July 4 marks the moment when proud, patriotic Americans pull out flags and red, white and blue attire.
In the midst of celebrating the country’s freedom in the best way I know how – barbecue, beer and boating – I mused on other nations’ ways of life.
At the age of 21, I’ve touched down in 11 countries and five continents. My ambitious goal is to visit all 195 countries in the world.
I still have quite a way to go in my quest, but my early endeavors have brought eye-opening experiences.
More revealing than visiting famous landmarks is studying the ways other people conduct their daily lives.
The best way to grasp a foreign way of life is to fully emerge yourself in it.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Dining in the cafés of Paris, toasting in the beer halls of Germany and perusing the crazy streets of Amsterdam have been highlights of my trips.
But the most unique, interesting and life-changing experience came just a few weeks ago on my visit to Mozambique.
This wasn’t my first trip to an underprivileged country, so I had an idea of what to expect.
But it was my first venture into Africa — and as one of my hosts later informed me, “Africa is different.”
We spent two weeks in a small village called Amatongas as guests of four Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
Traveling to a Third World country is strange — you see these sad, impoverished children on TV and expect to see the same in person.
But listen to your parents when they say you can’t believe everything you see on TV.
Not a day went by when smiles weren’t tattooed on young faces.
It’s ironic that we live in a strong, powerful and advanced country and yet millions of our people struggle daily to find happiness.
I saw families living in huts with dirty water and two changes of clothes, hoping to sell enough at their shop to afford another meal.
Yet these people smile, dance and sing every night.
It’s also amazing that body language, facial expression and hand motions can break language barriers. Mozambicans speak Portuguese (which we didn’t know a word of), yet children would walk across campus to our rooms every night seeking conversation.
These people live simple lives — and are happy.
There’s no high-definition television, no online gaming and no iPhones. You can’t run to McDonald’s and grab a Big Mac or adjust the AC down when you’re hot.
I love the United States as much as the next man. But I admire these simple people.
No, I’m not going to mimic them by selling my belongings and living on the streets.
But I am more appreciative of everything I have, and I have made my life simpler in smaller ways. Even though America is the best country in the world, everyone needs to travel outside the U.S. for some eye-opening experiences.
Regardless of the country they choose, travelers learn, have fun and meet great people.
By traveling, you’ll come to appreciate how superb the United States is.
Be thankful, and God bless America.
 
—-
Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]