Hi friends!!
A little preface here…I wrote this blog throughout my month three, in El Salvador. So just a warning when reading that it was awhile ago. Oops. But thanks for staying tuned!! So rewinding to over a month ago, at the beginning of month three…
I left the jungle school In Guatemala the 1st of November, and traveled to El Salvador with my whole squad. It was bittersweet knowing that we weren’t going to be together as a whole squad this next month, but that it would also be my last month with team rover. Usually after the first few months, teams get switched up, and then again later on in the race. They do this for you to get to know others on the squad, and grow through others. We traveled on a crammed bus to El Salvador for 12 hours. It wasn’t the nicest bus either, and the drive was crazy. The people just drive nuts here. Swerving through the mountains, passing whatever vehicle in front of them, and driving as fast as possible while doing this. It’s not always a fun drive, but it sure is pretty. When we travel as a squad, 30 people, you can probably assume how that is. We take up the whole bus basically, and there’s always people talking about all the gringos around. (White people) It’s entertaining actually.
We made it to San Salvador, the capital, and stayed their for one night at one of the teams ministry site. The following day, my team and I were picked up by our ministry host, and headed to our place for the month. Once we got there, we realized we weren’t going to get into the gates of the neighborhood, where the family lived. We were supposed to be staying with this family for the month, but because of past events, and the neighbors not liking Americans, we weren’t allowed in. So after hours of waiting, we were all moved into a casita, little house, in a nearby neighborhood. It’s basically three little open rooms we are staying in, with an unfinished area, a toilet, and a place to take bucket showers. I’m finally using my sleeping pad this month, because we all have to sleep on the floor. It’s actually not bad, beside the cockroaches and the loud music the neighbors play at 8 am. We’re definitely making it home. My team leader and squad leader with us bought some Christmas lights and drew a Christmas tree on a piece of cardboard for our tree. It’s the best thing we’re going to have, but gives us a little Christmas spirit to have in our house.
The family that is our hosts is amazing though. They have held 14 other teams of racers in their home before us, and really give generously. They are full of joy, laughter, hugs, and Jesus. There are the two parents, and four kids, 1 girl and 3 boys. The first day we met them, they were already giving us lots of hugs, and making us feel welcome. I am only one week into this month, but already know it’s going to be great. They took us to a nearby city to see Christmas lights and a parade with them. They have really included us in their family traditions around the holidays which makes us really feel like family.
Throughout the month, we will be working on a building at the church. Sanding, painting, and fixing it up. And a few nights a week serving food to the homeless in the area, and going to a hospital and hanging with some of the ninos who have cancer. It breaks my heart seeing these things, but gives me strength of how important it is to pour into others, and do something so simple to show love.
Fast forward to three weeks later…
The month is over. It’s the last day in the casita we’ve been living in. And oh my did I learn many lessons this month. One of my favorite months so far. I’ve learned what it’s like to have a family love you without really knowing you, that living in tight spaces can be fun, flexibility, and how Jesus loves shines from his children all over the world. This month has given me boldness in what’s to come. Has shown me that sometimes ministry is more about building lasting relationships and loving on others, then finishing a task.
I’ve also learned the simple things. That 7 people can live in a small house, and not need much more. That riding in the back of a pickup truck with wind blown hair is normal. This month has taught me how important relationships are. That my team has taught me many valuable lessons over the months. That sometimes it takes a little bit to open up and actually get to know them for everything they are. To embrace the little things in everyday.
At the end of the month we celebrated Christmas at the dad’s parents house, and it was amazing. We had a large dinner, then did fireworks for awhile that night. Such a good holiday to wrap up the month and year.
El Salvador you have been good to me. I will never forget this month. The memories, the laughs, and the lessons.
Now to Africa…with a short layover in the US to see my family! So excited!
Xoxo Paige
