A New Year, A Wider Lens

Over the holidays, I spent some time biking through parts of Cambodia and Vietnam, places that were entirely new to me and far outside my everyday world. It reminded me about perspective, connection and how we support one another.

The biking itself was not about distance or endurance. It was slow and often interrupted, with time built in to stop, observe and learn. That rhythm feels meaningful right now. Progress doesn’t always come from moving faster or pushing harder. Sometimes it comes from paying attention and staying grounded in why our work matters.

Traveling in Southeast Asia makes it very clear that you are a guest. You are stepping into cultures shaped by war, loss and remarkable resilience. What struck me most was how often people spoke about the importance of being seen and engaged with again. “Tell people to come visit,” I heard more than once. Tourism, when done thoughtfully, is one way to support their local economies and continue rebuilding.

What stayed with me wasn’t a single moment, but the accumulation of small ones. The scale of the cities. The resourcefulness of people. The seriousness with which spiritual traditions are held. Together, they quietly shifted my sense of proportion. My own world felt both important and very small at the same time.

There were also moments of vulnerability. Navigating unfamiliar systems and languages I couldn’t read meant relying on the patience of others. That dependence was humbling. It reminded me how much grace matters when people are tired, uncertain or under pressure.

As we step into this new year together, I know we continue to face real challenges, including budget constraints, difficult decisions and their very real impacts. My hope is that we can hold that reality while also remembering the value of showing up for others, in whatever ways are available to us. Thank you for the work you do every day and for continuing to show up for this community. I’m grateful to be part of it with you.