La Gente

There is something comforting about a morning routine, and familiar faces.

We said buenos dias to Elba, gave a pet to Nova, and we began our 10 minute walk to the arts center. We passed the little boy with the toy car, who drives across the walls of adobe as he walks. We passed the woman who owns the tienda, getting ready for the day. We passed the elderly woman who is always standing in her doorway, and she finally said buenos dias in return!

I take this as a good sign. People are becoming familiar to us, we are becoming familiar to them. The beginnings of community.

Monday through Friday, we have breakfast at the Arts Center. This is the part of volunteering where I feel guilty, because we are so spoiled! This morning we were served pancakes, papaya, bananas and peanut butter. We are very lucky to have this kind of deal.

We are beginning to make friends with Terry, Elizabeth and Dina, the ladies in the kitchen. Terry enjoys acting out her stories so that we understand. Laughter is understood in every language, and for that I am grateful.

We had dinner with a man named Frank Cummings last night, who is from Atlanta, Georgia. He retired in Suchitoto 10 years ago, and has since taught English, tutored in science and math, created and managed a university scholarship program, and helped in the creation of Centro Arte para la Paz. He is a fascinating guy. At his house we enjoyed delicious things like spaghetti, mango sorbet and pinot noir, which was a treat.

Other than that I have spent a little time with a french woman named Charlotte who works for RAIS - Instutito para el Rescate Ancestral Indigena Salvadoreno. She helps with various projects where children learn to weave, cook, dance, etc. in traditional ways. She lives in San Salvador much of the time, so we don't see each other too often.

San Salvador, I am told, is not the safest of places. It is about a 2 hour bus ride from here. In time we will go on our own, with caution and little in our pockets. Another BVS-er, Sarah Hall, has been working with Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel for almost 2 years. She has been a great source of support in our preparation to come to El Salvador.

The wonderful thing is, my home church Watts Street Baptist has a partnership with Emmanuel, and so does Brethren Volunteer Service! The world keeps getting smaller and smaller...

Building community takes patience, and courage. Trust the process. Be open to opportunity.