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| Welcome Sign entering the Village |
While in
Chilitiupan, I did service by putting together
Basic Necessities Care Packages for Santa Rosa Stitches and delivering them to families in need. I also tried immersing myself with the culture by participating in social activities and interacting with the people. I could not help noticing how friendly the people were. As you passed someone on the street there was always a greeting of Buenos Dias, sometimes this was followed by more conversation that included smiles, hugs and blessings.
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| Assembling the Care Packages |
Another contrast to American life is the cost of everyday items. On our first day, we feed nine people lunch for under $7.00. I bought a pair of sewing scissors for $1.60. The average El Salvadoran makes less than $5.00 a day. If your job is picking coffee beans you might only make .40 cents a day for a hard day of labor. I really reflected on this when I came home and paid $4.50 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I made a conscious decision at that time to only buy fair trade coffee and to try to think beyond my own needs.
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| El Salvadoran Woman in Chiltiupan |
I am very grateful for my life and all of the privileges that I have as an American citizen. I am also humbled by the people of
Chilitiupan.
Guest Post by Janet Fournier
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