Lesson Learned

Words do not justify my perception of the events that took place in the happenings of today. If i had to give a summation of my feelings in two syllables, it would be "content". After our thirty minute van ride to a place that's not on any map, we piled out into the welcoming heat of a village. Wanderlust accompanied 3D-International to their adopted village where we were met by filthy chickens, never-ending trash, lonely hammocks, and more smiles than Disney land. 3D's adopted village is set up on an acre and a half of land and it occupies between 250 and 300 people. Even though their structures consists of windowless, door less, floor less heaps of sticks-I do not pity them. The souls that occupy those domains make them true homes.

There is a prehistoric aura about the village. There are no mirrors-but mothers lovingly brushing their child's hair for our visit. They cook what they have over open flames. They sweep dirt from their dirt floors. They shamelessly welcome us into their barren abodes. The interior of their residences do not require second glances; but the pride on their faces do.

3D's goals for the village are to build them sturdy, brick homes that will hold up under dramatic weather conditions. Also to teach them how to grow their own food and various skills that will encourage their survival. This group of people need our assistance and it is our duty to help them gain the necessities for life. But I am motivated by their basic-ness of life. We have so many "things" in life that distract us from the opportunities that help us grow.

As we propelled away in our time machine on wheels, over the one lane, two way bridge--I thought of the very simply lesson i was taught today. If I am not happy with who I am, there are no possessions that will make me conclude otherwise.