Creature Comforts

Written by Gerlinda Lucas.

Extreme weather, life threatening situations, lack of basic amenities ... Growing up in an impoverished part of the Philippines, and having served in humanitarian causes in Russia, Afghanistan and Cambodia, I had gotten used to a “tough” life. Yet as life gets better, and different creature comforts seep into my life, it is easy to be lulled into a sense of entitlement, and even apathy.

In November 2013, the senior management team of the hospital I work for went for a short year-end retreat. It was a resort in the Pailin province of Cambodia, located near to the border of Thailand. The resort is tranquil and beautifully landscaped, and the meals were sumptuous. We had a great time bonding over fun and fellowship, and our meetings were very fruitful.

The only thing that marred the wonderful experience was the water. It might have flowed from the mountain streams into our taps, but it was certainly no Evian. Although it was filtered and supposed to be safe for use, it smelt of mud. After a shower, I felt dirtier than before. I couldn’t shrug away the irritation each time I smelt myself. It bothered me throughout the whole time there and a retreat that was supposed to help relax my mind and soul became a battle within, to force myself simply to be content with smelling like mud.

When I returned back to my comfort zone and the ordeal of being smelly was over, I realized how blessed I am to have clean running water. I may have lived in poor areas and even hostile environments, but I usually had access to clean running water, available for use 24/7. One would expect a person who has devoted her life to serving in impoverished areas to always be keenly aware of how blessed we are, and not to take anything for granted. But the reality is that human beings are so easily trapped by creature comforts. We fall into complacency, and cocooned in the capsule of conveniences around us, even forget about the less fortunate.

The experience has helped me to again appreciate the things I have. It is a strong reminder of the stark disparities that exist in this world, and a constant call for us to never give up in making the world better.