Getting Off The Privileged Bubble

Could my money be more useful than my non-medical skills? I had to reason with myself about the merits of going on a week-long mission trip. Rationally the answer was a resounding “yes,” but, as it turns out, the answer is a big “no.” At first thought, I have no business being on a medical mission trip. Since I haven’t been able to find a marketing or technology mission trip yet (hey, now that’s an idea!), I decided to join the Cross Point Honduras mission team and brought my 16-year old son, Marcus along. I’m glad I did.

While my money can be used to buy supplies and hire more help, my presence here is more important than just my resources. Here are some thoughts:

Looking into the eyes of the Honduran people, touching them and letting them know they matter is a deep personal experience no funding mechanism can duplicate.

Working for 10 straight hours doing something simple but important ( I did over 200 blood sugar tests yesterday) brings an amazing sense of accomplishment to someone who is used to days filled with strategy meetings, creative briefs, and software feature development.

Marcus has checked the blood pressure of over 200 people in the first 2 days

There’s nothing like walking through muddy streets in a poverty-stricken village to remind myself of how privileged I really am. Interestingly there are no diet drinks to be found around here.The locals need the extra calories. Obesity is no where to be found.

I’m glad I left my privileged bubble and brought my son along. He’s having an education of a lifetime and I’m recalibrating my world view.

What about you? Have you ever left your bubble?

Derek Brown

Love it. A “marketing” mission trip – I like the sound of that 🙂
- Maurilio Amorim
  
  I need to figure out to make that happen.
  - Derek Brown
    
    Sign me up!
kymoore

Yes! Went to Nairobi, Kenya and Uganda to serve with Athletes in Action. Served on the team bringing a week of sports, learning, affirmation, supplies and built 3 new bathrooms ( longdrops) for kids and families of Kibera, the 2nd largest slum in Africa. Amazing….grateful for the privilege of being born African American. Many had never seen an African American. One little boy asked a Caucasian American teenager “Where did you get her?”
- Maurilio Amorim
  
  Great comment. Love the “where did you get her?”
Steven Shantz

I grew up as a Missionary Kid in Latin America and I lived the world you are currently in for 8 years. There is still a big part of me which relates to and loves the Hispanic culture. I’m glad you and Marcus are there in Honduras to experience the people and the country. Resetting your world view is good. I’m sure the people you touched will also remember you.
- Maurilio Amorim
  
  I’m afraid the only thing Honduran people will remember my freakishly white teeth.
Daniel Decker

Very true and inspiring!
- Daniel Decker
  
  BTW… loved this line… “my presence here is more important than just my resources.” Sums it up well.
  - Maurilio Amorim
    
    Thanks Daniel.
Annie Galvin Teich

Sharing your experience with us is a terrific reminder of the physical abundance of the world we inhabit. I loved, “I’m recalibrating my world view.”
- Maurilio Amorim
  
  Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Annie.
Faye Bryant

“Looking into the eyes of the Honduran people, touching them and letting them know they matter is a deep personal experience no funding mechanism can duplicate.”
Anyone can give money. Giving of one’s time, not so much. Thank you (and Marcus) for being Jesus to these folks you’ve touched.
- Maurilio Amorim
  
  Thanks for the kind words, Faye.
LilithGraceBlind

I would LOVE to do something like this one day. I might choose what I go back to school for based on what would be most useful there.

What about you? Have you ever left your bubble?

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