A LONG time coming

To put it bluntly, we've been in this area doing this kind of work since 2001, and seeking out men in the villages we go into to step up and lead has always been a priority but not a success story. Well, hello progress!!

12 years later we hosted our first ever Men's Conference! The grand total was 66 and they represented 12 villages where we're currently working. 

This is a long time by any account, but if you think about it, we didn't have Khmer staff capacity to lead this conference until just recently. Maturity, desire, ability, and courage were all lacking somewhat so it would've had to have been done by foreigners, which goes against everything we try to cling to and let Khmer reach Khmer. (This eliminates the desire to please foreigners which happens on so many levels and you get false commitments.)

I sat in on part of it one afternoon and to see men sharing stories and common struggles, and seek after answers, and find affirmation and belonging in knowing they're not alone brought a real joy to my heart.

One man said that it had never occurred to him to love his family - he provided for them and thought that was enough.  Another man mentioned that its easy for women to do this but hard for men because of the cultural expectations of them (hm, interesting!)  And yet another guy was so moved by our compassion and desire to help and teach that he just sat and cried for a lot of it. (Which of course made me cry too.)

They went back fired up, and so far all the stories we've heard are Positive!  Pray for them!