Different, but the same.

“One of the first things that strikes us about the men and women in Scripture is that they were disappointingly non-heroic. We do not find splendid moral examples. We do not find impeccably virtuous models. That always comes as a shock to newcomers to Scripture. Abraham lied; Jacob cheated; Moses murdered and complained; David committed adultery; Peter blasphemed. We read on and being to suspect intention: a consistent strategy to demonstrate that the great, significant figures in the life of faith were fashioned from the same clay as the rest of us.” –Eugene Peterson; “Running with the Horses” From my observation, those living in intense poverty seem to be stronger then the majority living in the Western world in more ways than one. For example, carrying a 20 gallon jerry can filled with water while walking with no shoes in 100 degree heat for 5 miles is close to impossible for me. Many living in poverty have more resilience when faced with extremely difficult circumstances, more faith in God, more hope, and stronger wills. Over the past seven years of committing to Uganda, I’ve also realized the conditions of their hearts are no different than the rest of us. To name a few: Difficulties with relationships, judgment of others, assumptions, lying, cheating, falling in love, family issues, gossip, worry and anxiety, selfishness, anger, …all things that come with the human heart. We have a lot of differences, but really, we’re a lot alike.