I have a blog because my brain stopped cooperating with me sometime in college: a possible side-effect of one too many late night Route 44 cherry vanilla Dr.Peppers from Sonic study enhancers. For instance, I remember a younger (less gray) skeptical me taking a trip to see the ministry of Compassion International for myself and coming home a different person. But, thanks to my blog and its handy dandy search function, I know that trip was in August of 2005.
I need my blog’s help to remember the date and a few minor details from that trip. But there’s plenty about El Salvador I’ve never shaken from my memory. I remember the houses made of corrugated metal. I remember a woman asking if I wanted her to kill her only chicken to make me lunch. I remember staring out a bus window for miles wondering angrily Why didn’t I know all this existed before now?
Now, four years later, I’m leading a Compassion International trip. For the third time. I’m finally getting the hang of it: specifically, when to explain and teach and when to just shut up and let everyone else experience the third world for themselves. Without interruption or interpretation.
I did a lot of shutting up today.
I stared out a bus window and remembered what it was like to see El Salvador for the first time. Beautiful green grass – possibly stolen from Ireland – outlined by rusting homes and coffee plantations.
I listened to bloggers gasp in the seats behind me at the damage left in hurricane Ida’s wake two days ago and wonder out loud what it would be like to lose everything so easily.
I took it all in. Ancient trees uprooted. Rivers brimming. Mud sliding on pavement.
The Compassion International office in San Salvador. New and much expanded over the last four years. A sign of growth – now serving the physical and spiritual needs of 35,000 kids – with room for more.
Stacks of letters from sponsors and the same lecture I heard years ago about how important letters are to children.
I looked around the bus today at one point and felt simultaneously sorry and thrilled for the bloggers staring out windows taking pictures.
There is so much they will never forget about this place.
And if they do, there’s always that handy dandy search function.
Jason says:
Wow…the damage photos you posted are shocking and I have to imagine there’s worse than what you shared.
Heidi Weimer says:
This is me being jealous of all of you on the trip. In a holy way, of course.
๐
Praying for the week.
Prudence says:
Between you and Heather I’m already in tears. That Christmas card sitting among the letters there. We sent ours out a couple weeks ago for our dear Nikita in India. I can say that if getting letters from her is a highlight of my day I can only imagine what it does for her. Thanks for going. Praying for a fruitful trip.
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) says:
So incredible to see the photos and imagine how challenging life must be for so many right now in El Salvador.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences online — we are so glad you have a blog too! ๐
oh – and thanks for the reminder to get letters mailed to my sponsored kids. I am SO bad about that!
Kathryn says:
How awesome it is that God brought the 3rd world to light for you and has now brought you full circle leading trips! Praying for you guys as you continue on this journey. Thank you for sharing!
Leslie says:
Hey, Shaun. Praying for you guys and the important work you’re doing through your blogs. It was the Compassion Bloggers trip to India that got me on board as a sponsor (sweet Sruthi – 6 years old!). Don’t doubt for a minute the impact you’re having here at home! Love on a kid for me today!
Sarah says:
Seeing Compassion’s ministry live and in person changed my life in March 2004. There’s no going back.
oh amanda says:
LOVE following the trips. Thank you for doing these and getting that first experience in the heart and mind of so many more than the few bloggers that get to go!
I can’t wait to read all about it!
Lindsey says:
Oh.Gosh. I’m sooo glad I get the chance to “follow” along with you on this trip!! I sponsor a beautiful young girl in El Salvador…these posts mean more to me than you’ll ever know! Keep posting ๐ You’re in my prayers!!!
Jill Foley says:
I haven’t seen it with my own eyes yet, but Compassion (and the children I am privileged and honored to sponsor) have changed my world view.
Hillary @ The Other Mama says:
Love this first hand view of the damage and so cool to hear and see your stories.
Praying for an awesome week for y’all!
Catherine says:
Shaun,
Thanks for sharing what God lays on your heart about El Salvador. I sponsor a little girl there and being able to read all of the bloggings is just so awesome! It just lets me know even more about how God is working there.
Praying for you all and thankful to God for giving you all the opportunity to visit and share with us.