Aug. 10 - Final Day and Reflection

Today was a day of reflection and relaxation. We journey about an hour to the department of La Libertad. There we engaged in fellowship and experienced the awe and wonder of the Pacific Ocean and the country of El Salvador itself. Many of us took the time to enter the warm waters on the dark sandy beaches as well as comb for seashells. Some of us spent time talking with the lay missioners about their lives, work, and hopes for their missions. Some took the time to read or simply sit and reflect. Others lay in hammocks and let the wonderful soumds of the crashing waves lull them to sleep. There is a paradoxical feeling you get in such a serene place of suffering. Looking out and listening to the music of the ocean starkly contrasts with the images and stories of the people who truly bear the burden of the cross. Knowing that we will all journey to our own worlds of comfort is also a paradox of sorts. Having walked among the Salvadoran people, hugged them, listened to their stories,played with their children, broke bread and prayed with them, and shed tears for them has been both sad and liberating. Knowing that you'd like to take each one home to feed and nourish with comfort is so frustrating, yet realizing how much they've taught you about real faith, simplicity and respect for God's creation truly humbles you to the point that you don't think that you can give them even half as much as they can give you. I think the Salvadoran people live in an entirely different plane of human existence. And the only way one can get there is through complete surrender of the self to the mercy of God. I am humbled by such a sacred and holy people.