Today was maybe one of the most impactful days that we as Glimpsers will experience on this trip. Today we learned what true poverty looks like. We visited the local dump today in which we met some of the many people who live and work there. This experience was impactful because many of us, including myself, had never seen people who literally lived at the dump. The smell made us cringe and a million flies swarmed us, and yet those who lived there refused to wipe the smiles from their faces. The people lived in shacks made of tarps and wood poles. If they were lucky they had tin roofs. It was amazing to see how people who have so few material possessions can be so rich in emotion and quality of life. I used to think that being rich meant having money, but after this experience, I found that one is not rich by the materials that they possess, but by the connections they have with others and how they make the most of their lives. This experience humbled us all and we were surprised to find how similar we were to the people who lived there. Despite our differences in economic status and geographic location, we all share common dreams. Below are some photos of the dump and home of these people.
While at the dump we met some of the boys who work there and learned bout their work, interests, and aspirations. We shared some our own experiences and dreams for the future as well. The most shocking thing that we heard today was that most of these kids did not have access to education because of the distance between them and the schools. We told them about the laws in the United States that guaranteed a free public education to all children under the age of 22. Their response was awe; the idea of free education sounded unimaginable to them and they told us that those laws should be universal. They all wanted to go to school very badly and we could see it in their eyes that it hurt to not be able to learn. Most of them told us that they could not read or write. That’s what hurt us the most, these kids who wanted so desperately to learn were not able to and without education they were stuck. They had no escape from the nightmare they lived in. And I cannot stress enough how meaningful it was to see the smiles on their faces even in the inhumane conditions that were their everyday reality.
Really well written blog Benjamin. Thanks so much for sharing the experience and and photos with us. This is certainly not something most Americans or high school students get to see.
First of all well done Benjamin. Your blog was well put. Secondly….Wow. What an eye opening experience. I can remember going to the dump here in Antioch when I was a kid. I could not imagine seeing home made shacks with people living in them there. I’ve been through a homeless camp before and thought that was something. We’re all very excited for the learning lessons your group is getting.
This is the kind of experience that will change your whole view of the world. You are an amazing young man, and you are incredibly lucky to gain this wisdom while still in high school. Keep pushing your boundaries with compassion and respect for all people. I cannot wait to hear more about your trip, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact you make with the knowledge that you have gained. Great job to all the Glimpsers!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It is humbling to see how people with so little can live their lives with such resilience. We really need to appreciate what we have and pay it forward by helping others who are less fortunate. I’m sure everyone is inspired to look at things differently. Look forward to reading about your next adventure and your community project. Stay well Sean.
Ben – as I read your blog in a comfortable chair & a safe environment, I realize how fortunate we are. While we cannot change the world as quickly as we would like, we can make a difference with compassion for the less fortunate and by fighting every day to find ways to help others through efforts like yours with Global Glimpse. As you move on in your life, always remember these experiences and the people you met on this trip who dream of an opportunity for a better life. We are very proud of you!