Going on the mission trip to the Dominican Republic did many things for me. I had always heard doing something like this is helpful to them but also therapeutic for you. I always understood that idea, but having experienced it first hand was a completely different story.
People there are so warm and friendly. They were all appreciative of what we did for them and for what they have. For most of them what they have is four walls (literally), their families and the chicken coop in the back yard. For the people who have automobiles, half rode mopeds and there were very few trucks, not one SUV. I think it is because they pay about $10 per gallon for gas down there, but I could be wrong. For the most part they were happy to spend time with their families and thanked God for the beautiful surroundings they lived in.
And that was the most important part of the trip for me. That everyone there respectfully thanked God for everything and everyone in their lives. Just the mention of “Dio” (Spanish for God) and the most jovial kids straightened up and became attentive. I was able to explain Chiropractic for the spiritual nature that it is supposed to be without fear of someone else’s hang-ups regarding religion. Saying to them that God is in everything, including you and He keeps your body strong and healthy was accepted without confrontation or over-educated questioning about DNA or physiology. Chiropractic wasn’t about this pain or that leg hurting. It was pure and unadulterated. It was about turning on the power of the human body and ensuring its connection between the body, mind and spirit. Thank God for the language barrier as it made me hone my description down to the purest explanation.
We take so many things for granted here. Paved roads, sanitation, running water, and plumbing are given rights to us. Huge houses to be attained; roofs are replaced every 20 years without thinking about it. When our cars need gas we ONLY spend $3.50 per gallon and we complain about it. We think nothing of spending $50 per week to fill up the tank because we “have to go to work” to have the money to buy more stuff. I thought nothing of purchasing the widescreen TV in the waiting room. We shuttle our kids to soccer, baseball, hockey practice sometimes two or more in one day. We forget the luxury that we live in and we take it for granted.
They have TV and are happy. They have transportation and are happy. They have a HOME. They have FAMILY. They trust, they love, and they help and have a sense of community. They ARE happy. They appreciate having God’s power turned on inside.
We need to give thanks for what we have. If you have never been to a third world country for a purpose other than vacation, you need to go. You need to experience people who really get life. And you need to tell others, your family and your friends about the awesome power of God’s grace that is physically released with every adjustment. You are healthy, even if you don’t know it yet.
Even I take that one for granted.
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