Romero

I am sitting outside on my patio in Raleigh, North Carolina listening to the live stream of the beatification of Saint Oscar Romero. The breeze is whispering through the trees, the sun shining on my face. I am so moved for El Salvador, for my friends. A country that has suffered so much and continues to suffer. Romero's sainthood gives me such hope and joy for Central America, for the church, and for our world. 

Saint Romero called for an end to violence, and oppression of the poor during the El Salvadoran Civil War. A war that the United States financed for many years, the resulted in the deaths of 90,000 El Salvadorans, human rights activists, nuns and priests. Romero was killed while celebrating mass on March 24, 1980. The war continued until 1992, and the violence in El Salvador has continued mainly through the growing gang population. Only now, 35 years after his death is he being sainted.

The news is full of grief and violence. We need more good news, and celebration of those who are working for peace. The beatification of Saint Romero is a call to action. 

The United States has taken advantage of Mexico and Central America for too long, killing through the teaching of torture and funding of wars, passing trade agreements which take away fair pay for farmworkers and laborers, and then exploiting those who immigrate to the United States in hopes of a better life. It is time we embrace our brothers and sisters as equals, thinking about creative ways to create more opportunity in Latin America and pass new immigration laws that offer a path to citizenship. 

This is also a call to action for El Salvador. The gang violence continues to worsen. There is a culture of fear. The government does not act. I do not know what the solution is, because a gang, like terrorism, is more of an idea. It is part of the culture of violence. Peace does not always come naturally, it must be taught. Seeds must be sown. It takes patience and great attention.

It has been over a year since we returned from our time living in Suchitoto. I am grateful to know El Salvador - its smiling people, its bright sun, it's beans and corn, its joy. I so admire the strength and resiliency of el pueblo salvadoreño  and it will always be a part of who I am and hope to be.

De "Ser" Treinta

I am now 30 and 1 week old. Turning 30 has allowed me to reflect on my 20's and all the things I've done and places I've been and who I am... Let me just say, it's been amazing and I have no regrets!! I want to keep every person I meet. They inspire me, and make me laugh and...people are just awesome.

So, here I am at 30 having had all these experiences, lived in two different countries and 3 different places in the United States, had meaningful jobs and a full resume. I am so grateful, and I also hope that my 30's will be a different sort of story. Why?

Moving around so much has been tiring. My community is spread out all over the place, as is my heart. I have friends! But I'm still working on figuring out my Capital F friends. It takes time, energy and caring. While having 100 (or 3,000 FB BFF's) is great, real relationships are so much richer. I am so excited to be closer (physically and emotionally) to our amazing families... I know North Carolina is where we should be, where we belong now.

So, this is a rebuilding year. Since returning from El Salvador I've found myself lazy and unsure of what to do next. I'm trying to embrace that. Here is my somewhat cliche, unsolicited life lessons, from my 30 years of life-so-far::

You don't have the answers. You never will. Stop trying to "solve life" and just live it!! Your career path is important, but perhaps it matters more to you than those you'll be "helping". Love the people who love you and don't waste energy on people who take your energy away. If you get invited to something, go do it! Say yes. Yes to this moment. Yes to opportunity. 

Be grateful you have such privilege, because many are in need. Be humble, because you are only human. Remember that white girls don't change the world, but individuals can help empower one another. If something makes you uncomfortable, it's probably good for you. 

Do some kind of movement every day. Know that pain is part of life, but you've got to love your body, despite it's imperfections - it's the only body you've got. Follow your instincts. If you like learning about something, keep learning about it and don't stop. Laugh hard. Eat good food. Exercise instead of "diet". 

Don't listen to every story your mind creates. Nurture the positive. Sing your song, stand up for what you want and what you believe in. Accept the love of others and give love in return. Take a deep breath and remember - it's only life, after all (yeah).

"Looking behind I am filled with gratitude. Looking forward I am filled with vision. Looking upwards I am filled with strength. Looking within I discover peace." -Quero Apache Prayer