Now
that the long anticipated trip to Merida is over, I am left feeling blessed for
be able to experience and learn as much as I did in only a short amount of
time. Being able to see another person’s
way of life that is completely different than my own is also very eye opening. Some of things I take for granted are common
everyday struggles for the people living in the villages we visited as a group.
However, even though these people had
less than I did, they would offer us their hospitality in a heartbeat. The people were poor materialistically, but
they were rich in happiness.
This trip opened hearts and
expanded comfort zones, something that wouldn’t have happened if we stayed in
Erie. The children I encountered were ecstatic
about us spending time with them. Despite practically not knowing any Spanish,
I quickly discovered play was a universal language among kids. The kids found
the simplest things such as chalk, balloons, and bubbles to be the most fun.
Even just running around and chasing each other made them smile from cheek bone
to cheek bone. It’s the simple things like giving someone your time and
attention that makes the biggest difference.
At one of the villages, I learned the people
have no access to a doctor. Before, a doctor would come to the village every
Friday to give consultations and care to the people for a very small amount of
money. But this doctor had passed away
and now the people are doctorless. They cannot afford transportation to and
from the city to receive the care they may need. There is an immediate need for
a doctor by these villages. Considering
that I want to become a doctor, I plan on using my talents, knowledge, and resources
to somehow fulfill those needs in future. Whether it’s personally serving these
villages once I am a doctor, using my success to help fund organizations to
serve them, and or a combination of both, I want to do everything I can to
serve these amazing people.
The word “priceless” can easily sum
up my experience even though everyone had gotten sick. I can’t wait to go on
another ABST trip next year. And to anyone who’s reading this, remember to open
your heart and to expand your comfort zones.
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