A few months ago, I traveled to India to write a story for Cru’s magazine, where I met Aaron and Glory, parents to 36 orphaned children, 14 of whom are HIV positive. The trip was eye-opening—full of new experiences, breathtaking moments, and heart-wrenching scenes, especially when I encountered a beggar child with sad eyes. I felt helpless, unable to take him home.
When I returned home, I struggled to adjust. One moment stood out—while helping my mom organize the kitchen, I was shocked to find 7 spatulas. The excess in my life felt painful after seeing how little others had. I realized that I was struggling to reconcile the wealth around me with the poverty I had witnessed.
This feeling is common when adjusting back to one’s own culture after a trip. Many people experience disgust over their country’s excess, frustration over disparities, and loneliness due to a lack of shared understanding.
After acknowledging these emotions, I started to reflect on how God might be calling me to live differently. Questions like, “Why did God bring me on this trip?” and “What can I change in my life to reflect what I’ve seen?” guided my thinking. Through journaling and prayer, I began taking steps toward living more intentionally, prioritizing giving over spending, and focusing on the needs I could no longer ignore.
The trip challenged my views on money, possessions, and how I use my life to bring light to those in need. Through processing, I started making changes that would reflect the lessons learned.
