As Americans (or citizens of any western society), we take many things for granted. Despite always having our basic needs met, we sometimes complain about not having enough of this or that, and the this or that is usually a luxury that certainly isn’t necessary just to live. These luxuries just make our lives easier, better, and more enjoyable. Everyone likes nice things, and that’s all right. I don’t think we need to feel guilty about it. We’ve worked hard to be able to spend our money how we choose.
We also sometimes forget just how lucky we are. There are many people around the world who work just as hard (and many times much, much harder) than we do, yet still barely have enough to put roofs over their heads and food in their mouths. Sure, we may read about poverty both at home and around the world; we may see pictures in magazines and newspapers and stories on the news, and it‘s certainly something that can have an impact on us.
It’s quite another thing to not only see it in person, but to speak to people who struggle on a daily basis.
