A New Generation

This is a country that has lived through a terrible history of war and persecution and which still suffers from great inequality and injustice. I have become convinced over the last week that perhaps the greatest opportunity to correct those wrongs is the new generation of Salvadorans.

A couple of times this week, we have had the opportunity to be introduced to young students, recipients of Providence scholarships. On Monday, we met them at the Romero Center. Students with hope for the future, despite the circumstances in which they live. They understand the past, they know the experiences of their people, but it is not an anchor for them. They are not consumed with anger. They have a bright hope for the future in which they can pursue careers that will allow them to serve their people, giving them a voice and giving hope to many future generations.

As I sat listening to their stories, I tried to understand where that hope came from. While I don't know them well, I can guess. They have been given a gift, certainly. A scholarship to pursue their studies. But they have more important gifts than that. They have someone to believe in them and encourage them and love them. Sister Fran is a blessing in their lives. That blessing is a gift we can all give to a young person who needs a simple vote of confidence, to know that they are a child of God and have great potential.

They also have a reason to succeed beyond themselves. My own motivation to study in college and do well as a student was only my own. A rather selfish focus on my own success. Each of these young people spoke of how they wanted to return to these communities and serve their people. They will undoubtedly measure their success by how they are able to help the poor of El Salvador.

On Tuesday, we met them in their local village and went off in three groups to meet their families. I was impressed with how they approached this and how they treated their families. There was a remarkable absence of hesitance or anxiety about American gringoes seeing their homes and families. These teenagers live in extremely humble settings. They don't have their own room, or electronic gadgets or stylish clothes. My friend Atilio (picture above) lives in a house that doesn't have a door and has a dirt floor. There was a tin roof, a stick and barbed wire fence, chickens running free and an open fire for cooking. Yet, he was proud to take us to his home and to meet his family. What an amazingly humbling experience.

I will bet on that combination of determination and humility to deliver success any day!