We can have bitter experiences, but we can choose not to be a bitter person.

We can have bitter experiences, but we can choose not to be a bitter person.

Tanya, was just a very young girl when she was orphaned in Cambodia. Her long distance relatives took her in but abused her emotionally and psychologically, treating her worse than a human being. She had to eat with the family dog, and was chained whenever the family went out. She eventually went to one of the government's orphanage.

It was one of the worst places for a child to grow up in, because they had little resources and role models they could take after. The kids were practically raising one another. At age 18, like every other orphan, she was "Let Loose" on the streets to fend for herself.

She was lucky to meet a pastor and his wife being missionaries in Cambodia who took her into their dormitories and vocational schools which was set up to help the young find their feet in society. Today, when Tanya walks into any room, she brings up the mood of people around her with her infectious joy. She brings a smile to the faces of the people she meet and today she is actively involved in helping others find their way in life.

Tanya has probably all the reasons in the world to be bitter, angry, to feel unfair, to grumble, complain, to be hateful to people around her. But instead, she chooses to be joyful and happy.

We can be broken people, but who hasn't have some sort of broken experience? The key is always our response to the circumstances around us. We can CHOOSE.