Some hard things

Daily we continue to learn about the struggles of the people here in El Salvador and recently for me some of the stories we hear about have become reality. While the majority of our experience here has been wonderful and inspirational for us as well there are things we learn that just plain makes us sad, since we are in a poor position to change the reality of life here.

We have heard that between 600 and 700 Salvadorians leave for the U.S. per day (that's right per day). Recently two intelligent individuals that I have come to know have done just that, leave for the U.S. A mountain of feelings overwelhem me with this news as it is sad to know that so few jobs exist here to keep young men and women here in the country (as many who leave are young). Having read about so many leaving is obviously different than knowing them, and from my perspective I will probably see many more follow in the footsteps of those who have left before them.

I'd rather not get into the politics of this situation as the feelings of sadness are much more present at this time. I have now visited communities on both ends of the situation with poverty and wealth yet the situation remains the same, no opportunities for consistant work for a majority of the community. People sit in their houses and the differiences is how much ¨stuff¨ the have around them. The wealthy communities that I have visited are recieving hundreds of thousands of dollars from family they have in the US. Houses resembling those from US suburbs can be found in several cities throughout the country here but not far from them are other tin roof, dirt floor, one room homes that don't have the same fortune.

We have found ourselves living around poverty and seeing great poverty in a country that refuses to acknowledge it's existence. It presense is very loud and very clear with a deafening saddness that makes me uncertain of my role in it's existance.

On a happier note we are coming home soon to visit family and friends for the first time in over 7 months! We are looking foreword to our return but definately have grown attactched to our comunities here as well as the food (yey Frijoles y Tortillas!). Additionally we are excited about new opportunities for us here in El Salvador as our spanish and connects grow as well.
-posted by Tom

Pupusas and photos

Without a computer near us it is easy to neglect our blogsite. So, for those of you who continue to read, thank you!

Well, as it usually happens we have a lot to write about but not alot of time, right now at least. So, we will leave you with a few photos and highlights…..

Tom has been quick to learn how to make a beautiful, round tortilla, not to mention a pupusa that can hold it’s own.

On the otherhand I have struggled in the tortilla /pupusa making area. Yes, they are edible, but frequently are not round and someitmes far from it!

As you can see in the photos Tom's pupusas are round, where mine are square. I think I will start a new fad here....square pupusas....it will be a hit!! Oh, by the way this was our first time making pupusas.

Don't know what a pupusa is??

El Salvador is famous for their pupusas. A pupusa is a thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is stuffed with one or more of the following: cheese, beans, pork, loroco (the nacional flower), spinach, etc…. These tasty treats can be bought for around .35 cents per pupusa (or as low as .20 in the campo). Don’t worry Marge, Jude or whoever else comes to visit this meal will be on us!!

More to come soon....Salvadoran soon
-posted by Melissa