Delegation: January 2017

by | May 22, 2017

January 2017 group photo

Group photo taken at San Jose Hostal in San Salvador

This excellent delegation was comprised of twelve delegates, our in-country coordinator Brenda and Kike, the driver of the bus that transported us from place to place. The delegation organizers were Rev. Karla Norton of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Aptos and Lucas Grams of Lutheran Community Church, Watsonville.

The trip was filled with many visits, experiences and meetings with our Salvadoran friends. Looking back, it’s hard to realize we did it all in just 11 days. Here’s a brief summary of what we did:

  • visited historical sites in San Salvador including the University of Central America where six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter were murdered, the Cathedral, and the tomb of Monseñor Óscar Romero;
  • attended worship on Sunday January 15th led by Pastor Karla;
  • visited the Center of Art for Peace in Suchitoto, where we visited the museum and were treated to a stirring talk by Sister Peggy O’Neal;
  • attended the scholarship awards ceremony in Guillermo Ungo and met our sponsor/prayer children;

    January 2017 scholarship awards ceremoney

    Scholarship awards ceremony

  • provided craft projects for the children of Guillermo
  • Ungo and El Pilar (see photos below);
  • learned about the history of the indgenous population of Itzalco;
  • met the group from El Pilar, a village without running water and electricity but with wells provided by Santa Cruz al Salvador and viewed the first of ten composting latrines under construction;
  • visited the Mayan ruins at Tazumal;
  • strengthened friendships with the other delegates and with the Salvadorans we met.

Every day began with a devotion from one of the delegates and closed with reflections from all of us. If you have ever considered joining a delegation, please talk with one of this year’s delegates. It was an enriching and unforgettable experience.

 

Guillermo Ungo craft project

Making wind chimes in Guillermo Ungo

Craft project in El Pilar

Making wind chimes in El Pilar