Thanksgiving

In previous journals we have mentioned the small projects we implemented at the public school in La Granja, the community north of San Salvador where our sister parish children attend public school K-9. Earlier this year through the gift of a friend from our church in West Bend, we donated electronic equipment as well as English/Spanish dictionaries. The electronic equipment supports a new music and cultural program for the children of this school. The school leaders suggested we return in mid November for a fiesta.

We accepted the invitation and revisited the school. The children greeted us at the gate. They were all smiles and some in traditional costume. We were seated at a long table facing two raised areas that served as performance stands. Greetings were extended by the staff and one 2nd grader offered a 3 minute greeting and welcome in excellent English on behalf of the students.

The CD player provided the amplified music for the children’s singing and dancing. They had been rehearsing for days and were excited to give their performances. Mothers in attendance were equally excited and proud of their child’s performance.

The children were not in uniform today, wearing street clothes. Many of the girls were extremely thin, especially their legs, some signs of malnutrition and possibly of disease. The picture became clear that these are children from very poor families.

And yet, as part of their hospitality, we enjoyed an abundant lunch of fried tortillas piled with sauce, beans, cucumber, egg, lettuce and a tomato slice with a side of fried yucca, topped with grated cabbage.

After the fiesta we asked about their needs for next year but today was a day of thanks and not a day for asking. Thanks giving continued with picture taking and fond goodbyes. To be back at the school was a joy in itself and we were delighted to see the previous gifts generate the music, dance and language program.

This was a day of blessing. Everyday is a day of thanks. Gracias Señor!

We would like to dedicate a journal to answer questions. Please contact us with your questions concerning any aspect of our journey, past, present or future at slindeent@aol.com .

David y Nancy