About a month ago, all of the SALTers were asked to write responses to the following questions, and when we return to Akron, PA for our re-entry in July, we will receive a "yearbook" with everyone's responses. I thought I would share some of my (modified!) responses here on my blog.
First
Impression (of assignment country/community, etc.):
Life in San Salvador is very different than life in Tavistock, or even life in Waterloo!
There are people everywhere! Along with this, comes almost
non-stop noise, from the traffic (and horn-honking!), vendors driving through
the streets yelling “Platanos! Platanos!” into their megaphones, and the dogs,
roosters, blaring music, and firecrackers going off at all times of the day or
night.
I also noticed right away the friendliness and
hospitality of the Salvadoran people, and fell in love with the beautiful landscape. When
I step out of my house, I have a view of the gorgeous San Salvador
Relationship
with God (Highlights/new insights or difficulties/struggles in your faith?):
These past months have been very inspiring to me, as
I have seen many examples of Salvadorans living out their faith and actively
working for peace and justice, from the example of the Salvadoran martyr
Archbishop Oscar Romero, to the examples I see every day through my co-workers
at ANADES (New Dawn Association).
At the same time, these past months have been hard for me. I have struggled to find God and see hope, in the midst of all the pain, suffering and injustices that I see here in San Salvador
New
Perspectives (How has your view of yourself, others & your home country
changed after cross cultural service?):
It is hard to write this in just a paragraph...I am gaining new perspectives every day! I
have learned so many things about myself, as well as the strength of the
Salvadoran people, and not to judge a book by the cover.
I have learned the importance of really pushing myself to try new things and put myself into new situations. It is surprising that even living in a country that is totally different than what I grew up in, I can still fall into my comfort zone, which is sometimes a good thing, but usually not! When you are in your comfort zone, it is hard to see the injustices in the world, and even harder to work for justice and peace and building God’s Kingdom here on earth. And I have discovered that the best learning, and sometimes even the most fun, comes out of these experiences that at first glance, seem too scary or uncomfortable.
I am also learning how our individualist, consumerist and militaristic society in North America is connected with many of the hardships the majority of Salvadorans face every day, including violence, insecurity, gangs, drug cartels, migration, broken families, climate change, and poverty.
I am also learning how our individualist, consumerist and militaristic society in North America is connected with many of the hardships the majority of Salvadorans face every day, including violence, insecurity, gangs, drug cartels, migration, broken families, climate change, and poverty.
Future
Plans (What might you do next, when you return home?):
Look for a job! I’m also thinking of heading back to
school, either to get my Masters in Social Work or pursue Early Childhood
Education. And I would love to return to Central America ,
and volunteer with MCC again!
What
single word best describes this year for you? Explain why – in a
sentence or two.
Relationships!
This
has been the most rewarding part of SALT: although not always easy (both the building
of friendships, as well as being in relationship with people who have such different life experiences than I do), the relationships I have made with my host
families, co-workers, and the kids and their parents at the daycare, have given
me an incredible amount of love, laughter, joy, hope and inspiration!
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