One Word

It was a very relaxing day at the beach. A chance to share stories and consider the perspectives of others on the week we all experienced together. We're better for it. We're stronger for it.  We've come to learn with and appreciate others. And together we've seen, heard and participated in the Kingdom efforts of God. 

Following our delicious dinner at the Quality Hotel, we gathered in a circle, on the pool deck. In the breezy cool (yes...cool) night, we all answered the question: 

"If you could summarize your week with one word, what would that word be?"

The purpose of this question is two fold. One it gives those who ask a portal through which to address any questions they may have.  Secondly, it allows us to share something that we are prepared to share, while we continue to process through all that has transpired. 

Here are our words: 

Ashlyn - unforgettable

Silas - powerful

Dave - hope

Paul - pleased 

Lily - unforgettable 

Scott - grateful 

Julia - awe-inspiring

Abby - new

Christine - grateful

Pat - humbled

Deve - family

Amanda - progress

Karen - moment

Tim - drop

As we make our way back to our regular daily lives, we will continue to post some stories that remain to be written. We will also post some ways that you can specifically be praying for our families.  But we also ask that you would pray for us in the coming days and weeks.  May the Lord allow us to take those key pieces that we have discovered and integrate them into our lives.  May the Lord teach us to shape our days that allow for further expressions of generosity, sacrifice and compassion.  May the Lord lead us to those who would benefit most from understanding our experiences. May the Lord give us grace and perseverance to see the desires and dreams He has revealed within us, to flourish in the time to come. May the Lord care for, provide for and protect those who have so captured our attention and our hearts in El Salvador. 

Why I Keep Coming Back

 This year has been very different from years past. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about our more comfortable accommodations, unfamiliar faces, and many other changes to the country. But as the week progressed I realized I needed to drop all my expectations and experience the moment and see God at work. 

My brother Dave asked me part way through the week. Why I keep coming back? I didn't really have a great answer. I just started listing all the things I liked about coming. I like the Spanish culture, I like feeling a part of a bigger plan,I like the sun, I like the camaraderie of the team, and I like seeing the familiar faces from years past. As the week went on, I kept thinking about that question because I didn't feel like I really answered the question. On the beach today I was thinking about all the years past and the things I learned with each year. It dawned on me that the reason I keep coming back is that I feel like God challenges me and teaches me something different each year. Because I am so focussed on his work here. I feel like it is easier to see and know what he is teaching me. This year I feel like God was teaching me to drop my expectations and focus on the moment. Absorbing all that each moment has to offer. Even though it may be different than what I am used to. I want to take that lesson home with me and apply it to wherever and whatever God would have me do.

P.S.I also learned that I would really like a baby goat.

Karen

Saying Goodbye

Every year we (The SEMC) have sent a team to El Salvador to go change people’s lives, a team that I have finally been able to be a part of this year. But what I didn’t know, is that the experience can change our lives forever as well.

Earlier this week, we went to build in a part of the community we haven’t been to before. The first thing I noticed is the group of about five kids watching us put in the screws for the walls. I pointed them out to my grandpa, who was helping me, because I thought it was pretty cool. Next thing you know, he hands over the drill to one of the kids, and we have four extra helpers! I didn’t put in nearly as many screws as I did building the other homes, but seeing the kids smile as they helped us build was way better.

They were disappointed after the walls were all done, so that was when we got out the frisbees!  Even more kids from that community came along and we had over 20 kids playing! It was actually so much more fun than I thought it would be, everyone in the circle was laughing and enjoying themselves. Eventually they ran over to a translator to ask what my name was, and they somehow never forgot it! Apparently Lily is very easy to pronounce in Spanish.

That was the first time I met all of those kids, and later in the day they joined our soccer game, had their hair braided, coloured in colouring books with us, and just like that, we had many new friends. I knew it would be so hard to say goodbye to them, but I tried not to think about it because I knew I would cry (and yes, I did cry) the next day was our last day of building, and we were on the same street! That day was a lot different than the others - I barely cared about building, I just wanted to see my friends again. 

That day, after building the walls with them of course, we pulled a translator over and decided to play with the kids. They were asking us about school, talking about the soccer game, and one of the girls brought out her iPad to take pictures with us. This was one of my favourite parts of the trip. But sadly, we had to leave soon after.

Later that day, some of us went to walk back there to use the washroom, and I ran into the kids again and they were trying to tell me something. They said the little girl wouldn’t stop crying because we were leaving, and that I had to go see her. Soon enough, I ran down the street to give her a hug, and I was crying too. 

The next day, the key ceremony. I knew this was the last day I would see them, and they did too. They were following our team around for the last few houses, and they sat through the entire thing, smiling at us the whole time. After the last house, I couldn’t find the little girl. I had a bad feeling that she was crying again, but seconds later, she comes running back to us holding two bags of cucumbers for me and Abi. Then we had to say our goodbyes, tears in my eyes as I hugged all of the kids, knowing we were about to leave their community for the last time. I waved at them one more time as I stepped onto the bus.

The bus passed that little girl’s house, and I noticed her eyes were red from crying again. That’s when it hit me - I was never going to see them again. I cried the whole way back, something that I haven’t done in a very long time, and especially not over kids I met only two days before.

I still haven’t fully accepted that I will never see them again, but I guess I will have to, as I get on the plane back to Canada tomorrow.

It is going to be very hard to leave, but I know that I will never forget them, and I hope they don’t forget me either.

Lily 

Key Ceremony Day

 This day is one that comes with anticipation, excitement and some sadness. It's not for the faint of heart. After tentatively starting our week, it becomes difficult to say good bye.  The families we have met have embedded their faces and stories within our lives, and we won't be the same.  At a later point we will share the stories of each of these families in the hope that you will join us in praying for God's continued work in and through their lives.  

Today, we again did something new. We split up into our two teams (led by Pat and Silas). Each team went to the six families, house by house.  We were accompanied by our interpreter and someone designated to verbally present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a clear way that reinforced what they had experienced in the actions of our team, and for the months and years prior, through their connection with Shelter.  Each family received a bible, their keys, and a small plaque was placed on their door (Deut. 6:6-7).  

Each gift was a symbol of the love of God for them, and hopefully a means by which they will remember how the Lord answered their prayer to provide shelter from the storms, safety from predators, and security for a future.  

With each family we had opportunity to share our words of thanks and encouragement.  We also had the great privilege of praying a prayer of commitment over each family.  From youngest to oldest, we all felt the significance of the presence of God, uniting us with these people, who just two weeks ago were unknown, and now will never be forgotten. There is a palpable awe when you experience the divine, and there is a deepened humility in recognizing that simple acts done with great love can make a world of difference, bringing different worlds together. 

Our last lunch, spent on tottery make shift picnic tables, under the shade tree among the garbage and dust, somehow felt like a banquet, because we had just visited with royalty - people loved by our King. 

We then took some time to visit the local flea market, to experience the sights, smells and bartering for souvenirs and gifts, before soaking in the majestic-awe-inspiring grandeur of the volcano from the lookout over the valley. 

After one last look at the city, from the top of the clocktower, and having said goodbye to our translators and drivers, we took some time to reflect as a group.  Thankful to be sent, recognizing a small glimpse of the impact that we have made on some lives here, and processing the impact that we have experienced, and how the Lord is unmistakably present in all of it. 

Tomorrow, is a day of rest...much needed...well deserved...thanks for staying with us on this. 

Peace

The team began preparing for this adventure in May.  My preparations began within 24 hours of departure.  I took the place of my husband, Matt, as his father’s health was declining.  It has been an unexpected privilege to accompany our daughter, Abby, on this journey.  I have been able to have a front row seat for her first plane ride and first cross cultural experience.  It has been delightful to watch her try new foods, see new sights, use power tools and play with kids who speak a different language.  

A verse that the Lord has used in my life previously has guided my thoughts this week.  It is John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  I have prayed it for myself, my family at home and the families that we have met this week.

I have been deeply touched by the families we met.  Also, I have been reminded of the comforts I take for granted - warm showers, cold drinks, coffee with cream, garbage cans, a roof that doesn’t leak, a door that locks, and so much more!  

Christine

Unforgettable

 Helping out here has felt so good! I’ve gotten to use a drill, and several other tools that I’d never even heard of before this. 

     Playing with the kids after our jobs are done has been one of my favorite parts of building these houses. People have brought things like colouring books, balls for catch, and frisbees. I also brought some stuff to braid some hair.

      The past couple days, we’ve had close to 20 kids playing frisbee with us - they loved it!! They were invited to come join our soccer game afterwards, and a lot of them did. While some played, others hung back to color. Julia and I got to braid a few girls’ hair too! It was a very nice, relaxing break.

     Today we took a trip to a high-up lookout, with a gorgeous view of the mountains. It was nothing like I’d ever seen before and something I won’t forget.

     We also got to go to a market where we got some souvenirs and stuff. Apparently something that everyone has to do there is visit the “cheese corner.” However, I highly recommend you don’t. We were asked a few times if our noses were stuffed because smelling was going to be part of it. I was initially looking forward to it…people seemed to be saying good things about it, like it smelled nice there. Welp it didn’t. I couldn’t breathe without gagging, and then to escape it we had to also pass some raw meat and fish. So, yeah…don’t go there. 

     I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow! It still feels like we just got here. I remember on the first building day, it was horribly hot. I couldn’t wait to leave. But we’ve built such good connections with the families since then, it’s sad to say goodbye. 

     One of the little girls we befriended gifted Lily and I with a small bag of cucumbers. That was a really special thing and a much bigger deal than I realized at first; for her to give us something that was probably a lot more significant to her than it usually is for us. 

     She was a very sweet girl whom I won’t be forgetting anytime soon…this whole experience has been something unforgettable.

Abby