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Today’s report written by: Kim Turner, Kim Russo, Meagan Walsh and Kaitlin Ramsbotham.
The morning started a little bit later than usual here in Santa Ana. Everyone was excited for what was planned, because the members of last year's trip spoke so highly of the girls at Chalchuapa. We ate breakfast at 8 AM (which was late as far as we were concerned), and everyone eagerly packed the donations and gifts we had brought from home. We loaded the van and took the 20 minute ride to the Girls Home Maria Auxiliadora.
There we were warmly greeted by some of the girls and led into the Chapel to participate in our first Spanish Mass. The girls were so excited to see us that they reached for our hands over the pews in the moments before Mass began. And as we sat down, the girls came to sit near us and smiled. Even though we didn't speak to each other, it was evident that there was a mutual feeling of happiness. The Mass was a beautiful sight even though we could not understand most of it, and the Sign of Peace seemed to go on forever as girls
from all around the Church walked around to embrace us.
From Mass we walked out into the courtyard and immediately started playing. It seemed like we knew them all our lives. The girls were so incredible. They were some of the most loving and generous girls we have ever seen. As soon as any girl was given a toy, she quickly turned to share it with one of her friends. The next few hours were spent playing basketball, throwing water balloons and making crafts. We had a quick lunch with presentations shortly after.
They performed folk dances and sang popular music. The girls wore authentic Salvadoran dresses and showed great pride for their culture. We followed their beautiful presentation with a show of our own (that we threw together the night before). We did a choreographed version of "Build Me Up Buttercup." It was possibly the worst thing they have ever seen, but they enjoyed it so much that they asked for an encore. We improvised and did " Ain't No Mountain High" that ultimately resulted in the formation of a conga line.
After the presentations were finished, we joined the girls outside. We continued with the activities and enjoyed some ice cream. The day concluded with a prolonged and tearful goodbye and the promise that we would return next year. It was a great day for everyone.
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