Today was the first day that Miguel and I traveled to the construction
of the house in Las Delicias, with Chelsea and Laura, while Sonja and Holly made their
way to Cuidad de Arce. This was after the amazing eggs we had for breakfast,
made by Mike from the Villanova group.
What we found in Las Delicias was a group of small children
already helping out the others that were digging the trenches for the house.
The morning really flew by thanks to great conversation with Don Israel, the construction leader, and Carlos, a
local community member. It was also great that most of the site was covered in
shade while we worked, and the soil was very soft and easy to work with.
Chelsea was supposed to be helping at the nearby daycare
with some members of the Villanova group, but the night before, she found out
what happens when some of the water is consumed in San Salvador. She thought
she was okay to work for the day, but the trip there did not bode well for her
stomach. So, Chelsea spent most of the day trying to sleep off her sickness.
We broke for lunch, and drove up to the daycare with the
rest of the members who were playing with the children for the day. We ate, and
helped the children clean up, while Miguel took advantage of the opportunity to
sample some of the local jewelry.
We left the site early, approximately 1:30 pm, and traveled
to the house and chapel where Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated. On the
way, we stopped by the lava field near the foot of the volcano, and collected
some samples to take home. Our journey to Romero’s former dwelling soon continued,
and we were there before we knew it.
The other group had arrived before us, and already toured
the chapel, so we all sat and listened to one of the nuns describe the life and
death of Romero. We found out that his heart was buried there in the garden,
while the rest of his body was buried in the Cathedral. Her talk led us to his
residence, where everything he owned, from his car to his toothbrush, was put
on display for all to see and worship. Our group then traveled to the chapel
where he was assassinated, where they still have mass every Sunday.
When we were done there we traveled home, and the Villanova
group was given a chance to shower so that they could go to Mass at 5:00 pm.
While they were getting prepared, Don Miguel allowed Miguel, Tricia, and me to
tag along on his errands as we needed to stop by an ATM to grab some cash.
During this ride, we were able to see the ‘Belly Button’ of San Salvador,
including the main market and normal hustle and bustle of the afternoon crowd.
Upon return, we were able to shower and help set up for
dinner, and enjoyed many a good laugh (while Chelsea lay in bed, sick). The priest
who led Mass joined us for dinner, and afterwards told us his history in El
Salvador, and let us ask questions about him and his journey.
Our reflection for the night brought a new activity, where
we were able to tell each what we appreciate the most about each other, and we
also gave up another item for the week. If it was not obvious that we were
bonding before, tonight would be the night that it is a concrete fact that we
have created great bonds and friendships; those that will last much longer than
the week we have spent here.
Griffin Bortzfield (aka Little Foot, Little man, or Ronaldo)
is a senior at Fort Hays State University, and a member of the Sigma Chi
fraternity.
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