What a lovely story :)
I too had a very materialistic mind. When I started working and earning money I quickly found myself in the routine that is set out for us. Our society is built to spend money and to want things.
It wasn't until I started to travel that I realized that it doesn't make you happy. I met all these wonderful people from all over the world. There's no judgement among travelers. We don't look at people for what they have, but rather for who they are. We share stories, experiences and love. It's a fulfilling feeling. You feel like you're part of the world, just by being yourself and not for what you have.