For many, spring break entails traveling to exotic beaches, achieving bronze skin from basking under the sun and residing at a lavish resort with an ocean view. It certainly doesn’t include encountering homes with tin roofs, dirt floors and a single room for an entire family to sleep in.

There may be palm trees in San Andrés Itzapa, but none of the luxuries those in the United States are so lucky to be accustomed to are present in Guatemala. These Guatemalans face the unthinkable struggles of obtaining clean water everyday and are forced to worry about their next meal.

Not knowing what to expect, I was anxious before the trip and I spent the majority of our time on the flights imagining what the city would be like. It turned out to be nothing like I anticipated. Stray dogs swarmed the streets in packs, dirt swirled up in clouds and mountains of trash rested in the rivers. Despite that, we were immediately greeted by energetic smiles and open arms from complete strangers. The hospitality shared with us was boundless.

The people found joy in the smallest of things. We built stoves and chicken coops for families who didn’t have them. Even though my Spanish was minimal, the language barrier didn’t divide us. Kids tugged at our shirts, insisting that we play with them and seeing their happiness from our mere presence was priceless. We passed around a soccer ball and carved tic-tac-toe in the dirt with sticks. It made me reflect on the little kids I knew back home that needed an iPad and Netflix to keep them entertained. The children of San Andrés were ecstatic when we handed out simple stickers, candy and small plush animals. I realized how much I took for granted.

Personally, the orphanage for the disabled we visited was the most challenging part of the trip. Oftentimes in San Andrés, parents abandon their babies with disabilities not because they necessarily want to, but because they don’t have the resources available to care for them. I was reassured by the fact that the orphaned kids we met were being well cared for within the orphanage walls and would live comfortable lives.

The Guatemalans find their source of life in their families, friends and neighbors. The community they have embraced everyone. They’re never wrapped up in how much or how little they have. It’s important that we acknowledge the people present in our lives that genuinely love us. And instead of complaining about what we don’t have, be reminded of how blessed we are to possess what we do. The week I spent in San Andrés changed my outlook on the world. I wouldn’t trade the time I spent there for anything.