Reflections On The Experience Of A Lifetime

Now that I had a chance to write everything out that we did and had a chance to really soak in all that happened I can now appreciate the whole experience. I don't think that I could really write out how this experience changed my life or even talk about it for that matter. I had the opportunity of a lifetime to learn some valuable lessons that not many people get to experience first hand. I saw a lot of "stuff" for lack of a better word while I was in the jungle. I saw the way the people of the Amazon live selflessly. The jungle is part of them and they don't disrespect it like the world perceives they do. They have a way of living that has been going on since anyone can remember. I saw kids who were plenty happy without a PlayStation or cellphone. They got along just fine with a soccer ball and friends. These people don't have the luxuries that some people take for granted. And not once while I was there did I hear one kid whine or complain about something. These people LIVE their lives and that's what I hope to start doing. I envy them for their simplicity and courage. They make their food or they don't eat. There is no grocery stores or 3 am taco bell runs. Everything that I do I take for granted and I hope to change that by living more day to day or even minute to minute. These kids barely have a school. Learning shouldn't be a privilege. We complain about going to school and homework assignments... these kids dream of a school so that they can learn the tools to help them survive and make a change in their communities or even the world.
My goals over the next few years is to spread messages I learned while on this trip and incorporate other messages I may learn while in South Africa in the spring. I hope that one day this world can learn peace not only with one another, but also with the environment we live and rely on.