“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This week as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let’s take a moment to reflect on one of his most enduring principles: serving others. While it’s easy to keep ourselves busy with our own plans and endeavors, the truth is that serving another person is ALWAYS the right choice. A step forward on behalf of another human being is never a wasted effort.

Student exchange embodies this idea in an enormous way! The simple act of welcoming another human being into your own family is an unrivaled step of faith – yet it gives blessing upon blessing. Simple, every-day things – inconsequential, really – stack up to build a huge milestone, a major accomplishment, a scrapbook full of fresh perspectives.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]I found a new family, a group of friends I will never forget, and I found a place in the world I could fit in.  – Francine from Germany [/perfectpullquote]

It’s fitting that Martin Luther King Jr. has become an icon for peace and unity. While he fought for a specific cause, the essence of his words ring true throughout ALL generations. His legacy bleeds into ALL areas of life: Equality. Liberty. Brotherhood. Understanding. If Dr. King himself walked into a home and was greeted by an exchange son or daughter – one who differs from their host parents in nationality, pigment, language, and belief – perhaps he would find a bit of his dream realized.

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.