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!