Where Little Becomes Much: A Karen Reflection

Hser Poh reflects on his time in Thailand as part of our Gen Hope team in January 2026

By Hser Poh Hei

As a Karen person, this trip to Thailand was deeply personal for me. Being among Karen communities there felt familiar, yet eye-opening. Even with so little, I was amazed by how much talent, creativity, and strength I witnessed every day.

People used what they had so skillfully whether through music, worship, teaching, and caring for one another. Nothing was wasted. Their abilities weren’t shaped by abundance, but by resilience and necessity, and it showed in the way they worked together and supported their community.

This trip challenged my understanding of what it means to be rich. I saw that talent is not measured by tools, money, or opportunity, but by resilience, faith, and the willingness to serve others. Witnessing this in Thailand gave me a deeper appreciation for the strength of the Karen people and reminded me that even with very little, we have so much to offer.

“Talent is not measured by tools, money, or opportunity, but by resilience, faith, and the willingness to serve others.”