A lot to debrief...

Unfortunately, in the last two weeks Chris and I have dealt with the death of two different people.  One we knew, and one we didn't.  One was a celebration of a life lived well, and one was a destructive loss.

Two weeks ago we followed the news of the Chris' high school YoungLife leader who quickly lost his life to cancer.  He was diagnosed with Leukemia early in the week, and by Friday had slipped into a coma and passed away shortly after.  As I sat and listened to Chris speak of his influence on his life, I couldn't help but cry at the life this man had lead.  Sam Sinclair was a steadfast follower of Jesus, who gave his life to helping young teenagers come to know Jesus and know Him well.  We read the thousands of messages of thanks and gratitude that people left toward him.  A man who many see as one who lived life well and lived to the full.

Then last Friday, while driving home from work, after feeling accomplished for finishing another day and week in our ministries, I drove past a terrible car accident.  Often in Cambodia people are killed while driving due to the lack of law enforcement, and rules for driving.  Truth be told we already have seen many fatal accidents, but this was far more harsh.  A child was in the road and was hit by a large truck hauling construction materials.  I drove past the child only minutes afterwards, to see a sight I never wish upon myself again or to others.  In Cambodia, after accidents bodies are not covered, a crime scene is not made, and the poor have no way of knowing they have lost their family.  I gained enough composure to just drive away a few minutes to manage the emotions I was feeling -- anger towards the driver who didn't stop after, bitterness towards a country that is so corrupt that police and ambulances can't respond to a tragedy like this, and sadness to know that this child died with no dignity and his family to never know the truth.

Both young and both happening too quickly, but one a celebration of a life of service to Christ, and the other a bitter taste of some of the realities of this country.  However, the one common thought we had was, "this is why we do what we do."  Through both of these people we see the parity in death; of a life well lived, and then life that we hope for all Cambodians to know- a life knowing Jesus.  We believe and are encouraged by Sam's life, one devoted to God's love, grace, and goodness, and we also believe in the need for the work we do in this country to help Cambodians know of His forgiveness, mercy, and peace.