Lessons of El Salvador

            The immersion trip I was able to experience was truly a gift. Traveling to a third world country was humbling and personally rewarding. I wish all Americans had the opportunity to do what we were able to do in the small community of Las Trincheras. Our group of fifteen headed to El Salvador for a week with the goal of helping a struggling community through the construction of a new school building. The result was much different than I had previously thought. The community and many other wonderful Salvadorans gave us much more than we had given them. Many people expressed their stories and messages of hardship and struggle, but in the process extreme compassion, forgiveness and eventual triumph. The people would thank us with dance, food, and whatever else they had to offer. They were always open, excited to learn, willing to understand us, and so easily loved us with their whole heart. In comparison, few truly have struggles in the United States. To see their genuine happiness amidst poor living conditions and a potentially grim future was an amazing experience. I found that this trip allowed me to see the value in friendships and relationships, and that happiness is found in even the darkest of places.

            When I woke up early in the morning to prepare to leave for El Salvador, I was nervous. I was with a group of students I had not known well, and was headed for a country in desperate need of help. I sat in my seat 22B, in the middle of two students whom I had rarely talked to. I quickly discovered what great people they were, and developed a relationship with one in particular that I will value for the rest of my life. We were great friends instantly; it was as though we had known each other for years.

            After the five hour delay in Houston, Texas, we arrived in the capital, San Salvador. It was hard to believe I was in this country and about to serve a community that did not know me or understood me. We were gringos, foreigners, but were accepted nonetheless with open arms. Our exploration of San Salvador began with dinner at a papuseria, and we enjoyed a famous El Salvadoran dish called a Papusa. We learned all about the history of San Salvador surrounding politics, economic hardships, social issues, religion, and local culture. During our service, the country was experiencing history with the election of FMLN (Farabundo Martin Liberacional Nacionales) candidate Mauricio Funez, a presidential party change that has not occurred for more than forty years. There was excitement for the new president and no hostility towards the newly elected government. In the middle of all this change was the anniversary of Monsignor Romero’s tragic assassination. He remains a celebrated and revered man by all Salvadorans because of his work for the marginalized and the poor. There was a five mile march for him in the streets of San Salvador where thousands marched for not only the life of Romero, but for President Funez as well. While this was inspiring, it was the work that we did for three days in the rural community of Las Trincheras that really made a lasting impression on me and our group. They had only two school buildings, and the ground was dirt and dust. The playground consisted of only tire swings and two metal poles deemed a slide. The soccer field was simply dust and two metal goals posts, but they had no soccer ball to use. So, we went to a nearby town and purchased two soccer balls for the kids to use. When they saw the balls they immediately ran to the field to play. It was a dust bowl, the Gringos versus the Salvadorans, but no one minded because we were all having a great time.

            The building began with the foundation. We had to dig trenches through dirt and massive lava rocks that had to be removed. Not to mention the discovery of a couple arañas de caballos or horse spiders that were quickly killed and disposed of by the locals aiding in construction. Along with the foundation we constructed rebar, mixed sand and cement, carried cinder blocks and whatever else the head builder, Roberto, wanted us to do. Kids watched intently, not learning or listening to a word their teachers were telling them as they were still in school. We took time to talk to the children, play with them, teach them English, throw away garbage that was everywhere, and they helped us cut wire and rebar when they could. There was laughter with many awkward pauses when I had no idea what the children had just said, but they took their time and were patient with me to help explain what they were attempting to communicate. On the last day, many parents and students came to send us off and thank us for our hard work. The students gave us colored drawings, and we gave them a performance as well which consisted of mass hymns, the United States Anthem, and school chants. We left hugging everyone goodbye and being tickled to death by mobs of young students. We all stood in the bed of the truck and drove off, saying goodbye to all and hoping that someday we might be able to return. The entire group of us came back as family, becoming extremely close throughout the trip as a result of our nightly journal reflections, discussions, and simply talking with one another. These types of relationships have given new meaning to my educational and spiritual life.

            The educational and meaningful lessons I learned while in El Salvador were numerous. The major life lessons for me surrounded living more simply, and the value of learning about other countries cultures and history. The conditions throughout the trip were modest and lacked the material items that we come to take advantage of. There was no hot water, no cell phones, no microwaves or DVD players. We instead explored outside, worked, and communicated with each other. The experience was much more enjoyable free from electronics and the many other distractions that American life provides. Instead of watching television and going onto the internet for hours at a time, we conversed with other people, marched with locals for something they truly believed in regarding the importance of Romero, and saw the University of Central America, where six Jesuit priests were assassinated during the countries devastating civil war. We were free from media, electronics, and other unimportant affairs at home. The setting was tranquil and each night we were given time to reflect on the day and to see how God acted in our experiences with nature and with other people. Because of this immersion, I give myself time each day to be thankful and pray for all that I have, and the experience is always in my mind guiding my decisions and helping me put things into perspective.

            Throughout the trip we learned many facts and major events that occurred in El Salvador’s vibrant history. Especially, the Civil War that is fresh in the minds of many men and women, the assassination of many priests, and other innocents attempting to spread the word of social justice throughout the country. Not only are we shielded in America from death and war on our own soil, our Civil War was one hundred fifty years ago. It is a distant memory that none of us can relate to. Expanding our view of the world and understanding the differing beliefs of others is vital to becoming men and women for others.

            Throughout my immersion experience my faith life has been strengthened. I see God in people, nature, and experiences. My service work was positive and allowed me to appreciate more my school, family, and life. It sparked in me a desire to further help others in the future in foreign third world countries. The message and stories we brought back with us have positively affected the Jesuit High School community as well. Our message of living simply and giving to the community through service in other countries helped to inspire other students and teachers to pursue another immersion opportunity the following summer. We opened their eyes to what a large population has to go through on a daily basis. Other people will continue our work in the future by going back to El Salvador to finish the school we started. We spoke against injustice through marching for the life of Romero and through constructing the foundation of a school for kids to give them a brighter and more prosperous future. Most importantly, we completed our objective of making the message clear to everyone at home in the United States. The service began with us, but through opening our mouths we shared our experiences to others which ultimately, ignited in them a feeling of urgency to help other struggling communities and nations around the world.