Day of Rest
We had a great second day in El Salvador!
Because we were still on EST, we woke up at sunrise in San Salvador. There were a few of us interested in some Group Exercise, so six of us took a morning walk in the neighborhood. We started walking downhill, which only meant a nice, breathy uphill climb on the way back. The morning was cool, but humid, and the sun was shining.
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed to a local Lutheran church, Iglesia Luterana La Resurreccion. This is one of the larger Lutheran churches in San Salvador. Our greeting was warm and welcoming. Because we had Pastor Bre and Paul, a retired pastor, with us, they were able to participate in the service. Though the building itself is basic, the service was modern with a praise band and a projector screen for the hymns and readings. The service was mostly in Spanish, though we had Luis Fernando to translate for us. The service was wonderful, but what happened after the service has impacted us the most.
At the end of the service, there was an announcement that we would be presented with crosses. The crosses were wooden, made by a man who was in the congregation. Pastor Gomez spoke of how we came to El Salvador to help build homes, but more that than, we are helping to build peace. He said that people come to the cross when they are in pain, but the cross can turn pain into hope. Then he had each of us come up, and a child in the congregation presented each of us with a cross. We were all moved with this act of generosity.
Manana, the story of The Subversive Cross…
Greetings from the other side of the world, amigos! Hello to my friends, the "repeat offenders"; nice to meet you to the rest of the team. I am so happy you are back in El Salvador-- it's fun to follow along via the blog. Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteMany prayers from this gringita for a week that is joy- and grace-filled. While you help transform the lives of Salvadoran families in Ahuachapán, your time in country will transform your own hearts and lives, if you let it. El Salvador is a beautiful, amazing place (which is why I myself am so addicted to it). Soak up the food, the culture, the love, the joy, especially all the hugs from adorable children!
Que, primero Dios, se cruzen nuestros caminos un día en el futuro.
Bendiciones!
Kathleen Fayard
Thank you so much for your daily blog! It is wonderful seeing the photo of Pastor Bre and Pastor Paul participating in worship in San Salvadore. Such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteThank you to all of you for the blessings of your time, talents, and God's love that you are bringing to so many.
JH
What a joy it is, to be actively involved in a country and its peoples, and to not just be tourists. I am very mindful of my daily activities here--such a great contrast to what I'm reading on the blogposts--And yet, muchas similtudes (and not just because you're buying snacks and cervezas). The story of the subversive cross was very moving; how wonderful to receive your own, wooden ones as gifts!
ReplyDelete