Travel Day!
After spending the night in our original hotel, we had a nice breakfast, worshiped together and got on our bus for the airport. It's about 45 minutes from San Salvador to the airport.
One unique thing about the airport in San Salvador was that there was security screening both coming into the general gate area, and also at each specific gate. So, if you purchase water or soda at an airport news stand or gift shop - drink it before the gate area!
Everything went smoothly and pretty much on schedule. Getting through customs in Atlanta was mostly uneventful. It was a new experience for some to have to reconnect with their luggage in the middle of a multi-leg flight. It must have been a relatively slow fly day, because lines were pretty short and efficient.
We said "good-bye" to our two Wisconsin travelers. They were amazing young ladies who found our trip independently through the Habitat website. Ours was an "open" group, and these adventuresome women decided to risk traveling with a group of completely unknown people (mostly Bears fans) in order to work with Habitat International.
The flight from Atlanta to Moline, for me, was marked by a "chasing north" of the sunset. In El Salvador, because it is so close to the equator, the sun rises and sets at about 6 am and 6 pm each day regardless of the season. It was odd for us, for this week in the midst of what are usually the longest days of the year, for us to only have 12 hours of daylight. So, as we flew from Atlanta to Moline, we kept just ahead of us, a little bit of dusk, which set just before we landed, back home, safe and sound.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Saturday
Saturday was a big day to get to know our host country a little better.
We started out with a tour of a coffee production plant. Though the coffee wasn't in season, we were able to walk the process that a coffee bean takes from the time it is a red "grape" through its various phases of shedding pulp and parchment, through drying and roasting. It is a very complex procedure and very labor intensive. I was most taken by the long rows of women at tables full of beans, sorting through for imperfections. Every so often, the conveyor belt which carried the beans around the tables would move and the women would start with a new pile of beans. It was very loud!
After the factory tour, we were able to go to a coffee plantation that has been in a family for four generations. The current generation is very savvy about the ups and downs of farming, and diversify some with cacao production, but mostly with tourism, agro-tourism and adventure tourism. While we were there, some of our group rode horses, and some hiked the plantation. We learned the life cycle of a coffee bush/tree. It should produce for about thirty years, though some producing plants on their land are as old as 80-100 years. By the time a plant is nearing 30 years, it should have a young plant growing next to it, to benefit from the shade of the older plant and to take over when the old plant is worn out. (I think there's a sermon there somewhere, but I'll let it go for now.) The plantation was at just about a mile high, 5400ish feet.
In the afternoon, our host, Gabriella, took those who wished for a hike through a pouring rain storm to see some most amazing waterfalls. They weren't easy to get to, and it was all uphill to get back to the group, but it was certainly worth it.
We started out with a tour of a coffee production plant. Though the coffee wasn't in season, we were able to walk the process that a coffee bean takes from the time it is a red "grape" through its various phases of shedding pulp and parchment, through drying and roasting. It is a very complex procedure and very labor intensive. I was most taken by the long rows of women at tables full of beans, sorting through for imperfections. Every so often, the conveyor belt which carried the beans around the tables would move and the women would start with a new pile of beans. It was very loud!
After the factory tour, we were able to go to a coffee plantation that has been in a family for four generations. The current generation is very savvy about the ups and downs of farming, and diversify some with cacao production, but mostly with tourism, agro-tourism and adventure tourism. While we were there, some of our group rode horses, and some hiked the plantation. We learned the life cycle of a coffee bush/tree. It should produce for about thirty years, though some producing plants on their land are as old as 80-100 years. By the time a plant is nearing 30 years, it should have a young plant growing next to it, to benefit from the shade of the older plant and to take over when the old plant is worn out. (I think there's a sermon there somewhere, but I'll let it go for now.) The plantation was at just about a mile high, 5400ish feet.
In the afternoon, our host, Gabriella, took those who wished for a hike through a pouring rain storm to see some most amazing waterfalls. They weren't easy to get to, and it was all uphill to get back to the group, but it was certainly worth it.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Friday
Today was a very short work day. It was kind of bitter sweet. We all would have liked to have seen all the houses completed, but in reality, we did what we could.
The exciting news was that one of our houses was completed to the point where we were able to have a dedication ceremony. This was really exciting because even those of us that had been here working several times before had never been part of a dedication. The dedication itself was remarkably similar to the ones we have in the US. There are some scripture readings, thank yous, the giving of a family Bible and a key to the home. Wow! Very moving.
In the afternoon, Habitat had an "End of the Week" celebration at the home of the VP of the community's "directiva" Traditional far all around. The women had crafts and coffee to sell.
After lunch, they ded speeches and thank yous. It was so clear how very appreciative the community was. Each of us in the group received a "suitable for framing" certificate. Also a personalized "heart" with a thanks and Bible verse and also a t-shirt
After the formalities, those who wanted to learn were taught how to make tamales or papusas. Then they brought out a pinata and we brought all our extra candy and all the local kids had a BLAST playing this international favorite game.
I will post pictures separately, but wanted to get some words under the day so others on the group can post under the day as well.
The exciting news was that one of our houses was completed to the point where we were able to have a dedication ceremony. This was really exciting because even those of us that had been here working several times before had never been part of a dedication. The dedication itself was remarkably similar to the ones we have in the US. There are some scripture readings, thank yous, the giving of a family Bible and a key to the home. Wow! Very moving.
In the afternoon, Habitat had an "End of the Week" celebration at the home of the VP of the community's "directiva" Traditional far all around. The women had crafts and coffee to sell.
After lunch, they ded speeches and thank yous. It was so clear how very appreciative the community was. Each of us in the group received a "suitable for framing" certificate. Also a personalized "heart" with a thanks and Bible verse and also a t-shirt
After the formalities, those who wanted to learn were taught how to make tamales or papusas. Then they brought out a pinata and we brought all our extra candy and all the local kids had a BLAST playing this international favorite game.
I will post pictures separately, but wanted to get some words under the day so others on the group can post under the day as well.
Thursday
Today after breakfast and devotions, we worked for only a half day on the houses. We accomplished a lot, but we are learning that establishing relationships is as important as putting block and mortar together.
After lunch, we drove down to a soccer field that wasn't too far away. (I don't know if we could have found it on foot, but the local dog who's been hanging around for scraps all week, "Rocky" certainly did!)
All together, there were about 30 people, Habitat volunteers, local children, masons, neighbors, and anyone who wanted to play. They weren't necessarily divided into playing positions, but it sure looked like they were having fun!
It was a bright, sunny afternoon and even those who had never played soccer before, certainly looked like they were having a great time.
For our evening meeting, our "homework" was to interview another member of the team and get to know them better. Steve paired us up really well and we introduced each other tonight. There were some great stories and lots of joy!
After lunch, we drove down to a soccer field that wasn't too far away. (I don't know if we could have found it on foot, but the local dog who's been hanging around for scraps all week, "Rocky" certainly did!)
All together, there were about 30 people, Habitat volunteers, local children, masons, neighbors, and anyone who wanted to play. They weren't necessarily divided into playing positions, but it sure looked like they were having fun!
It was a bright, sunny afternoon and even those who had never played soccer before, certainly looked like they were having a great time.
For our evening meeting, our "homework" was to interview another member of the team and get to know them better. Steve paired us up really well and we introduced each other tonight. There were some great stories and lots of joy!
Photos
Here is a link to the photos from our trip photographer, Pastor David Schweppe.
If you can't get to it - go to Facebook, "Friend" David Schweppe and join the ope group "El Salvador Trip 2013"
If you can't get to it - go to Facebook, "Friend" David Schweppe and join the ope group "El Salvador Trip 2013"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/165867176918528/
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday
This was our fullest day yet...
We followed our regular morning routine...
6:30 breakfast
7:00 devotions
7:30 on the bus
We were at the site and working before 8:30. One of the houses is being primed for paint! It is very exciting to know that we are working on a house that is that close to completion!
The others are somewhat higher than waist high with their courses of concrete block. On those sites we are still moving out dirt, mixing cement (chispa and mescla (sp) - one is more like grout, the other, like mortar. Now we are helping to lift concrete blocks to the professional masons to make their lives easier. We are also putting the cement and mortar inside and between the blocks. Mixing the cement on the ground is a great thing to see. The masons, elder family members, and now a few of our own teams know the precise blend of cement mix, sand, gravel and water, as well as look and consistency to make a perfect mix. Sifting sand is also not something we see on a US construction site. We use a screen box and shake it back and forth until the sand is below and the gravel on top, toss the gravel off and shake some more.
Each member of the team has different stories to tell regarding the relationships they are making with local family members. So far, I am most impressed with Don Alfredo, the grandpa of our family. He is 58 years old, a very hard worker, but a gentle soul who can calm any of his grandchildren. There are a number of smaller children around our site that our teens stop to play with. The video above is a street baseball game.
We followed our regular morning routine...
6:30 breakfast
7:00 devotions
7:30 on the bus
We were at the site and working before 8:30. One of the houses is being primed for paint! It is very exciting to know that we are working on a house that is that close to completion!
The others are somewhat higher than waist high with their courses of concrete block. On those sites we are still moving out dirt, mixing cement (chispa and mescla (sp) - one is more like grout, the other, like mortar. Now we are helping to lift concrete blocks to the professional masons to make their lives easier. We are also putting the cement and mortar inside and between the blocks. Mixing the cement on the ground is a great thing to see. The masons, elder family members, and now a few of our own teams know the precise blend of cement mix, sand, gravel and water, as well as look and consistency to make a perfect mix. Sifting sand is also not something we see on a US construction site. We use a screen box and shake it back and forth until the sand is below and the gravel on top, toss the gravel off and shake some more.
"Street" Baseball Game
Tuesday
I'm doing my best to post once a day, but the internet connection Tuesday night was a little sketchy. I do hope that as I post, others will add from their experiences and journals as well...
This morning after breakfast, we started the day by driving
out to Villa Esperanza, which is an intentional
community created by Habitat with a great deal of assistance from
Thrivent. Several of our team of 24 (and previous to ever knowing each other
on this trip) had worked on building the homes here in years past. What a tremendous blessing to come back and
see homes that were in various states of cinder block construction in 2010,
become final homes, with residents, neighbors, pictures on the walls and
gardens in the yards.
Louis wasn’t with us today, as Tuesday is his office
day. Douglas joined us along the way, to
help translate. Douglas is a local
volunteer with Habitat, apparently working part of his “sweat equity” as a
translator. Hopefully, someone who knows
more of his story can add to this blog.
That would be helpful for many of the personalities we meet on this
build-week. We are all developing
relationships – some with the builders, some with home-owners, some with
children and grandchildren and neighbors of home owners. Each story is unique and interesting.
As we met after supper tonight as a large group, we realized
again how blessed we were – that we could spend a day, not understanding the
local language, working hard, getting sweaty – but no one is complaining, or
even crabby, because we all realize that no matter what we give of ourselves –
we are already receiving far more in return.
Side note – we stopped at a Super-Selectos super market on
the way from Villa Esperanza back to the
work site this morning. I’m not sure if
it’s because I have been here so many times and am becoming familiar with the
store or if it is genuinely becoming far more like its counterparts in the U.S. Prices for many things are the equivalent to
what we pay in the States right now. Gas
prices are virtually the same.
Generally, prices are a little lower overall, it seemed for grocery
items. I managed to get a pair of
sunglasses for $2.50.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, Work Day, Day One
After a weekend of travel, travel, rest, food travel, this morning, breakfast was at 6 am, devotions at 7 and we were on the bus to the work site by 7:30.
The weather is just as it is projected for the rest of the week, sunny and 80's during the day, unless it rains, and 68 at night. Almost like it was in Illinois before we left, except for the fact that we are REAL Y close to the equator and "sunny" really means SUNNY.
The group of 24 worked at three different build sites that were situated fairly close together. Each of the houses was in somewhat different stage of development. Some of us arrived to homes that only had one or two "courses" of concrete block foundation laid. Some to homes where the walls were at least waist high. Some of the things we did: put mortar between and inside concrete blocks, shovel dirt into buckets and wheelbarrows to move off the site, tamp down floor dirt (pre-flooring). We had lots of chance to interact with the families and are blessed to have lots of young people on our teams that the partner family children really warm up to quickly.
We have several people on our teams who have a range of Spanish speaking abilities to help when language seems to be a barrier, but usually, it's not too much of a problem. We are definitely in a different culture, but smiles and hard work are always noticed and appreciated.
Everyone is pretty tired tonight. But it is most definitely a good tired.
The weather is just as it is projected for the rest of the week, sunny and 80's during the day, unless it rains, and 68 at night. Almost like it was in Illinois before we left, except for the fact that we are REAL Y close to the equator and "sunny" really means SUNNY.
The group of 24 worked at three different build sites that were situated fairly close together. Each of the houses was in somewhat different stage of development. Some of us arrived to homes that only had one or two "courses" of concrete block foundation laid. Some to homes where the walls were at least waist high. Some of the things we did: put mortar between and inside concrete blocks, shovel dirt into buckets and wheelbarrows to move off the site, tamp down floor dirt (pre-flooring). We had lots of chance to interact with the families and are blessed to have lots of young people on our teams that the partner family children really warm up to quickly.
We have several people on our teams who have a range of Spanish speaking abilities to help when language seems to be a barrier, but usually, it's not too much of a problem. We are definitely in a different culture, but smiles and hard work are always noticed and appreciated.
Everyone is pretty tired tonight. But it is most definitely a good tired.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Our First Sunday
The morning plan to worship at Resurrección and at Cristo Rey worked out as planned. The order of service for both was pretty much just like at home. Receiving communion and sharing the peace bring us together across culture and language barriers to remind us that we are all one in Christ wherever we go. It's been noted that there are other things that you don't need language to understand, like giggling children, or the looks that parents give their kids when they want to get them to settle down, or the look of a teenage who is somewhere they don't want to be... or church ladies who want to feed you! That's all pretty universal.
It was about two hours from San Salvador to the Hotel Alicante - we had little a chance to get acquainted with the beautiful grounds before it got dark. Because we are so close to the equator, the sun sets at about 6:30 pm. That's about the same time in the morning when it comes up too!
Supper, then group meeting. We are all ready to get up and start working bright and early tomorrow. After a weekend of great hospitality and lots of good food - it's time to get active!
Team Meeting 6-8-13
After dinner, we finally all had a chance to be in the same room and talk as a group. My math was a little off - there are 24 of us in total. I forgot to add the two from Wisconin in my original post - my bad! (there may be almost as many Packer fans as Bear fans in the group....we'll see,)
There should have been 25, but one of our group had an unexpected death in the family. Our trip is dedicated to Chuck's sister's memory.
We had some good conversation and great "name games" that leave me feeling a little more confident about calling people by their right names when I see them now! Hopefully soon, we will be familiar enough with each other that we forget that some of us didn't even know each other's names a day ago...
Thanks Steven, Eric and Jon!
Planning Sunday Morning
In the morning, we will be attending two different churches. Most of the group will be going to Santa Ana to worship with Iglesia (church) Cristo Rey (Christ the King). Pastor Carlos Najera and his congregation have welcomed many a Habitat group over the years, including those from our group who have build here previously. Ironically, for me, one of Cristo Rey's partner congregations in the US is Good Shepherd Lutheran in Bismarck, ND where many of my former HS classmates now worship... We find over and over what a small world we live in.
The six of us from Galesburg will be attending Lutheran Church of the Resurrection here in San Salvador. Through my past service with the Milwaukee Synod, ELCA, and our partnership with the Lutheran Church in El Salvador, I have, in the past 10 years, had opportunity to come to love the leadership and members of this congregation and am very much looking forward to introducing some of the members of my new congregation, First Lutheran Galesburg, to some very dear fellow saints at resurrección!
There should have been 25, but one of our group had an unexpected death in the family. Our trip is dedicated to Chuck's sister's memory.
We had some good conversation and great "name games" that leave me feeling a little more confident about calling people by their right names when I see them now! Hopefully soon, we will be familiar enough with each other that we forget that some of us didn't even know each other's names a day ago...
Thanks Steven, Eric and Jon!
Planning Sunday Morning
In the morning, we will be attending two different churches. Most of the group will be going to Santa Ana to worship with Iglesia (church) Cristo Rey (Christ the King). Pastor Carlos Najera and his congregation have welcomed many a Habitat group over the years, including those from our group who have build here previously. Ironically, for me, one of Cristo Rey's partner congregations in the US is Good Shepherd Lutheran in Bismarck, ND where many of my former HS classmates now worship... We find over and over what a small world we live in.
The six of us from Galesburg will be attending Lutheran Church of the Resurrection here in San Salvador. Through my past service with the Milwaukee Synod, ELCA, and our partnership with the Lutheran Church in El Salvador, I have, in the past 10 years, had opportunity to come to love the leadership and members of this congregation and am very much looking forward to introducing some of the members of my new congregation, First Lutheran Galesburg, to some very dear fellow saints at resurrección!
Plato Tipico (Characteristic Dish/Plate)
Last night we went to a popular restaurant,Tipicos Margoth that served local cuisine - Also known as comida typical (typical food) of El Salvador, these are some of the El Salvadoran favorites. around the plate from "midnight clockwise" - Fried plantain, chicken tamale, fried yucca root with a sweet/fruity cabbage slaw, and my all time favorite local food - PAPUSAS - served with curtido (chopped cabbage and other vegetables in a vinegar, semi-pickled dressing. In the center is an El Salvadoran enchilada which is a mix of shredded chicken on a fried mini tortilla. To drink, we had horchata or ensalada (fruit salad drink)
They also served several dessert samples. Maybe someone else would like to describe those!
Peace be with You
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore." Isaiah 2:4
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore." Isaiah 2:4
Saturday, June 8, 2013
We've Arrived!
The majority of our group of 22 left the Quad Cities airport at 6 a.m. (for some of us leaving Galesburg, that meant meeting at 3 a.m.!) Our flights to Atlanta and then San Salvador were blissfully uneventful as far as I know. Even getting through customs was quite uneventful...not even too painful for those who don't speak Spanish.
I forgot about the "stop and go light" on the way out the door. When we get into customs, we stopped at one counter where they checked our passport and travel documents. After we picked up our luggage (nothing lost!) we went through a couple lines where more customs officials checked our "declaration" papers. After the papers are checked, each traveler gets to push a button, and it's kind of like a game show... Some people get a green light and can go straight outside, others get a red light and need to open their luggage or answer a few questions.
We were met at the airport by Luis from Habitat for Humanity El Salvador, who was a familiar face for many who are making return trips! What a blessed sight to see his face in a sea of people we did not know. He was joined by Katy who is fairly new to Habitat, but also an energetic and welcoming face to see. We'll get to know both of them better as the week goes by.
We had lunch at Cafe El Arco. It's a beautiful outdoor space - covered, but open air, overlooking the city. It was a nice chance to get to meet some of the other members of the larger group. We are really from all over the quad cities area, and also a few, who flew in from Milwaukee to join us from further north in Wisconsin
.
I forgot about the "stop and go light" on the way out the door. When we get into customs, we stopped at one counter where they checked our passport and travel documents. After we picked up our luggage (nothing lost!) we went through a couple lines where more customs officials checked our "declaration" papers. After the papers are checked, each traveler gets to push a button, and it's kind of like a game show... Some people get a green light and can go straight outside, others get a red light and need to open their luggage or answer a few questions.
We were met at the airport by Luis from Habitat for Humanity El Salvador, who was a familiar face for many who are making return trips! What a blessed sight to see his face in a sea of people we did not know. He was joined by Katy who is fairly new to Habitat, but also an energetic and welcoming face to see. We'll get to know both of them better as the week goes by.
We had lunch at Cafe El Arco. It's a beautiful outdoor space - covered, but open air, overlooking the city. It was a nice chance to get to meet some of the other members of the larger group. We are really from all over the quad cities area, and also a few, who flew in from Milwaukee to join us from further north in Wisconsin
We are checked in at Hotel Villa Terra, for the night. Glad for an easy journey and ready for an adventure!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Fives Days to Go!
A group of 22 participants, ages 16 on up will be traveling to El Salvador this Saturday to participate in a week long build with Habitat for Humanity in El Salvador. Our trip is partially underwritten by Thrivent - and for that we thank them!
This will be my third Habitat El Salvador Build. I'm going for several reasons.
1. I have seen the need. El Salvador gets hit by natural disasters at about the same rate that ocean beaches see high-tide/low tide. Well, maybe not quite that much, but it happens a lot. The Habitat homes that we are building are very earthquake resistant.
2. I love the people of El Salvador. The ELCA synod I most recently served had a "sister-synod" relationship with El Salvador and I've been there many times. These are some of the most resilient, faithful, hopeful and beautiful people I've ever met. The peace talks that ended their brutal civil war occurred in 1992. All the adults have been through a great deal. Yet they give me hope.
3. I will be traveling with my 16 year old son. This is his first trip to El Salvador. I'm looking forward to seeing it through his eyes. (His oldest sister who is now 21, accompanied me there four times between the age of 12 and 19)
4. I really, really believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity!
5. Jesus said "whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me." Matthew 25:40
What brings you here?
This will be my third Habitat El Salvador Build. I'm going for several reasons.
1. I have seen the need. El Salvador gets hit by natural disasters at about the same rate that ocean beaches see high-tide/low tide. Well, maybe not quite that much, but it happens a lot. The Habitat homes that we are building are very earthquake resistant.
2. I love the people of El Salvador. The ELCA synod I most recently served had a "sister-synod" relationship with El Salvador and I've been there many times. These are some of the most resilient, faithful, hopeful and beautiful people I've ever met. The peace talks that ended their brutal civil war occurred in 1992. All the adults have been through a great deal. Yet they give me hope.
3. I will be traveling with my 16 year old son. This is his first trip to El Salvador. I'm looking forward to seeing it through his eyes. (His oldest sister who is now 21, accompanied me there four times between the age of 12 and 19)
4. I really, really believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity!
5. Jesus said "whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me." Matthew 25:40
What brings you here?
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