Gratitude Pt. 2

I sat there in the back of the car, feeling a sense of anger, sadness, and disgust. I had a lump in my throat, it was hard to breathe, and my hands felt tingly. I watched out of the window as we passed the massive city buildings, luxurious malls, and numerous restaurants of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I could not believe that I was still in the same country as Familia Feliz. How can such richness and luxury exist only 610km from the poverty of Rurre? How can people live so comfortably when others are barely able to keep their families alive? What is wrong with the world? I realized that my experience these last few months had opened my eyes to how much I take for granted and how corrupt the world is. I felt sick to my stomach knowing that I was here, and the kids that I had grown to love so much were still living in substandard conditions. How can this be fair?

I realized that these thoughts are only going to follow me home to the States, and I don’t know how I am going to deal with them. I go back to living my “normal” life. My life with my own room, my own things, and so much right at my fingertips. How is it fair? The rest of that evening it was all I could think about. Part of me felt guilty for being happy and enjoying good food and various comforts.

Since that first evening in the big city, I have traveled back home to Apison, Tennessee. The trip home was long, but I was so exhausted that I slept on most of the flights. Altogether, I had three flights, starting in La Paz, Bolivia and ending in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The trip was full of mixed feelings, excitement to be home, and sadness from leaving my second home. As I traveled, I was also able to do a lot of thinking. I have determined to not feel bad for the things that I have, but instead, be more appreciative of life. I praise God for the opportunities He has given me, and the resources I have been given to share Him in my career, community, and relationships. I have sincere gratitude for this chapter of life in Bolivia that I was blessed with.

I guess that is part of what this year was supposed to be about. Expanding my view of the world and experiencing how other people live. I strongly believe that if blessed with the opportunity, everyone should travel, not only to have fun and see new things, but to see and even experience how others live and the different difficulties that people face. It is easy to get comfortable and relaxed in the lifestyle we have in the States. I am not saying that it is a bad thing to live comfortably, but gaining insight on the struggles of other people can help bring a greater sense of appreciation to life. I’ll never forget the life I lived in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. It was simple, full of love, and truly living in each and every moment, seeing how God can work in amazing and unexpected ways. Finally, although my time in Bolivia has ended, I do not feel like that door is locked and shut. In contrast, the past 9 months have proven to be the beginning of something new, something better. I pray that God continues to use me for His will, to live a life reflective of Him, and in all that I do bring glory and honor to Him.