta simply introduced herself: “I’m from Lithuania in Europe. You are welcome to come and visit me.”  Then, one day ten years later, that familiar smiling face suddenly came drifting back into my mind.  I opened my old contact book and tracked down my “tea-serving partner,” with whom I had not spoken for ten years. Then, somewhat audaciously, I sent her a message: “Ruta, do you remember me? I’m coming to visit you!” Her answer was still the same: “You are always welcome.” And just like that, I shouldered my big backpack and flied to her country.

We had been out of touch for ten years, so I knew nothing about Ruta’s life at that time. Just before I arrived in Lithuania, she informed me that she had suddenly been called away on a business trip. That meant I would have to explore on my own for several days while waiting for her return.  And so, my story with Lithuania officially opened its first chapter in the summer of 2018.

Whenever I wandered around alone, I loved looking up at the sky. Besides Big Sister Cloud, I would often spot smiling little angels perched on the rooftops of buildings, schools, and railway stations. Wow! Every time I saw them, my heart filled with joy. It felt as though angels were everywhere, watching over me, showing me the way, and cheering me on. 

When I finally reunited with Ruta, I immediately asked her about them. She explained, “More than a decade ago, little angels became immensely popular with the public after appearing in an art event. Later, the Mayor placed them at transportation hubs to welcome travelers, and gradually they spread throughout the city. Apparently, there are hundreds of angel sculptures around the city. From then on, the capital acquired another lovely nickname: the City of Angels.”

Now, the camera cuts to the summer of 2026. I returned once again to this Land of Angels. When I stepped into Ziboliškės village, far away from the capital, I thought I would no longer see any trace of them.  However, one day, right in Ruta’s kitchen, I discovered an even more charming and endearing kind of angel!

That day, I was baking in the kitchen. While waiting for the goodies to come out of the oven, my eyes wandered around the room. Suddenly, a certain shade of “yellow” caught my eye. Ruta then told me that this was an angel portrait given to her by Aleksandras Vozbinas (A.V.). After that, I found myself standing before
the angel portrait again and again, quietly absorbed in contemplation.  Still, it was that same touch of yellow that tugged at my heartstrings.

I thought that A.V. had created this adorable angel to watch over this home, this ancient village, this land, and this little paradise. And somehow, I had happened to wander into its presence. This was no coincidence. It was meant to be!

For I gradually heard the angel whisper:
“People will always come and go, but wherever they pass, they leave their footprints behind. Then why is it that, even after generations of sages have passed like the wind, their virtue remains one with Heaven and Earth, shining alongside the sun and moon? Just as the compassionate A.V., devoted his heart to protecting others and loving Heaven and Earth, his spirit deserves to be remembered through the ages and live on forever!"

Somehow, I have been rushing from one place to another in Lithuania, busy with this and that, yet never seem to feel tired. Perhaps I owe it all to the angels everywhere, constantly giving me strength and encouragement.  Or perhaps it is that yellow-haired angel of the great painter A.V. that has remained etched in my heart. This little guardian treasure steadies my spirit and gives me peace of mind.

Hmm… if others are watching over me, then I should do the same in return.

Interestingly, when I first arrived this time, I took a bus from the airport into the city—and found a mobile phone on the bus. Then, when I was leaving Lithuania, I somehow found another mobile phone at the airport check-in counter. Ha-ha! What are the odds? Of course, I handed both phones over to the appropriate lost-and-found department, so that they could make their way back to their rightful owners.

The Land of Angels has taught me this: while being protected by others, we should likewise hold fast to love and sincerity, and keep the positive cycle turning…by protecting the well-being of others!