Leaving on Friday

Hard to believe we leave on Friday. El Salvador has been in the news with the torrential rains in connection with Hurricane Ida that passed through the area. Here's the most recent report from our trip leader: The most recent reports indicate that at least 130 people have died from flooding and mudslides. We spoke with Sr. Fran Stacey to learn about conditions in her area. Thus far the communities in her area have not experienced any severe problems. The main areas where there have been lives lost are near the city of San Salvador and in an area called San Vicente. Most of the deaths have been related to landslides and mudslides. On the positive side Sr. Fran said the rains have stopped and the reports are that there should not be any further rains. She feels that it will not impact our ability to travel within the country or to the rural communities we plan to visit. So the storm does not impact our plans, but it will undoubtedly be something we will hear more about once we arrive.

I am very much looking forward to the trip -- my bags are packed and some special surprises are arranged for my three boys -- Andrew (11), Nick (8) and Joe (4) -- for while I am gone.