Heading to El Salvador!

The Habitat team from Ss. John and Paul left early this morning for El Salvador.  They are  heading to Jocoaitique, Morazán to work on the Building Community initiative, a multi-house building initiative sponsored by Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. This is a rural area that is rich in historical significance and natural beauty in spite of being located in one of El Salvador’s most impoverished areas. 

Members of the team are Becky and Leon Stidfole, Patsy Carlson, Cicily Dennis, Janet Elwer, Lori and Kirk Duer, Mary and Lyle Reichter, Jackie and Eric Mason, Steve Smith and Sharon Bandstra. Please pray for their safe travels and for a productive building week!

3 things Part 4 and no more?

1) For me seeing the conditions of the country for my own eyes instead of seeing it as an informational video segment really made it real. We all see the videos of the people in other countries and then there is a request for money, I think we can all agree that if we didn't know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this does exist beyond out backdoor we know now.

2) This was covered but I think it is a good reminder to us all that we just came from an area that has so little but is so grateful for what they have. I think about visiting Santiago de Maria and then think of how much our house is worth or how much our car is worth and then compare that to how much someone in El Salvador makes in a month.

3) For me it is important to be able to take away one other moment of time during the week and say yes I was on this trip and no matter happens in the future, if mission trips are in your future or not, we all made a difference for the time spent was well appreciated and accepted by many.

1.      Although Salvadorans are a poor people economically, in the important aspects of life – faith, family, love – they are very rich indeed. They are a happy, hard-working, content people who see their blessings in the simplest of things.

2.      Those who are not so concerned with having lots of material possessions are more in tune with their spirituality.

3.      Although some of us visualized ways to make the building process easier and more efficient, there was a certain symmetry and peacefulness in the rhythm of doing the labor by hand; mixing of chispa and mezcla by shovelful, the handing of blocks by human train, the slapping of the mezcla and placing of the blocks…

1.  We are all God's children no matter where we live.  My brothers and sisters live around the world - take care of them.

2.  It is harder for us to see God because we have so much.  Simplify your life and feel the presence of God.

3.  Seriously, how hard is it to raise $7,500!!!(This refers to how much it costs to build a house in El Salvador)

3 things part 3

Here are the thoughts of three of the participants that were on the El Salvador trip. 

1. Those who live closest to dependence on God and others are the happiest. Simplicity makes for grateful hearts!

2. Our excess became another’s great possession, example: the shoes we gave to Felipe.  My excess is staring me in the face!

3. I learned that dignity is something you carry, not something you own. The people we met and worked with have great dignity and are a fine example of humility.

1. Beauty can be found in the most unlikely of places.

2. Poverty does not mean laziness or unhappiness. We saw that first hand.

3. Hospitality and generosity are a universal language.

1) I have learned from my three trips to El Salvador is that these people might be poor but they are definitely not lazy. To see the pride in their new Habitat Home is very gratifying.

2) To be able to share my experiences with my son.was a huge goal for me. With this Stage IV cancer being in the back of my mind alot it makes this even more important to me.

3) I was very happy when Edwin went up and shook my sons hand and called him Wayne Jr. So he did remember that he was my son. This was my third house working with Edwin and I really loved being able to pull that off. Maybe next year I can make it number 4.

3 things part deux

Here are two more people's thoughts on what they experienced. 

1.      Although Salvadorans are a poor people economically, in the important aspects of life – faith, family, love – they are very rich indeed. They are a happy, hard-working, content people who see their blessings in the simplest of things.

2.      Those who are not so concerned with having lots of material possessions are more in tune with their spirituality.

3.      Although some of us visualized ways to make the building process easier and more efficient, there was a certain symmetry and peacefulness in the rhythm of doing the labor by hand; mixing of chispa and mezcla by shovelful, the handing of blocks by human train, the slapping of the mezcla and placing of the blocks…

1) The love parents show their children is universal-think Edwin and his son.

2) Acts of service is a love language.

3) With determination and a sense of humor, much can be accomplished.

Top 3 Part 1

Each person was asked to give their top 3 thoughts or reflections from the trip.  As they come in we will give them to you.

1) For me seeing the conditions of the country for my own eyes instead of seeing it as an informational video segment really made it real. We all see the videos of the people in other countries and then there is a request for money, I think we can all agree that if we didn't know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this does exist beyond out backdoor we know now.

2) This was covered but I think it is a good reminder to us all that we just came from an area that has so little but is so grateful for what they have. I think about visiting Santiago de Maria and then think of how much our house is worth or how much our car is worth and then compare that to how much someone in El Salvador makes in a month.

3) For me it is important to be able to take away one other moment of time during the week and say yes I was on this trip and no matter happens in the future, if mission trips are in your future or not, we all made a difference for the time spent was well appreciated and accepted by many.

1)  Let go of your expectations and be open to the unexpected.  It's often in the detours or changes of plans that we learn the most.

2) The poor are great teachers if we're ready to be students.

3) Prayer is as much about listening to God as it is talking.  

A Reflection From Janet Elwer

My greatest impression was the kindness of the people of El Salvador. They were always taking good care of us. It is the dry season and is very hot and dusty, but everyone, especially the children, were very clean-they put me to shame. The work was hard, but a good hard. Out group developed a wonderful relationship with the family and the site workers. I’d go back (but maybe a cooler month!).

A picture of Janet and some young people from El Salvador.

A Reflection from Mary Reichter

By chance, I was born in the United States. My grandfather immigrated from Mexico in 1921. I could have been a Mexican citizen. I am truly blessed to live in a country where anything is possible and that has so much. I take a lot for granted sometimes. I hope to keep my awareness and gratitude for all I have in the forefront of my mind each day.

I create art on a daily basis and I thought I would not be able to in El Salvador. Not the case. I was able to get supplies and create. I also found objects to create with, rocks and bottle caps. It was a hoot to see what I could do with markers, bottle caps and rocks, oh and don't forget the white fingernail polish.


-Mary Reichter