Welcome back to Faith & Joy, a weekly newsletter that makes you smile no matter how hard you try not to!

Hey everyone,

Friday has rolled around once more and it’s brought a wealth of wonderful news with it! Not only have the highly endangered White Rhinos made a return to the DRC, but botanists have also discovered an entirely new species of palm. What sets it apart? It fruits and flowers underground!

While it can often feel like there’s nothing left to discover in a world that seems entirely mapped out, it’s nice to know that beautiful mysteries still await us. It’s also nice to see people placing a premium value on life even when doing so comes at a personal cost, like the heroes in this week’s featured stories. Enjoy! ❤️

_{If it's your first time reading or a friend sent this to you, you can subscribe here.}

Today's Enjoyment:

• Quote: "Creativity requires courage…”

• Video Reel: These cats don't mess around...

• Trending Loveable Stories:

  • Texas Family Shuns $125M to Save Land

  • Pilot's Precision Saves Man from Flood

Quote of the Day 💭

Reel of the Day 📽️

Some days are just like this! 🙀😹

Trending Stories 📰

SMILES

Texas Family Shuns $125M to Save Land

Three decades ago, Ronnie and Terry Urbanczyk stumbled upon a beautiful piece of land during a Sunday drive in the Hill Country. Peering through the live oaks, they glimpsed an idyllic valley that fed the Guadalupe River.

In no time, they found themselves smitten with the ranch.

They made an offer and relocated their family of 5 to a quaint farmhouse on the 245-acre property, just a short drive from San Antonio. Unbeknownst to them, their new home bordered the Honey Creek State Natural Area, a protected region preserving a crystal-clear stream meandering through majestic bald cypress trees.

This natural gem, managed by TPWD, is accessible only via guided tours. It was part of the Guadalupe River State Park, a beloved retreat for city dwellers.

Over time, the Urbanczyks expanded ownership to around 750 acres.

“It’s just been a huge part of our life for the last thirty years,” Ronnie reflects.

Their children grew up and got married on the ranch, but as they started their own lives, changes also surrounded their property. Ronnie, who runs a concrete company, foresaw the need for housing as the population grows. He decided to build a subdivision on their land, envisioning a comfortable retirement and a generous inheritance for their descendants.

Their proposal, however, met opposition from concerned locals and conservation groups fearing potential environmental damage to the pristine Honey Creek and its delicate ecosystem. After years of negotiations and adjustments, a surprising solution emerged.

Texas Parks and Wildlife announced the purchase of 515 acres of the family’s land for $25 million- a decision celebrated by almost everyone. Eventually, TPWD even plans to open the land for public events, though no date is set yet.

The Urbanczyks could have made $125 million from the proposed development. Choosing conservation over profit wasn't easy, but Terry was never really sold on the subdivision idea.

“It really did make me feel 100 percent better. You can make a subdivision as pretty, nice, and spacious as you want, but it’s still a subdivision,” the landowner said.

They strongly encourage other landowners in similar situations to explore options with groups like the Nature Conservancy and state parks departments.

“Just look at the options they have. They get very creative about what they do,” Ronnie concluded.

(Click here to read the full, heartwarming story)

WOW

Pilot's Precision Saves Man from Flood

Wildlife conservation runs deep in the veins of Taru and Roan Carr-Hartley.

Raised in Africa by their remarkable grandmother, the pioneering conservationist Dame Daphne Sheldrick, these two brothers carry on the legacy of their family. Taru and Roan's mother, Angela Sheldrick, now leads The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned rhinos and elephants in Kenya.

As skilled helicopter pilots, Taru and Roan embark on daily missions, conducting anti-poaching patrols across Tsavo and the Chyulu Hills National Parks. However, on the remarkable day of May 3, 2023, fate presented them with an unexpected opportunity—to help a fellow human in distress, instead of their usual animal rescues!

Earlier that morning, a tanker truck driver traversing the Galana Kulalu causeway was swept away by a sudden flood. This isn’t necessarily uncommon in the region, but still terrifying to get trapped in.

The driver clung to his overturned truck for 6 agonizing hours until the brothers arrived.

With Taru's exceptional piloting skills, he expertly maneuvered the helicopter in the face of gusting winds and challenging terrain, achieving a breathtaking feat. He hovered a mere 6 inches above the submerged truck. Meanwhile, Roan wasted no time in rescuing the grateful driver.

The incredible turn of events was captured in an incredible video that showcases Taru and Roan’s selfless heroism. We can't help but feel fortunate that these extraordinary brothers were present and ready to lend a helping hand!

(Click here to watch the full story)

If you enjoyed today's newsletter, share it with someone by clicking one of the buttons below, or simply forward the email directly!

Thanks for reading! ❤️👋

If you’re interested in sponsoring this newsletter of 25k+ readers or promoting on one of our Instagram accounts, you can reach out to us here!