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Todays report written by: Matt Milligan and Stephen Campos
Today was certainly quite a day, one to remember. We woke up early once again for morning prayer and a hearty breakfast of cereal, bread with jelly, and, of course, lots of bananas. Afterwards we all piled into the vans for a trip to the Senior Day Care Center, run by Sister Sarita, where we were treated to some live music performed by some sponsored children. This home was created so the elderly have a place to spend their day, since El Salvador does not provide any form of financial aid to the retired. And the elderly certainly were glad to see us.
From there, we took a van with Sister Sarita to the home of a sponsored family, who greatly welcomed us and enjoyed our company. We then went to the Holy Trinity School, and arrived just in time to escape the coming downpour. The children greeted us with coconuts, an appetizer for our upcoming lunch. As we ate, we were entertained by an outstanding street corner band. We got in a few minutes of soccer after lunch, but more rain and a lost soccer ball shortened our play.
The final stop of our day was at San Antonio del Monde, where we were again giving an overwhelming welcome by the many people who had come to visit us from several different communities. An elaborate and extraordinary show was put on for us by the children, which we enjoyed watching as much as they enjoyed performing. One particular act, a young man dressed as a clown, had several of us on the floor with him, trying our hand at some circus tricks. We had many laughs as we failed miserably at juggling balls and sticks, as well as participating in some thoroughly embarrassing magic tricks. One family showed us great generosity as they gave each of us a handmade clay gift they had prepared for our arrival. After spending some time with the children, we had to pile back into the vans and head back to our house for dinner and our nighttime meeting.
After two days of meeting the people of El Salvador, I find the kindness and generosity they possess to be incredible. We are essentially strangers, yet we are all welcomed into their homes and schools as if we were old friends. This feeling of complete acceptance is an honor, and it makes all of us extremely happy to be here, and excited to experience all that our trip still has to offer.
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