In 2024, Olive travelled as part of a team of volunteers from the Parish of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla, to support Habitat's global programme in Cambodia. Read her Advent reflection below.
The one thing that struck me most about my time in Cambodia was the hope that I witnessed.
The hope in the eyes of Sreymao and Kosal as the team and they worked together, building their house. Getting closer each day to a home that was safe and secure, this gave them hope for the future, for themselves and for their family.
The hope we saw in the community, Sreymao and Kosal were surrounded with love and support during the build. Hope was growing as more and more families were getting the opportunity to get a hand up from Habitat with improving their living through the building of homes.
The hope we saw in the lives of the builders and their families through the jobs, regular wages and training that Habitat provides for them. This provides security for them not only now but into the future.
Advent is the season of hope. We hear once again the story of the birth of Jesus, how God sent his Son to live on earth to give us an example of how to serve others and so that we can all have hope in the resurrection. We also prepare ourselves for the return of Christ when the hope we have in him will be fully realised. Take time out of the busyness of preparing for Christmas and think about the hope we have in Jesus and how we can grow hope in the lives of those around us.
Father, we thank you that you have a plan for our lives, a plan to prosper us and to give us hope and a future. We pray for all those who live without hope. Bless the work of Habitat for Humanity around the world as they help to build hope. Help each of us to be your hands here on earth reaching out to build hope in the lives of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
