An Interesting Thought on Poverty

Well, you may not find it as interesting as I do, but you haven't necessarily shared the same experiences that I have in the last month. First off, I find it hard to believe that we have already been here for a month. The time has gone by quickly, and we only have one more month here. Actually, today is exactly one month from the date we return to Canada. But I won't go on about that, because many of us are starting to miss home very much as we have been very sick the past week and a half or so. Getting back to the main idea I wanted to right about now, staying in Guatemala for this amount of time and traveling between a few of the different towns and cities has shown us the variety of levels within the poverty cycle here in Guatemala. The contrast between the rich and the poor is quite steep, and it is evident in the different towns. During our first two weeks in Guatemala, when we were in Antigua, it was very common for us to pass beggars on the streets, people who were not able to work because of illness or injury.

Spending a week on crutches myself, it was easy for me to see why injured people here are either forced to beg or hide themselves indoors until they recover. Guatemala is most definitely not built to accommodate injured people. The side walks are narrow, uneven and incredibly difficult to maneuver on crutches. This can have a huge affect on those who need crutches, as it makes them slower, and less capable of the work around Guatemala. Being unable to work, even for a short period of time, can have resounding effects on the financial status of a family, especially one already marked by poverty. The poverty cycle in the majority world is vicious and life-consuming. It is nearly impossible for one to escape without a significant amount of outside help, which does not reach nearly enough of those trapped within it.

This might not be something that everyone can relate to, but it has opened my eyes to how easily one can fall into poverty cycle and become entrapped. It is a sad reality that so many face issues like this, and much worse on a day to day basis. The needs of the people here are clearly evident, and it amazes me that a few simple changes could potentially change the lives of thousands of people.