From Melinda

So much to say. Highlights. We rode in the back of Sr. Fran's pickup truck El Salvador-style to Mass last night in a neighboring community. I saw lightning bugs for the first time on the road. Fr. Pedro's homily was riveting. We were welcomed by the community. Today we made home visits in San Hilario. The town was named after the husband of a woman that my team had the privilege of visiting today who was killed during the war. I have no doubt that the people we visited gave much more to us than we gave to them. We learned much about ability to pay as a barrier to care and about the challenges El Salvador faces in providing adequate nutrition to all citizens, urban and rural, poor and middle class.

In the afternoon we visited a hospital, where we met the dynamic new director. We learned about the shift occurring in health care policy in El Salvador with the new government administration that is in the process of providing access to care and medications without respect to ability to pay. We toured the hospital and came face to face with the contrast between our hospitals and theirs.

At dinner we were inspired by the commitment to community of 5 young adults sharing with us what they hope to be doing 5 years from now. Every morning and evening begins with a period of reflection and sharing. We are graced by the presence of Sr. Fran and Sr. Pauline in our days here. And I am amazed by the inspiring presence of the members of the delegation.

Melinda