Day Three: Leader's Perspective

We are really starting to get settled in here as a team. I have been so humbled by the service, and gratitude that our hosts and their families have shown us. Not to mention all of the kids we have met and played with. Today was our first day of work, and we spent it at one of the schools in Popotlan, San Salvador. We were first introduced to the principal, who brought us into his office and shared with us how thankful he was to have us there. He also mentioned that he loves Young Life, and the Young Life team has done a lot for the kids at their school already. 

The girls spent time working on baskets which are to be planted in a garden at the school, and the guys dug a few small trenches to place bricks in and create a new garden. We all worked close by each other and were working while school was in session, so in between classes we would be met by the kids and had a chance to hang out with them. It is overwhelming to be a "gringo" at the school, because we stand out so much. The kids literally swarmed us saying "hola" and asking our names. But it feels very special to be welcomed there with such enthusiasm. 

(Girls with some of the kids)

(Fred and Jose' doin work!) 

After our work, which ended in the late afternoon, we played futbol and basketball at the court in the school (they had soccer goals attached to basketball hoops on both sides. This game seemed more serious than the one we played last night, and they even had a referee! We got smoked (again) in futbol, but we held our own and won in basketball. Callie Lazja and Jessi Tobin held it down for the ladies in the basketball game, and Ryan Huntziker drained a three at the end. The El Salvadorians were impressed :) 

We have been learning from Enrique about the civil war that took place in this country 25 years ago, and the overwhelming gang activity that has been present ever since. It is cool to see so many kids just showing joy while they are inside the walls at the school. We are so happy to have the chance to be with them in person. Already there are a couple El Salvadorian girls attached to Jessi, Mallory, Sarah, and Callie. We will be back at the school tomorrow and can't wait to spend more time with all of them. 

We had a great time together tonight as a team and have been laughing a lot. So praises for joyful attitudes and hard work!