So, I graduated, and we celebrated at The Chop House. My amazing husband planned the whole party. We then woke up abruptly the following morning and raced to the airport. Despite my brief sickness on the plane, the first two days of the trip have gone very well. I don't want this blog to be a "play by play" of the events of this trip because that just seems quite overwhelming because we are packing so much into a small space. So, I am hoping that here I can share some of my thoughts and feelings about the daily events. Please bear with the first draft writing and the choppy display of pictures. I am tired and am just getting the hang of this blog thing! I am sure my efforts will improve with each blog.
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| Our hotel |
I know many of you are wondering what our accommodations are like. Our hotel is beautiful. I included a picture of the gardens outside and our dinner table. We eat home cooked Salvadorian authentic cuisine each night. Don't worry, I will be posting food pictures periodically for the foodies in my audience!
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| Garden at the Oasis |
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| Tortillas, beans, tamales and fried plantains |
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| Our dinner table |
From today, there are two words that stick out to me. Courage and hospitality. We heard stories from a guerrilla who fought in the Salvadorian Civil War. Many of our perceptions of a "guerrilla fighter" were challenged when we met Damian. He spoke quietly and with an inviting gentleness. He and his wife our hosting us at the Oasis, and have amazing life stories to tell. Damian became involved in challenging the government's oppression of the poor. This led him into many dangerous situations--time in jail, days of torture, fighting in the mountains. All through that, he remained centered on his cause of liberation. His anger did not over take him. Instead, he stayed loyal and did not let the fear of death hinder his fight. Now, he is an economist in the country and part of the legislature. He is very optimistic about the Salvadorian future.
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| Picture of Mons. Romero |
We also learned about Monsenor Romero who was the Archbishop of El Salvador. He was martyred because he pleaded with his congregation as well as the Catholic church to serve and bring justice to the poor of his country. It is not known if he subscribed publically to Liberation Theology, but many of his practices mirrored those of other Central American priests who practice liberation theology. His conviction and opposition of the hierarchical church cost him his life. Yet, his movement continues to inspire and call for social action within the church and his country.
I find myself wrestling with my own lack of courage. The stories we heard today showcased people who weren't driven by money, comfort or social status, but instead by a purpose to fight the injustices around them. After reflecting, I have found that I want to live a life of courage and bravery. Until then, the stories of these men and women are now inside of me, walking around, shaking up the dusty stale corners in my life.
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Professor Guevara and List and
Debiana with Maria's
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Now onto hospitality. We had the amazing privilege to attend Professor List and Professor Guevara's goddaughter's confirmation. After the ceremony, our large group was invited to their home to celebrate with a meal. They made pupusas, and actually let us try our hand in making a few! We also had beans, rice and avocado. Their family was so warm and welcoming. With chickens running around our feet, we tried the new cuisine and enjoyed each other's company
Needless to say, my free spirited, inquisitive self is finally getting some space to come out, breathe deeply and roam around.
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| Emma and I making pupusas |
