March 6, 2005

Living in Cambodia, trying to understand the South East Asian World View is a real challenge and yet this same challenge is present for everyone that associates with different ethnic and social groups wherever they live. Within most 21st Century societies these challenges are present. If you live in Urban USA, Europe, Asia or Africa you live among many people whose languages you do not speak and customs and religions you do not subscribe to nor always understand. Few of us are fluent in two languages and very few are multilingual. Most people are the same religion their fathers were and of the same political persuasion with only minor differences. This is what makes Urban living interesting.

However, being a tiny segment, Christian, of a very small minority of Anglos accentuates our differences here in Cambodia. In such situations we have a wonderful choice to make. We can cower in the shadows, trying not be noticed, or we can demonstrate our differences, the love of Christ, through open acts of goodness. If we do, these things will be noticed. We were asked to meet with Her Royal Highness Princess Marie because an Undersecretary of Health noticed some of the good things we are involved with and her Highness invited us to join with her in helping destitute women and girls.

God Cares and when we do His will we are accepted by Him and all who appreciate goodness, regardless of our ethnicity.

William E. "Bill" McDonough, Director
Partners In Progress
Phnom Penh, Cambodia