Musings from the makeshift housing…….

I have found it very interesting to see the makeshift housing go up and to hear some of the concerns people have raised. All of them have been for my benefit and comfort. However, I am trying to reflect upon them from the urban and rural poor perspective of El Salvador. Many have been concerned that the roof will leak when it rains. I suspect it will and many of the homes in El Salvador leak in the rains. In fact, just last year we sent nearly $4,000 to Haciendita Uno over a period of months to replace and repair sheet metal roofs that had deteriorated. Some have cautioned me about the mosquitoes that may invade my living space. I recall many mosquitoes in El Salvador and no mosquito netting covering small helpless children. It was not that long ago that malaria was a major problem in El Salvador. Some were concerned about how I would be able to use a restroom when I needed to. (I have a key to the church). However, for many in El Salvador an open pit latrine behind their homes is all they have. Some have been concerned about whether or not I would be able to eat there and offered to bring me food. While I never refuse food, I am struck by the fact that most Salvadorans I know in these types of locations survive on rice, beans and tortillas perhaps with a little cheese at times. Someone was very kind and quietly dropped off several water bottles for me in the night my first night there. How lucky I am that I do not have to walk a long distance to obtain generally unclean water to drink. Here clean and bottled water is delivered to my door by such good friends. Some wanted to know where I would cook my meals and I said I would have to refuse the Salvadoran style of having an open fire in my house as it is an extreme health hazard. So I am lucky enough to have several close restaurants and a car to get cooked meals from.

We live such different lives in so many ways. However, I am seeing even a glimpse of the beauty of Salvadoran life while staying in the makeshift housing. The nights are very quiet. New and old friends stop by to just sit and talk and share some carefree timelessness with me. Many people come throughout the night to pray at the grotto when the church is closed. It reminds me of the constant devotion I see to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Central America.

I am trying to be around in the evenings and on the weekend so stop by and chat for a brief while. We made progress towards our goal this last weekend. We received $9,054.34 towards the goal of $33,000 for college scholarships. Thank you for your generosity.

Peace and all good, Deacon Don