Second musings from the makeshift housing……

I was on a conference call last night with several people from around the country. When they heard what I was doing to raise funds for the college scholarships, their reaction was the same as my youngest daughter’s when she heard what I was planning to do, “Is it safe?” When I consider this question, I am struck by how safe the Plymouth community is as whole. However, when we think about doing something different then safety becomes a concern. The Salvadorans are never really safe. They are open to all kinds of violence from within and without. So perhaps another thing that keeps us in solidarity is our common fear of each other and the violence we are capable of doing to one another.

Someone asked me how I was going to keep my clothes clean. Well, I have the great luxury of having a washing machine and dryer right here in the parish office basement. Maintenance staff uses them quite often to clean items they work with. I can get here early and can wash one set of clothes and change into a second set. I think of our Salvadoran friends who have to hand wash their clothes and then hang them out to dry in the blowing dusty air. I am always amazed at how clean their clothing is when they get dressed up for a community event or for church services. I promised Fr. John I would not subject you all to my laundry hanging from a tree on the property!

A friend asked me if I was going to grow a beard. How was I going to bathe and stay clean? Fr John was good enough to have an old shower in the parish office cleaned out and a curtain put back on the entry way for me to use when I come to the office early in the morning. I am so happy to have such a place to work in. In El Salvador I have taken many showers in cold water…I have hot water here. Many places there do not have enclosed shower areas. The people get up and pour a bucket of water over themselves while wearing a bathing suit. They soap up and they pour another bucket of water to rinse off with. While I have found that way of showing to be very refreshing, it is never an easy way to stay clean.

Last night someone asked me if I was worried about someone stealing my things during the day when I am a way from the house. I really suspect that my things are secure there as no one really would want anything I have there. However, in El Salvador people are often robbed and their property taken. It is so hard to believe since quite often those living in these kinds of housing situations have so little to start with. I can’t tell you the number of armed guards we have seen throughout El Salvador trying to protect people’s property. I suspect I will not need an armed guard in Plymouth.

I will leave you with a Salvadoran saying you hear quite often as you travel around the country, “God is first in all things!”

Deacon Don