After being in El Salvador for a little over two weeks, there is already so much to share. The first week in San Salvador was busy and very valuable. Here we learned first hand of this tiny country and the people and history that make it so special. The activities of the week gave me a lot to think about in relation to the way I view the world, salvadorans and myself.

This past week, however I have been immersed in the simple and awesome life of the campo (the very rural areas). I have been fortunate to have been placed in a community that is full of hope amidst conditions that some might consider unbearable. I am living with Don Alcides, a strong and amiable man, two of his children, and two of his grandchildren. Thus far my time in Los Espinos has been both inspirational and humbling. The people of the community are very welcoming and curious about me. I have to admit that, though I have not done much official work with APSIES, I am enjoying learning the life of the campo and playing with the young children. This week Renata (Renee) and I will begin teaching english classes in the school of Los Espinos and I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work more closely with the children of the community.

As far as what I have done so far, I am learning to make tortillas and often help the women of the community make sweet bread that is delicious. I have been involved in formation and strategic meetings for APSIES and a subsection of the Network for the Water Defense in El Salvador. Working with the youth of Los Espinos is inspirational and I look forward to getting more involved in the community as time goes on. It is a true blessing to have this opportunity to be with the people of El Salvador in a unique way.