Poor Living Conditions In America

Many Americans have a general understanding that families living in poverty are generally unhappy. Outsiders see poor living conditions, run down houses, and individuals who do not own a pair shoes. However, once you experience these individuals in person you begin to understand that their satisfaction with what they have and how they live. I once believed that no person could actually be happy with those conditions. When I went to Kantunilkín, Mexico in 2013 for a mission trip my opinion completely changed. Many people believe it is necessary to have mission trips because they feel it is their duty to (help) the people living in poverty and in a way it is, but not how one would think. One person in particular, made a major impact on thoughts. …show more content…
Jesse never attempted to report it not because he couldn’t describe the thief, but because he believed the person that stole it had a greater need for it. This man’s outlook on life made me realize that the lack of fancy possessions and living conditions were not the basis of happiness. Jesse taught me ultimately that the idea of the American Dream was not true happiness. Jesse and his family had almost nothing and would give what little they had to anyone who needed it. They were not angry because of the way they were forced to live, but instead embraced life and took it on with a smile. He had people who loved him and just enough to survive on and was happy because he generally loved life and understood that he was lucky to have what he had. Jesse finished his story by telling us that our assistance was not needed because there were other people that had a greater need than his family. How is it that Jesse and his family are happier than the average American family? Instead of having the need for “stuff” his family embraces their relationships with their loved ones and how lucky they are to have the gift of