Life Changing Experience in a Third World Country
By James Ebert
The nearly 2,100 mile journey from Newark, New Jersey to Managua, Nicaragua challenged me to better myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. This trip, which I experienced in February with a group of my classmates from Don Bosco Prep, as well as four students from St. Petersburg Catholic High School, truly changed my perspective on the realities of a Third World country. Despite the cold showers, large insects and the labor-intensive days of work, I can honestly say that this has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I was honored to be a part of it.
One thing in particular that inspired me was the extreme generosity and selflessness of the people. Our society in the United States is one of constant perceived-need. We open up a pantry full of food at home and complain about how there is nothing to eat. We worry about having the newest gadgets or car, and we spend tens, hundreds, even thousands of dollars on meaningless possessions. Being able to turn on the faucet and drink from your sink, or making the shower hotter when desired is an absolute blessing, and something these people will never be able to experience.
In Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, I saw real need. Yet, those who had next to nothing even sacrificed to give to us! When a group of us were going door to door, giving medical assistance, there was a little girl who had an infection in her leg due to a motor vehicle accident. Our doctor took care of her, and the mother of this little girl went out of her way to find us and give us a loaf of bread! These people struggle to support their families every day—they struggle to find food to eat. We have so much compared to them, yet they are still willing to give to us! This extreme kindness touched my heart and made me think about how much of my privileged life I take for granted.
Over the course of 7 days, I clearly recognized just how much faith many of the people of Nicaragua have. They treat their relationship with God as their number one priority, something that I believe many of us struggle with on a daily basis. This mission allowed me to take a step back from my hectic schedule and realize that faith needs to be more prevalent in my life, as well as gratitude for the many gifts I am provided with. Even though the Nicaraguans do not have the material goods and opportunities that we have, I see that their faith, love, and gratefulness has been greatly rewarded; they may have more real joy in their lives than many of us will!
One thing in particular that inspired me was the extreme generosity and selflessness of the people. Our society in the United States is one of constant perceived-need. We open up a pantry full of food at home and complain about how there is nothing to eat. We worry about having the newest gadgets or car, and we spend tens, hundreds, even thousands of dollars on meaningless possessions. Being able to turn on the faucet and drink from your sink, or making the shower hotter when desired is an absolute blessing, and something these people will never be able to experience.
In Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, I saw real need. Yet, those who had next to nothing even sacrificed to give to us! When a group of us were going door to door, giving medical assistance, there was a little girl who had an infection in her leg due to a motor vehicle accident. Our doctor took care of her, and the mother of this little girl went out of her way to find us and give us a loaf of bread! These people struggle to support their families every day—they struggle to find food to eat. We have so much compared to them, yet they are still willing to give to us! This extreme kindness touched my heart and made me think about how much of my privileged life I take for granted.
Over the course of 7 days, I clearly recognized just how much faith many of the people of Nicaragua have. They treat their relationship with God as their number one priority, something that I believe many of us struggle with on a daily basis. This mission allowed me to take a step back from my hectic schedule and realize that faith needs to be more prevalent in my life, as well as gratitude for the many gifts I am provided with. Even though the Nicaraguans do not have the material goods and opportunities that we have, I see that their faith, love, and gratefulness has been greatly rewarded; they may have more real joy in their lives than many of us will!