Trip summary, vol II: Being with the people

One of the most gratifying aspects of the trip was the opportunity to be with the people of El Sunza. Rather than going in as problem-solvers working for the people, we went to learn about the village, to get to know the people there, and to work alongside them on things like home construction, kids games and activities, and even our own photography project.While they were thankful we traveled from the US to spend time in their village, we were thankful for the ways they took care of us – showing us around their community, telling us where to find food or tools, how to make handmade tortillas (a Salvadoran staple) or where to get them made for us, which mango trees we could pick from and which were defended by shotguns (really).

As far as the construction project went, there were many times we wished we could move things along quicker than they went, but the slow, inefficient pace was good for us time-maximizing, efficiency-oriented Americans. Lulls in the work day allowed us to get to know the villagers working with us. Kids coming by wanting to get in on the action would snatch a shovel and start mixing concrete, leaving us without a job and feeling worthless, but it was valuable time for them to learn skills they will use as they get older. In fact, each time we stepped back from working was another opportunity for the family and neighbors to build a home they’ll live in, or walk by, everyday.

On our last night in the village, Marvin, a 17 yr. old, made a comment that made us all feel pretty good about how we spent our time in El Sunza. He told us that many groups come to the village to help, but that we were the only ones that slept there, ate there, and walked the streets there. It was simply a matter of being with the people – living at their level and getting a taste of what life is like for them. It has no doubt changed the way each of us looks at life, and it will shape the way we approach future work in the village.