Living Below The Poverty Line

I always thought that living beneath the poverty line is an occurrence that befalls others, so I decided to dive-in to poverty myself (as an experiment). The belief that poverty arises from ill fortune, bad choices, or a lack of skills is part of what drives poverty. Once someone falls into poverty and descends into destitution, the difficulty of freeing oneself from its clutches, is almost seemingly insurmountable. I resolved to directly experience poverty in the Kingdom of Wonder, the country of Cambodia.

This decision did not materialize abruptly; rather, it evolved gradually as I scrutinized my own assumptions and values. I led a comfortable existence, complete with a stable occupation and a respectable income in the United States. I could afford the material possessions and necessities I desired, free from apprehension about the future. However, an escalating sense of discontent and hollowness pervaded my being. I pondered whether life held more significance than the endless pursuit of material success and happiness. I yearned to challenge myself, to acquire new knowledge, and to effectuate change in the world.

I initiated this journey by immersing myself in research concerning Cambodia, a nation beleaguered by decades of warfare, genocide, and political instability. Through my extensive examination of literature preceding my journey, I came to the conclusion that Cambodia had made remarkable strides in mitigating poverty, yet it grappled with numerous hurdles, including inequality, corruption, environmental degradation, and human rights transgressions. The Cambodian people's culture, history, and resilience piqued my curiosity. So, I boarded the plane and began my adventure.

I arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city, armed with only a backpack and a predetermined modest budget. I secured a humble room among factory laborers in a dilapidated neighborhood, procured an inexpensive motorbike for transportation and exploration, and applied for a volunteer role at a local non-governmental organization dedicated to assisting slum communities. I lived on meager means, adapting as circumstances necessitated. My sustenance comprised rudimentary fare of rice and vegetables, accompanied by water or tea, while I avoided any extra expenditures.

The experience was anything but easy, enjoyable, or glamorous. It proved arduous, agonizing, and humbling. Eking out an existence beneath the poverty line (and doing so in a place still deemed third-world) bestowed upon me myriad lessons unattainable through books, articles, or documentaries. I immediately felt appreciation for life's minutiae, such as a warm shower, a clean bed, or a friendly smile. It equipped me with the tools to confront uncertainty, adversity, and frustration. It fostered resourcefulness, adaptability, and inventiveness.

It also facilitated connections with individuals different from myself in a number of ways. I encountered, on a daily basis, those grappling to make ends meet, but it was those people who had the most generosity, kindness, and hope in their hearts. I met individuals who had endured unfathomable horrors (Khmer Rouge), though exhibiting courage, fortitude, and forgiveness. I encountered individuals with limited education or opportunities, who nevertheless possessed intelligence, talent, and ambition. These special people I met, acquainted me with their culture, history, aspirations, and sufferings in their lives. They extended a warm embrace, welcoming me into their homes, families, and lives.

Living beneath the poverty line in Cambodia also unveiled to me the intricate, multifaceted nature of poverty. Poverty transcended mere financial constraints or income disparities; it comprised issues of access and opportunity. Poverty encompassed not solely individual or personal factors, but also structural and systemic influences, which makes it difficult to move from one level of society to the next. Poverty is more than just statistics or numerical figures; it entangles narratives and stories.

By residing below the poverty line in Cambodia, I learned more about myself and the world than ever before. I deduced that poverty does not define individuals; rather, it can be defeated with dignity and determination. I realized that poverty does not segregate us; rather, it binds us together with compassion and solidarity.

Take a leap of faith in your life, you will have experiences you never envisioned or desired. Push the boundaries of your personal comfort zone, and in so doing, astonish yourself and others beyond imagination.

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Original story (created by me) published on Medium.com. Any changes and/or updates that have been added on Vocal.media are for content consumption purposes.

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