“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” ~ Psalm 71:14

World events over the last few weeks have been troubling.  I have experienced a dull, but steady sadness. At the same time, life continues to move forward. Eight members of my PlanBe__, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Team, traveled to Baltimore, Maryland for the National Grantee Meeting hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week. They sent me this picture of themselves with a timeless quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

These words encourage me to look beyond current events and press towards what’s on my horizon.  In two weeks, I will be leaving with a team for a three week mission trip to Cambodia. Our focus is to provide continued support to Cambodian Care Ministries. Last year, when we traveled to Kratie Province, the families in this village were anxiously waiting medical care and a school for their children. Everyone came out to greet us:

 

 

 

 

 

So much has transpired in this village since we set up our mobile medical clinic there in August 2015.  Just a few days ago, Koy Chhim, founder of Cambodian Care, posted this photo of the children in front of their new school building!

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two pictures represent one year of hard work, determination, perseverance, and prayer. Although it looks like it happened overnight.  It didn’t.  There were many challenges, obstacles, and naysayers.  In spite of it all, the children have had their first year of formal education and the school building has been constructed.

As we pack our bags to return to Cambodia, I am choosing to focus on what Martin Luther King, Jr. said is the final word.

Are you participating in an activity that is unabashedly optimistic? I would love to hear about your work! Let’s encourage one another as we continue to move forward.