El Carretera de El Salvador
Flashes of a country are passing by in my window once again. But this time is different – these are familiar images, comforting almost. Of course the bus for which we left at 4:30 am is now passing Casa Bernabe on it’s way to El Salvador at about 6:30. It’s the weekend before Semana Santa; for which I’ve been blessed with an extra 2.5 days para descanso (rest).
As the gates of CB pass by, feelings of home arise. I think I can almost say this place is mine. I have become apart of it. I’m no longer the gringa or “extranjera” within the gates. Los ninos y los cargados know me by name, I have what resembles and routine in it’s own chaotic way, and well, there is a familiarity and comradery which has developed. Something which I believe can only come from laboring together in love, together being the key word in this statement.
If I were to leave at this point, the opportunities here would feel cut short, almost stolen if you will. I still feel that God has a use and a purpose for me here. But will it ever feel right to leave? I feel as though my “plans” may say I’m leaving in 2-3 months, but my heart questions this finality. It would be very possible for me to just keep going, serving and living here in this family.
This week was full: both spiritually and emotionally … Milestones have been realized. Culturally my confidence has been boosted and I feel as though respect is growing in my house. More communication, more trust, and simply more familiarity. Sara even encouraged me by saying that “I fit” at Casa Bernabe. Such a simple statement, but so comforting. This being said right before I decided to break into the circle of Guatemalan house moms and stake my place in the conversation. I believe that I’m slowly moving from the observer to the participator.
Santa Anna, El Salvador
Today has been the day of the unexpected. Forgot my passport, remembered 5 minutes into the bus ride. We turned back, immediately after which I sprinted down/up the driveway at 4:30am in my cowboy boots. Just barely made it to the Tica bus station on time and yet still had to wait till 6:15 am to leave. We crossed the border – thankfully with out any difficulty. And then we were dropped off at a Shell station in what was the high heat and seemingly, the middle of nowhere. Liana and I walked in the gas station and were thankfully helped by the guard carrying an Uzi. However, our need for a taxi was full-filled by our wonderful contacts Natasha and Obed who live in El Salvador. They drove us to Santa Ana and preceded to be our personal tour guides for the day. At first their help seemed a bit much (my independent streak rears it’s head with gusto while traveling), but turned out to be much needed and extremely helpful. Apparently travel in El Salvador is way more difficult and dangerous than in Guatemala. We thought we could simply show up and find a hostel for the night and places to wander – well, that’s in places which cater towards tourists, and that is not El Salvador. Eventually however, with the help of Natasha and OBed, we found a place to stay for the next two nights at the beach. With the burden of safety of our backs, we went and cruised around Santa Ana, seeing some of the towns and natural beauties nearby.
Vamanos para la playa!
Every country is a new adventure and with every country comes a new flavor. From the people, to the food; something is always a bit different in every lugar (place). Guatemaltecos are closed off (broad generalization, I know). They seem to have this tangible wall around their persona that gives you the feeling of a resistant exterior. And yet, once this wall is breached, their welcoming hearts are exposed and given amiably. So far, the Salvadorians are all out there: they wear their hearts on their sleeves and are not afraid to share with their fellow citizens or even tourists. Mmmmm, and the pupusas! Guatemalans have a couple of soup dishes to their name, but the country for corn tortillas shoved full with amazing cheesy, beany, and some kind of meaty goodness (in a word: pupusas); is El Salvador for sure. Unfortunately, the climate here in El Salvador is scorchingly hot. Guatemala’s mountains and valleys provide a much needed reprieve from the heat emanated in most equator centered countries – El Salvador, not so much.
However, the people here make up for the heat. Within one day I felt as though a bond had been made with Natasha and Obed. They gave their hearts and their time freely, even inviting us into their home. Pouring out their lives in Spanish, I was encouraged to understand almost the entire context and meaning of the conversations (with a word defined in English here and there). Natasha gave us words of wisdom on the future, which were from the heart and much needed. “Patience girls. God’s plans are there and whether or not you try and figure them out, His timing will reign supreme in your life… You are meant for amazing things, don’t sell yourself short on them by not waiting for His timing.” Even giving encouragement in the off handed comment “ I’m not worried about you girls traveling, with your sense of adventure and Megan’s Spanish, you’ll be just fine.” Thanks for the boost of confidence!
And now I sit here in a towel, with the ocean in front of me, watching night touch down in this Central American beach town. The descanso (rest) of the beach is energizing and tranquil at the same time. Thoughts are ordered out of rest and peace. Life is good, God is good. Now, time to find some sangria and hopefully ceviche – I’m craving a taste of the sea. Then hopefully a walk on the beach to bring an end to the night and a wonderful cap to this week of rest. Noches!
