Monday, Liz provided Jason and me with a tour of the U.S. embassy in San Salvador. After our go round, we quickly came back to pack up necessities (summer reads, Ipod, and sunscreen) for the beach. I was extremely eager to spend the day relaxing. I swear I could hear a hammock on the beach calling my name. Our days here in El Salvador have been so jammed with activities, that a tranquil afternoon by the ocean was much needed by our trio. Luckily, for us Liz’s mother volunteered her friend to drive us. (If it weren’t for her kindness (and [View Full Entry]

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On Toby's day off, we took a trip over to the twin volcanoes of Santa Ana . Since his work (ANADES) was taking some supplies over that part of the country, we were able to get a ride to the feeder road. Justin and I rode in the bed of the pickup, which was really nice. When it is summer, riding in the back is better than in the cab with A/C. We caught the bus that goes to the foot of the mountain, and then shortly thereafter some contractors gave us a lift in the bed of a large truck, [View Full Entry]

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El Salvador Photos [View Full Entry]

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Ok. Well now im in Danli Honduras working as a voluntary physio. the last 2 weeks have been mad entering El Salvador and Honduras has introduced me to another level of weirdness. El Salvador what can i say, was there 6 days, never seen anything like it. This country does not have tourists, in 6 days i think i saw 5 tourists. for this reason your mere presence attracts attention like you cant imagine i was starting to think i had 2 heads the amount people stared. I entered the country via Guatemala, the weirdest border you could imagine or at [View Full Entry]

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Dear all, Buenos dias de El Salvador! I apologise that it has been so long since my last entry, my days have been so full and they seem to go by far too quickly! So the Week of the Child ended with a huge celebration in Terminal, it was so much fun! Since then my recorder groups have gotten well under way and many are picking it up much quicker than I anticipated which is wonderful! They really seem to enjoy the classes and many are extremely enthusiastic about practicing outside of the class hours. The plan is to do a [View Full Entry]

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Today we started mixing cement for the foundation of both homes. It's another physical task, and the sun was out full strength again. We made sure to pace ourselves as mixing cement by hand involves mucho shoveling! First you start by filling wheelbarrows with sand and gravel. Then you dump them into a heap and start mixing. Next comes the water and the bucket brigade to the trenches. One of the home's foundation was 5 feet away from being finished at the end of the day! Our little buddy Raphael was waiting for us this morning, and he put in a [View Full Entry]

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Guest blogger - Tim Lehman In preparation for our trip to El Salvador, each team member established a head (rational behavior/expectation) and heart (emotional behavior/expectation) goal. The reasons for coming on the trip varied widely, but some common themes bound the team together. Head goals: 1. Safely complete our work. 2. Opportunity for a team build with other Thrivent employees. 3. Represent Thrivent’s values of faith, family, stewardship and service. 4. Provide needy El Salvadorian families with a home. Heart goals: 1. Let Christ’s love and light shine. 2 [View Full Entry]

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Today was another great day on the build sites. We made so much progress. Mike, Pete, Mary, Dawn, Marcia, Carrie, Krystal and I (Tara) finished digging out the trenches for the foundation--interior walls--and finished tying rebar. At the end of the day we dug out and helped prepare a pit for mixing the cement by hand. During the day, we had a few extra helping hands as neighbor children offered to help. They helped carry out the dirt whether by hand or wheelbarrow. Of course, break time is just as important. There were more marble matches and bubbles. More smiles and [View Full Entry]

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“This is a lot harder than I expected.” We finally began work at the two build sites today, 20 minutes outside of Santa Ana. These are new sites, so we started at the beginning by digging trenches through the heavy clay soil for the foundation and tying rebar. After digging in the intense sun, rebar was a welcome break. The local children helped us get through the day - playing king of the hill in our dirt piles, sharing their treasures (Princess the rabbit and a toy guitar) and teaching us how to play marbles. Unfortunately, we are really bad at [View Full Entry]

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Today was an amazing day for many reasons. Our team was able to worship at Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Santa Ana. While the congregation is poor financially; they are definitely not poor spiritually. We were given an amazing welcome and treated like celebrities. They are so grateful that we are here in their country. Taking the time to give of ourselves to not only build houses but build relationships. The children performed songs and a dance for us. We were able to follow along as best as we could in the Spanish Lutheran liturgy. We may not have known all [View Full Entry]

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