Hernán, our driver, navigated our fire red bus from San Salvador for our 3 hour trip to Tierra Blanca. Along the way, we stopped at Zacatecoluca, where 4 catholic women (3 sisters and one missionary) were found after they had been raped and murdered in late 1980 (see link above for more information). We read a letter written by Ita Ford, one of the nuns, to her niece. The caretaker of the chapel built on the site showed us around and told us the story of the women, whose pictures are posted inside. She also shared with us that they had just lost their crops and when asked where they would get food, she answered "Providence of the Lord". Needless to say, Providence had arrived.
Shortly after we arrived in Tierra Blanca at Centro Romero, with time to unload and watch a fútbol game in the town square between the local team and a team from across the river in San Marcos, who called themselves Mata de Piña (pineapple killers). Score at half-time was 1-0 after the local team scored ¡gooooooooooooooooooooool!
We were introduced to "Fondo de Emergencia", a community organizing group which connects people with medical attention as ability and resources allow. Best of all, we had a meeting of our two respective leaders, John Koster, and Don Julio, discussing future connections.
Several of us went to mass (yes, mom, I did go) after Sister Fran drove us down dirt roads, with several of riding in the back of her 4x4 truck (no, honey, I didn't ride in the back). We experienced a beautiful local mass led by a Belgian priest, Padre Fernando, who has worked there for 40 years. Sister Fran interpreted throughout the mass to us English speakers via a microphone and headsets, just like the UN.
Lastly we had a chance to unwind a little, and plan a little for the week. We will be going out in groups of three to homes in various communities each day. Each day some of us will have an assignment of painting Centro Romero as our community project. More to come.
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