Hope...Dream...Do "Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality." L.J. Suenens Two paths do not necessary lead to the same place. In this world, parents often choose the path for the child. Many think that any path will do or maybe the traditional path is best or maybe it is time for a change.  Let me explain by telling you a story: There were once two little girls who were born in an African village only one day apart. The first family named their daughter, Faiza and the second family named their daughter Linet. Each family chose their daughter's path at five years old.  Faiza was engaged to be married at five. Linet's family applied for a school scholarship and she went into kindergarten. The aim of both parents were for their daughters to have a good life. Faiza was taught how to sweep the house, how to collect water from the river, and how to cook for the family. Linet learned how to read a book, write a letter and do sums and subtractions. Faiza was well trained to become a mother and wife. Linet was taught to dream, to consider, to do. Faiza was taught that life was hard and you had to hold onto everything you had. Linet dreamed of becoming a doctor while Faiza was already working on the farm. At 13 years old, there were a community ceremony for Faiza, Linet and other girls. The girls were told that this ceremony would make them a woman. Faiza was now set to get married. She was told not to cry. Linet was now ready for middle school and looking forward to exams. Four years passed, Faiza was working at the farm while pregnant with her fourth child. Her family lived in a mud house built by her husband and were excited that they could get free water from a local Christian school.  Linet was now in high school learning all about biology, chemistry and physics. She was living in the school dorm and being challenged to do well and follow her dream not only to be a doctor but to be the first one in her family to graduate high school. This story is based on my experience of seeing many girls living in the village.  What is the main difference in the lives of Faiza and Linet? One was told that life was hard and this is the best that you can expect to get. The other was taught to think, dream, hope, and most importantly to do. At The Hope Foundation, our goal is to demolish physical, emotional and spiritual strongholds. We know first-hand that a life can be transformed in a wonderful way by meeting the basic needs. But meeting physical needs is not enough to truly transform an eternal soul that is why the Gospel message of God's love is an intergral part of everything we do. Pray that we see fruit for our labor. You can help. Pray and make a monthly donation to The Hope Foundation. Give a tax deductible gift on our main screen by clicking on DONATE. Make a difference in the life of a child, it's the best investment you can make.