EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS.

http://thoughtcatalog.com/2012/if-you-were-looking-for-god-2/

What´s love got to do with it? What´s love but a second hand emotion? Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?

I admit it.  I have had a rough week. And when I have rough weeks, I find that I need to take a step back, inhale deeply, remember the big picture, and know that ultimately this life is not about me…Kathryn Ann(e) Strader.

With that being said, I thought I would write something in response to my seven days of Debbie Downer.  I have a good friend who got a tattoo that said LOVE with an open heart on the end of the “E”.  She wanted something on her body that counteracted her scars from a mastectomy she had done in high school. That tattoo is her response to cancer, to the thing that gets her down, the gross, unnecessary, filth that runs rampant in our world.

So here is my answer, comeback, retort, reaction to bad weeks…for all of you who have them: IT´S OK THAT SOMETIMES WE HAVE BAD DAYS, WEEKS, YEARS, BECAUSE THERE IS STILL SO MUCH POSITIVE, GOOD, AND LOVE IN THIS WORLD WORTH HAVING, FEELING, EXPERIENCING, WORKING FOR, AND TOWARDS. Sorry Tina Turner…but LOVE HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH IT.

No, I am not talking about Shakespeare´s Romeo and Juliet kind of love, Paula Dean´s love of butter, politicians love for lying, or ever Christian Grey´s x-rated version.  I am talking about our need to connect with other ourselves, other people and God. Connecting, being intentional with our time is how we best love…or at least in my opinion it is. 

Hafiz says it well…

Admit something: Everyone you see, you say to them, "Love me." Of course you do not say this out loud, otherwise someone would call the cops.  Still though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.  Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye that is always saying, with that sweet moon language, What every other eye in this world is dying to hear? 

So does Mary Oliver (ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES!)

To pay attention, that is our endless and proper work.

And the prayer of St. Francis is pretty practical is how we should be living this out:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive. 

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Despite the nasty…gang members killing an acquaintance’s son four days ago, bus entertainers invading my personal space, protesters setting fire to an American flag, and the constant smell of road kill…this has been my attempt at LOVE. 

These things need to happen in order for life down here to function:

Love myself: eating right, exercising my mind, soul and body, RESTING!

Love others: really ask people how they are doing (although few and far between), make their “problems” my own, smile, share a meal, be an exception to the “rule”…aka the typical “gringa”.

Love God:  keep looking for those Go(o) moments, take care of his creation!

More pictures!

As most of you probably saw on facebook, I got to meet the current Vice President of El Salvador yesterday morning!  We both attended a breakfast commemorating CODEFAM and their 31 years of existence. It was an incredible morning filled with speeches, awards, stories, tears, laughter and lots of hugging!


CODEFAM, along with other members of the Coalicion Pro Memoria Historica, has been doing AMAZING human rights´work since the time of the civil war in El Salvador. But their work continues because there are still many family members that were disappeared and not accounted for during the war.  And human rights´ violations persist today.



SHARE was recognized for its accompaniment, advocacy and support of CODEFAM in the last 31yrs.  Isabel, our director was ecstatic when CODEFAM presented the award.










Also, here is a link to some of my most recent photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3993527994559.2150623.1171680071&type=1&l=ea8b5a7bf2

la paz,

Katy

A revitalizing weekend!

Although last week was pretty slow, and I had to miss one day of work due to some lack of sleep and hives break out (whoever discovers a cure will make $$$$ someday!), this past weekend was just what the doctor ordered!Friday night kicked off with the SHARE office dinner at my house! It was a blast cooking for everyone, showing off Pinky, introducing Karen and Marta, and watching the ES soccer team play (then lose…sad) on tv. We kept calling it GIRLS´ NIGHT out!

I made some fresh avocado, beet, walnut, and blue cheese salad (inspired by one Beth Tellman made for me once), mashed potatoes and grilled chicken with mushrooms.  Definitely was not a typical Salvadoran meal..or even flavors really, but I think they all really liked it (especially with wine!).  Still getting compliments today at work.

After dinner, Karen, Delmy, Vicky and I met up with some friends at Café La T for SALSA FRIDAY…my favorite place for dancing.  We twirled in circles and moved our caderas until we were exhausted—the perfect way to end the night!

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to clean up after the office dinner, then headed off to visit Marta´s home community of…wait for it…SANTA MARTA. Funny, right? I love it.  Santa Marta is about 3hours away by car, and closer to 4 by bus.  Thankfully we got a ride with a local teacher who was headed to teach a workshop on Liberation Theology that afternoon.

Once in Santa Marta, Marta showed us her house and introduced us to her family: her mother, sister and brother all live together in a humble home close to a small creek.  It is a small oasis with fruit trees, chickens and puppies everywhere! And of course I was loving the puppies…since we had to leave our poor baby home for his first time ever (Pinky)! I now understand how mothers feel on the first day of school…it is hard to let our children go (sigh!)

While in Santa Marta, we attended the liberation theology class—this was very cool to witness because the professor was encouraging the community members, young and old, to interpret the Bible in their own way.  He asked questions like, “What is heaven here in Santa Marta? What is hell? What does fasting really mean? “He even asked if there really is a God…stuff got interesting.  I was amazed at how quickly everyone seemed to really take ownership over what they were learning.  And this is crucial in liberation theology.

On Sunday, Marta had to go to another workshop, so Karen and I decided to crash a dance/celebration at the community center. Of course after only like three minutes of sitting, Karen and I were both asked to dance (this is what happens when you are the only gringa and extranjera in town), so we jumped right in and danced cumbia.  My best dance partner by far was an elderly women in a polka-dot dress…I wanted her dress. Emma and Janie would have wanted it too.

Tired of dancing, Karen and I escaped the party and decided to wander around the community until lunch time.  We stumbled upon a carpenter shop, sewing store, the ADES (an NGO) office, and ran into a couple of people we know.  It was an all around relaxing and wonderful day!  And I got some really great photos!

After lunch with Marta’s mother and sister (frijoles frijoles frijoles), Karen and I passed out in Marta’s twin bed until she came to get us so we could head home to San Salvador.   During the car ride home, Gustavo and Anita from El Pueblo de Dios en Camino came on the radio…and I was reminded that I need to go to church on Sunday.We arrived in San Salvador a little after dinner time, so I walked Pinky and got us all pupusas…We have decided he needs to be walked every night so that he sleeps well.  Ahh…life as a mommy.

La paz,

Katy

Great balls of fire!

This past weekend was really great! And it was the first one I had been home for in a while....no more traveling to Chalatenango until later this month!

Friday night Alvaro, one of Ivan and Karen´s friends, invited Karen and me to the Nejapa Fire Ball Festival.  I had no idea what to expect.  I figured there would be some performers on a stage swallowing fire or something...but boy was I wrong! Turns out the fire festival is extremely interactive; so much so that I had to dodge fire balls being thrown at me at least 5 different times.  Alvaro even claims I shoved him out of the way and towards the fire at one point.  I explained that I was in my "fight or flight" mode hahaha..

Nejapa celebrates the fire festival every year around the same time as their "fiestas patronales", this means their city's patron saint week.  Supposedly their saint got in an argument with the devil back in the day and each of them used fire in the fight. Hence, the throwing of the fire balls.  Although this experience was awesome, and I will most definitely be going back next year, people leave the festival with burns annually. Fire and police man stand watch in case things get out of hand. But I'm not really sure how much they could have done had the whole street gone up in flames.

Also, did I mention it was pouring down rain and the fire balls were still going??? Oh, and I was interviewed by television channel 12.  Still looking for the youtube video of it.  Will post ASAP if I find it.

Updates on El Salvador: things are getting more EXPENSIVE. 

Gasoline prices are going up up up! For Regular gas it now costs close to $4.50/gallon!!! Thank goodness I do not have a car or drive down here...I have no idea how people afford it.

The price for tanks of gas for cooking are also going up up up! We buy a tank of gas every 3 months or so.  It used to cost $12, now they are saying it could cost up to $17.  This will effect food prices at restaurants and on the street.

The price for flour is also climbing! This means bakers will start to charge more for bread.  Guess I won't be able to buy 6 rolls for a $.25 anymore :(

Finally, President Funes is meeting with the head of public transportation tomorrow.  He would like to cut the bus subsidy by 40%! Although I know the drivers aren't using the subsidy the way they should (the buses are extremely unsafe, run-down, but pimped out), I think this is going to cause more bad than good.  I forsee the buses going on strike for a couple of days, and that means chaos in the streets for a bit.  Or, the bus drivers are threatening to double the bus fair from $.20 to $.40. Again, not good for those of us on a strict budget.


La paz,

Katy

5 days in Chalatenango, El Salvador

The last two weeks have been a roller coaster to say the least--I am literally on the ride of my life.  Delegation season has settled down; I only have three more to go for the year, although each one will be very different (one medical brigade, VMM delegation, and then a Women Religious dele).

So for August and September I have been and will continue to visit our grassroots projects in our three sistering regions of San Vicente, Cuscatlan, y Chalatenango.  I have already learned so much about our different women's groups, scholarship students and programming, and micro credit loans for agriculture, small stores, and other initiatives.  Not only have I been visiting these sites, but also attending regional and community meetings, discussing issues that each of these projects face on a daily basis.

In the last week and a half, I have spent a total of 5 days in Chalatenango where we accompany the CCR in regional development projects.  To give you an idea of where Chalatenango is....

What is going on with the CCR Women's Secretariat?

I attended two very important meetings with the women of the CCR-  the first was a departmental assembly that had over 250 present in order to elect a future female representative for the CCR regional team, the second was a small meeting of female community leaders who discussed specific issues facing women of all ages today. Here is a brief report of the meeting: 

The main issue surrounding the women of the CCR is  violence against women within the medical sector.  Some examples came straight from the women themselves: mistreatment/malpractice, infant mortality, lack of mental/emotional/psychological care, and rape/sexual abuse by medical professionals and doctors.

Many of the women in these communities are not aware that they can report these cases. And most fear that if they do report it, that their husbands, communities, health professionals will shun them.  What they fear most however, is that if they do report it, that the case will never be reviewed, justice will never be had, and their nightmares will continue.

The leaders of the CCR discussed ways to equip the women in their community to report these abuses, and also brainstormed ideas of how to encourage the women that these spaces (schools, hospitals) are supposed to be safe areas for all.

They also discussed the recently enacted law of “a life without violence for women”. Even though the law is in place, many areas in Chalate are not adhering to this law.  The women asked, “How do we enforce this? How do we teach this to our daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers?”

Some updates on SHARE's end include Marly Cardona (our social media/grassroots girl!) resigning and heading back to the states.  We are all sad that she is leaving, but also looking forward to filling the new position! Anyone interested???? LET ME KNOW.   Also, I have planned for an office dinner at my house next Friday.  We are going to have some delicious salad, veggies, and most likely chicken...all healthy and organic of course :)

Finally, some personal updates include, WE GOT A PUPPY. Check out pictures of our little guy, Pinky (don't hate on his name, like my mom is) on facebook. I also went to a meeting with other Gring@s Solidari@s...this is a network of Expats living/working in development, NGO's, journalist down here in El Salvador.  It was rejuvenating and interesting. Oh, and I went and stayed 2 days in Guarjila with Rosibel and family!!! It was wonderful to see everyone that I lived with last summer.  I even ran into some of my students from English class.

Go(o)d Moments:

1. When on my way to work the other day, I spotted a quarter on the ground (bus money!), picked it up,  turned the corner toward my stop and an old homeless women was sitting on a stack of newspapers.  I handed over my quarter.

2. When on my way to Chalate last week a knife fight (sorry, mom) broke out on the bus, and an older women and her daughter grabbed my hand, grocery bag, and dragged me out the door to a safer bus.

3. When a young person gives up his seat on the bus for an elderly person.

4. When Marta does the dishes after an entire day of classes.

5. When Pinky kisses, licks and wags his tail because he is happy..

6.  When Karen shares something with me she claims she has never said aloud--when any Salvadoran woman does this!

7. When after three sleepless nights, filled with stress and worry, end because I decide to fall asleep to "How He Loves Us".

8. When papayas and yogurt are on sale.

Until next time!

La paz,

Katy

A link to my El Sal photos thus far:

El Salvador and New York 2012

Costa del Sol, August 2012

Rutilio Grande, July 2012

Hmm..

Amen

What's going on in El Salvador?

Check out these other blogs for political, social and economic updates in El Salvador.

This one is written by VMM board member, Tim Muth: http://luterano.blogspot.com/

This one is written by former SHARE staff and VMM, Danielle Mackey: http://danielleinelsalvador.blogspot.com/ 

This one is published by a Salvadoran NGO called Voices on the Border; we SHARE an office with one of their on-site journalists/coordinators: http://voiceselsalvador.wordpress.com/

CHECK OUT THE SHARE BLOG HERE: http://www.share-elsalvador.org/category/blog

My first 3 deles...!

It has been over a month since my last real blog post.  Normally I would apologize for not posting something sooner, but I have a feeling that my apologies are starting to feel a little empty.  So no more apologizing for the lack of blog posts...they will be posted when they are posted.  Bueno, I’m hoping to cover a lot so hang with me.

My main role at SHARE, and what tends to take up about 75% of my time, is delegations!  Most of you knew this already, but are probably wondering who make up these deles? Where do I take them? What do we do?

Well, my forever first dele was from Cretin Derham Hall, a fairly large private Catholic high school in St. Paul, MN.  As a school they have been accompanying SHARE projects for about 5 years, specifically supporting high school and university scholarships in the San Vicente area through CRIPDES San Vicente.  They are super dedicated and hold events year round to continue their support: the biggest event being, their Dollars for Scholars night!

The first group that came in June was made of up of 24 students and 4 staff.  Both the kids and teachers were very dynamic, inquisitive, and sensitive to all the places we visited, people we met with, and stories we heard.  Two of the teachers had been here on previous delegations, so they were very helpful with coordinating and also with Spanish to English interpreting!  The other two were new to El Salvador, but contributed in an awesome way: Greg was constantly quizzing the kids on the El Salvador knowledge and history during bus rides, awarding brownie points to those who paid attention and learned something new, and Jenny conducted yoga sessions at night during reflection when we all needed to wind down from sometimes hectic days.

Some of the moments that stood out with CDH1:

• singing (screaming) Call Me Maybe and the Banana song at the cultural exchange night in San Francisco Tehuacan in San Vicente
• final reflection at the top of the San Salvador Volcano in EcoParque El Espino…yoga was awesome and reflection was overwhelmingly passionate and thoughtful

“I realized that my life at home is so blessed with material things and it’s easy. My eyes were opened here. I realized that even though someone can seem miles away and so different, they still can be so similar.”

 –CDH1 delegate

“The biggest thing I learned is that every Salvadoran, every person, has their own story.” –CDH1 delegate

CHECK out the CDH1 dele here: http://www.share-elsalvador.org/2012/07/2012-cretin-derham-hall-delegation-in-el-salvador.html

Although smaller in size (21 students, 3 staff), the second group that came in July was just as animated and excited as the first.  This group had me laughing constantly with their jokes, dance moves and hilarious stories about high school…oh high school memories.  They hit it off with the other Salvadoran high schoolers quickly, and  enjoyed time in the campo most.  One of the three teachers had been to El Salvador previously so he led all of the night time reflections—these were very  moving, and the kids always surprised me with their insight and understanding of El Salvador…this was very evident after an entire day at El Mozote.  I think Rufina Amaya’s story really moved them.

Some of the moments that stood out with CDH2:

• dinamicas (games) with the San Vicente youth…el zoologico o Samson y Delilah, anyone?
• reflection at Divina Providencia (home of Romero, and assassination site)

“…you don’t have to have a lot to live a good life.  This is only more proof that we have the ability to go home and do something really great for the world, whether it be in El Salvador or somewhere in our own country.” --CDH2 delegate 

“We need to demand US companies to be transparent about consumer products and labor practices or not buy the product especially when it concerns human rights.” --CDH2 teacher

CHECK out the CDH2 dele here: http://www.share-elsalvador.org/2012/07/cdh-delegation-returns-home-in-solidarity-with-el-salvador.html

In between the two CDH groups, we mixed up the age group and dynamic a bit with a group from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in New Berlin, WI.  They have been extremely generous over the years, supporting the different grassroots projects, and organizing delegations and tours with UCRES and Rutilio Grande in Aguilares.  This group was super knowledgeable (sometimes more than me!), WISE, and caring.  Because this group was very mission-minded and Christlike in their behavior and choices, the week at times felt like a retreat: relaxing, relational, and full of relfection…definitely a change of pace from the energetic high schoolers!

Some of the moments that stood out with SEAS:

• the women’s wellness days!!! It was incredible to see and hear the Salvadoran women leaders relax, relieve some stress, and learn some important self-up keep that they can teach in their communities!!
• connecting with the community of Rutilio Grande! I have never been a part of such an elaborate welcoming party and show…think Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga concert status!

“…the boundaries get thinner and thinner each time we experience a connection with our fellow brothers and sisters outside of our comfort zones.” –SEAS delegate

“…when we as a country decide what is best for another country we can and often do more harm than good.” –SEAS delegate

CHECK out the SEAS dele here: http://www.share-elsalvador.org/2012/07/st-elizabeth-ann-seton-parish-in-solidarity-with-the-women-of-el-salvador.html

All three of these groups are one of the many reasons I try to do the work I am doing.  Delegations are what brought me to El Salvador, helped me begin to understand US foreign policy, and started my first relationships with the Salvadoran people…delegations helped me fall in love with El Salvador.  So my only hope is that these groups felt and continue to learn and experience similar things in their own way.  My position at SHARE is small…I am only hoping to plant the seed so that groups will continue to support our projects and return year after year!             

"Baby Cactus" Centro Romero, June 2012

"Marta" Rutilio Grande, July 2012

Happy 5th of July!

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you will be criticized anyway." Eleanor Roosevelt

 These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind...and the weather metaphor fits life perfectly in El Salvador because the rain, sunshine, wind, and constant heat dictate all that goes on here. When I arrived in La Libertad, the department where the national airport is located, I was greeted by fresh, cool, salty air. But that quickly changed as the SHARE car full of my future co-workers approached the city. I love the smells of El Salvador; everything from the fried plantains and mango trees, to the homeless men sleeping on the street and the exhaust from the buses.

My six block walk, and bus ride to work is never the same. Some mornings I dodge traffic and determined pupusa vendors with my eyes glued to the ground in an attempt to be as invisible to the men around me as possible. And other mornings I hold my head high and smile sweetly at the security guards holding giant guns (that I’m almost positive they have no idea how to use), and drop change into the cup of the paraplegic who sits on the corner of Salvador del Mundo. But the buses are the best part. Even though they probably do not give a crap, I feel like the 46C “motoristas” are starting to recognize me and learn my office days routine. And I always find some nice elderly lady or children to sit by once on board. I always make a point to sit on the outside, never the window seat. Karen says this is the smarter thing to do in case of an emergency. I try not to think of what exactly she is referring to.

 I definitely feel more comfortable traveling around the city with Karen. But most of the time this is just not the case. I’m dreading the moment when I have to venture down alone into the “metrocentro” to go shopping. When Karen and I did this the first couple of days after I arrived, I felt like we were on the set of an adventure movie that included a speeding car chase (the bus ride), a Lion King stampede (the market, which was shoulder to shoulder with people), and a No Reservations episode with Anthony Bourdain (the assortment of food and things to buy). We spent three hours or so looking for kitchen utensils, fresh veggies and fruit, a broom, and curtains. We came home with everything but the curtains, so I’ve just been using one of my giant, multi-colored scarves as a substitute.

The SHARE office is great. There are only five of us on site, so I have felt instantly welcomed into the family. I have my own desk, computer and cell phone. And we all typically take lunch off together and get something close by, or I make something small in the kitchen (which is MUCH nicer and bigger than mine). I’m learning so much about all the different work that SHARE does, supports, and promotes. I don’t think I will ever stop being in awe of the passion, drive, and love that this organization shows every day, especially down here in El Salvador. I have now seen first-hand the work that UCRES, CRIPDES and (soon) the CCR are doing. Women, youth, the environment and other things are being effected positively. Some of my specific responsibilities include delegation preparation: emails, phone calles, coordinating rides, food, home stays for the groups. I also am in charge of maintaining communication with each of the regional projects we support and work with. I traveled to Aguilares, Rutilio Grande, and San Vicente (San Bartolo) the first week and met with the community councils there right away. And on the way home, Bethany let me practice driving STICK SHIFT. One day, I even got to help with sending three people from one of our CRIPDES communities to visit the USA. The visa process was brutal and tedious. It really makes me question the immigration/travel process.

So far, a lot of my free time has been spent sleeping. But I have also been out a couple of times with friends. Café la T is kind of the place to be if you’re a gringa, and I’ve met some others because of it. Karen and I also like to watch Friends re-runs and we keep promising to start running/doing pilates together. Bethany is a great yoga partner. And Beth, Jonathan and Marvin had me over for a pitch-in dinner one night, equipped with political debate and roasted beet salad (doesn’t get any better than this!) It’s a slow process making friends and meeting people that I trust…but I realize only the best takes time. I also keep reminding myself that sleep and alone time is absolutely necessary when do I get a little time off. And if I choose to squeeze in an Anti-Walmart protest in here and there, then that is ok too.

Some of the “big news” down here is the gang truce, the teacher strikes, and all issues surrounding womens’ rights. I also read in the newspaper that the FMLN has picked a fairly weak candidate for the upcoming elections. The party is not happy about this and afraid that the more right-wing conservative parties (military background) may come through with a win.

Love and miss you all! The next post will be specifically about my delegation coordinating and experience with my first group, CDH! Pictures also to come!

Things I have learned since LIVING in El Salvador:
 1. Ants REALLY like peanut-butter…almost as much as I do.
2. Don’t eat the sushi here.
 3. Bus drivers don’t always stop at the designated areas. You sometimes have to bang on the door to be dropped off.
4. No matter how I dress, or how much slang I use, I will always be a “chelita” (white girl) and “gringita” (USA girl).
5. Potable water, toilet paper, and a handful of quarters are a must-have at all times.
6. I can be deported for participating in a (PEACEFUL) protest. I was told this personally by the police.
7. Evangelical, Mega-churches are growing like weeds here. I get the feeling that Catholicism is slowly taking a backseat.
 8. On Sunday mornings, one of the major streets in the city closes down so that the whole community can walk, run, skate, and bike freely.
9. It’s hard to find good, red meat here.
10. Crying doesn’t help stressful situations; good communication, quiet time, and sleep do.

“Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents.”
The Alchemist

Thank you to everyone who came to my goodbye party of crawfish etouffee, pupusas, hugs, and other exchanges of love and support. It’s a combination of your generosity and my knack for leaving certain things until the last minute that had me up until 1am this morning. Mom was right, I should have written thank you notes while sunning at the pool earlier last week instead of spending good reflection time going from Goodwill to Goodwill looking for worn down luggage. I didn’t find any luggage by the way. I just ended up using and old suitcase from our attic that has probably been to El Salvador with me before, or at least Peru or Ecuador, a very old brown, hard case piece, and a giant green duffle bag mom found at Wal-Mart that I can hopefully use while traveling around with SHARE delegations in a few short days. It’s these three duffle bags (one of them overweight, but I don’t find this out until later) that made my 4am wake up call, trip to the airport, and check-in far from smooth. Turns out if you are flying international you can only have one checked bag, the second you pay $40 for, and a third is pretty much out of the question, especially if it is overweight by ten pounds. I almost considered paying $350 to get all three of my bags on that plane to Houston with me, but dad said they would try sending my linens, tools, pictures and books either with Ivan next week, or shipping them as soon as possible. My flight was leaving in 30minutes anyway, so I didn’t really have a choice. After seconds of hugs and quick kisses to my family, minus Michael (miss you!), I was crying and running to jump in line at security. I’m sure no one around me thought twice about my oversized, embroidered pillow, brand new Nikon case, backpack and fanny pack. But my blubbering, stuttering and short gasps probably gave away that I was not only in a hurry to catch my flight, but also really sad to say good bye to my parents and siblings so suddenly. It was hard. And as I sit here at the good ol’ George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, I still don’t think it has fully hit me yet that I won’t be seeing them for a very long time. I won’t be seeing any of you for a very long time…Anyway, I got through security within 15ish minutes (15minutes until plane leaves at this point), compose myself and take off for the gate furthest away in terminal A. I didn’t make it. I was one of three women to miss the flight (I know this because the other two came running up behind me also crying and huffing) towards gate A23. The nice women at the desk told me to take a deep breath and explain to them where I was ultimately headed. My flight to San Salvador didn’t leave from Houston until 6pm, so I had plenty of time to catch another one before then they assured me. I caught the 9:10am, and have been sitting in the airport ever since, passing time reading Juliet (thank you, Janie!), playing with my new camera (thanks, mom and dad!), and eating peanut butter and crackers. I’ve also been eyeing the burger joint about 10ft from my gate. Red meat is going to be a pretty rare (pun intended) meal for me while south of the border. Life is still good. El Salvador is still happening. And I have nothing to complain about. I am abundantly blessed and very thankful for this opportunity. I just have my fingers crossed that Karen is safely waiting at our new (orange!) apartment when I arrive around 9pm. I’m not getting my hopes up about a bed or any sort of sleeping arrangements since my hammock and sheets are now back in Indy. Cheers to adventures and flexibility! Oh…and learning from my mistakes of poor weighing, poor planning, and poor timing.

Future blog-spot for the next 2 years with SHARE

Mi Mundo has been revived!!! I've decided to use this space to update you all on my next two years in El Salvador: working, sharing and living life with the wonderful organization, SHARE.

As the Grassroots Sistering Accompaniment Coordinator I will be in charge of facilitating service/cultural trips for youth, church, and other various groups wanting to work alongside SHARE communities. I have also committed to raising $5,000 over the next two years--and this is where I need your help! But more of that to come...

I report to the SHARE office sometime between June 11-18th, and it looks like I will be living in the San Luis area with a good friend, Karen Muñoz Villasboa. Definitely looking forward to this!

I thank all of you in advance for your never-ending support, thoughts, and prayers while I am living down south...I love you all.

Interested in what SHARE is doing? Check out their website at, http://www.share-elsalvador.org/

Katy