Nuevo Durango

Last spring break, my eyes were opened to a world of adventure, melancholy, prosperity, misfortune and tribulation.  Rising above these adjectives, this world exuded a sense of joy and optimism.  It will be hard for me to find another place that parallels these characteristics, and the exotic beauty that dwells within Nuevo Durango. 

Cancun, Mexico is the optimal destination for many college students to spend their week of freedom during the spring semester.  Money is wasted as late night drinking and beach swimming become the main source of activity.  But what many people do not know is that some hundred miles away from this hoopla, poverty imprisons the land. 

Last spring break, I flew into Cancun accompanied by 12 other man.  We did not take part in these spring break rituals, but rather ventured into the heart of this poverty to reach out to its patrons.  Our assigned village was named Nuevo Durango, and was inhabited by no more than 25 locals.  Mayan descendent established the native tongue among the village, but many of them spoke in a Spanish dialect. 

When I arrived in Nuevo Durango, the sun was high casting small shadows throughout the place.  Brightly illuminated, I perceived the village through my eyes, eyes not thoroughly mastered to detect beauty and poverty within the same field.  The houses were made of tree trunks tied together, and the roofs had been plastered down with layers upon layers of palm leaves.  House does not correctly define these shelters, they were more like huts.  Children raced around the tan streets made of fine rock and sand.  In the middle of the village was a playground center.  There was a seesaw, some swings, and a jungle-gym. Many children congregate there to be relieved from their daily chores.

This village was exotic; located in the heart of the tropics of Mexico.  I experienced so much beauty, and became acquainted to many new creatures once foreign to me.  But the locals are what made this place so unforgettable.  They were all so compassionate and optimistic in the face of what seemed like so much poverty and misfortune.  I will forever cherish the friendships and connections I engaged in while on this mission trip. 

Parting ways from Nuevo Durango and the villagers was a difficult task.  Leaving behind their sorrows and poverty made a sense of guilt rest within my heart; but resulting from this experience, a new attitude has been formed in my mind.  I strive to live the humility and simplicity the villagers made known to me through the examples of their daily lives.