The average man’s concerns in a typical American household revolve around whether there is enough gas in the car, if the fridge is stocked with enough groceries for the near future, if the children are off to school and whether the family can get by on this month’s salary. His thoughts do not consider the possibility of contracting a parasitic disease from drinking local water or how he will be able to work in the field today, even though he may beill, just to receive minimum wage. This observed disparity is remarkable, especially when we take into account what is considered “average” by American standards compared to the rest of the world and how much our own society takes for granted.

I had the opportunity to observe these differences firsthand during my unbelievably life-changing experience this winter break. The UNCW Medical Brigades Club conducted a voluntary medical brigade in Honduras, in which I was fortunate enough to be involved. The entire experience taught unforgettable lessons and made me consider how much we take for granted, in some regard inevitably because we are fortunate enough to live in a highly developed nation.

It is crucial to point out that during this trip myrespect for Honduras as a country has exponentially grown. It is an amazingly patriotic country whose responsible citizens make their best efforts towards substantial improvement. However, as we hail from a developed nation, the disparities we observe instigate growth of respect for our own country as well. Aspects we used to take for granted become such cherished elements of our own existence. These things are as basic as a hot shower, clean drinking water, personal safety, smooth roads, technology, lack of risk against unfamiliar illnesses and even the ability to communicate over long distances.

Ignorance attains the best of all, especially when accustomed to living within a “normal” American household. We forget how many people in the world do not get to enjoy the privileges we have. We do not have to worry about clean water, hot showersand risk of attaining parasitic diseases- at least for the most part. We are guaranteed to receive quality medical care for risk of legal action against those who do not abide by set laws. Personal safety is not as much of a critical issue.For us technology is treated as second nature these days; a loved one is usually just a phone call away. Smooth roads, truly a boon granted by our set government and traffic regulation systems, aren’t really given a second look.

As temporary inhabitants of Honduras, we were understandably expected to cope with some of the differences mentioned above, but for the most part we were given exclusive treatment. This is especially true when we consider the citizens of the community in Santa Rosa de Guinope, for whom we were voluntarily providing free medical care. We soon realized that they were plagued with several common medical issues. Symptoms observed corresponded to the activities of their everyday lives. These citizens lived in small houses that didn’t provide enough insulation against the outside environment and didn’t allow any smoke potentially accumulated inside the house to exit either. This is noted as the prime source of their respiratory illnesses.Their lifestyles involve manual labor in the fields, causing little time to be spent on personal care, leading to body aches, cold, cough, dehydration and headaches. Parasitic disease was common because of the lack of quality water they were provided.They also had difficulties with the lack of education, proper local medical care and road infrastructure within their community.

Although we experienced only a minimal amount of these conditions, we observed the effects of quite a fewduring our examination of the community inhabitants. The efforts of the Global Brigades organization and their Honduran volunteers at improving the quality of life in these remote communities are extremely commendable. We were enlightened in several meetings during our trip at how they select these communities and work on each problematic area to improve the lives of the people. It should be noted that our medical brigade is only a small initial aspect of this lengthy process. I think that this speaks volumes about the integrity and nobleness of all the people involved. It is extremely humbling to see this diverse group come together for an amazing cause and even more humbling to part of that movement. Not only does it make you feel inspired and welcomed by a gracious country but it also makes you proud and grateful about where you come from as well. Personally, I think this entire experience has left a mark whichmakes me cherish the “taken for granted” every day.