A seminary requires all of...
Illustration
A seminary requires all of its students to travel to what is commonly referred to as a
"Third World Country." This year the class spent ten days in Central America. At first,
Rhonda shrugged off the notion that somehow this trip would change her life. It was just
one more requirement she had to complete before graduation.
Rhonda would spend five days living with a family in a small village. It was not what she expected and consequently experienced culture shock. The family was poor, having very little in terms of material belongings. Unlike her family back home, the Central American family did not have food stored in a freezer or closets full of clothing. There was another difference Rhonda quickly noticed and that was the joy this family exhibited each day. She thought of her own family with all the stuff they had and yet were not as happy as this family.
Even though by worldly standards this family had little, they had a strong faith. Rhonda was envious of their deep faith. The last days of the trip found the seminarians listening to lectures at a Central American college.
When Rhonda returned, she spoke of her experience that did change her outlook on life. As a direct result she was more compassionate toward others, especially the poor and working class people in her community. Those who know Rhonda also saw the difference in her life.
Rhonda would spend five days living with a family in a small village. It was not what she expected and consequently experienced culture shock. The family was poor, having very little in terms of material belongings. Unlike her family back home, the Central American family did not have food stored in a freezer or closets full of clothing. There was another difference Rhonda quickly noticed and that was the joy this family exhibited each day. She thought of her own family with all the stuff they had and yet were not as happy as this family.
Even though by worldly standards this family had little, they had a strong faith. Rhonda was envious of their deep faith. The last days of the trip found the seminarians listening to lectures at a Central American college.
When Rhonda returned, she spoke of her experience that did change her outlook on life. As a direct result she was more compassionate toward others, especially the poor and working class people in her community. Those who know Rhonda also saw the difference in her life.
