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.