I Have Seen

I have seen joy where great adversity dwells.

I have seen wealth where poverty rules.

I have seen courage where there is war and uncertainty.

I have seen beauty where all is desolate and dry.

I have seen hope where all seemed hopeless.

I have seen these things because I have been blessed to know the people of small, remote village in South Sudan.

I saw life through a new lens.

They have shown me that joy is not dependent on our circumstances.

They have shown me that wealth is not calculated by bank accounts or accumulation of things.

They have shown me that courage is a way of life, not just something we muster up to push us through specific situations.

They have shown me that if you look closely, beauty is all around. And most of all, it is within.

They have shown me that no matter how difficult life may become, we are never without hope.

Happy New Year.