Day 12 Through 18 Recap by Tess

Wow! Here we are, already at Day 18! Where has the time gone!? Well, I'll tell you.

Day 12: Tuesday, December 2
Today we held the second workshop with the kids, this time theoretically from pasajes 6-10. (We definitely saw some familiar faces, however!) We had less kids today and we were working in smaller groups, so it was definitely a different experience from Monday. We had lunch at Metrocentro, and then headed over for a tour and lecture at the Venceremos Radio museum, which was fantastic. We saw some pretty powerful photographs as well as a very interesting and thought-provoking documentary. Then, we had the opportunity to ask questions, which was great to satisfy some of our lingering curiosities.

Day 13: Wednesday, December 3
Today we had our first lecture at UCA! It was on politics in El Salvador and we learned a lot about the elections within the past 20 years. One fact we found out is that it is looking so far this year that FMLN might have a chance to win out over Arena for the presidency. If so, they will win for the first time since the civil war! Oh, and we learned that the wife of the Arena president and Laura Bush are apparently 'BFFs.' We had lunch at a 'comedor' and everybody spent $2...for an entire plate of food, tortillas, and a drink! It is our new favorite place...but probably still second to Tacos de Paco. Then, in the afternoon we had the third environmental awareness workshop with the kids from the remaining pasajes. Again, we recognized some faces. Apparently, they can't get enough of us or newspaper crafts!

Day 14: Thursday, December 4
Today we were at the community for most of the day! We did planning and preparation for an adult version of the environmental awareness workshop. We also danced like palm trees... Then at lunch, we celebrated our van driver's birthday! We love him. In the afternoon, we were back at the community and we painted everything. Paper, the floor, each other... Tons of fun! We took pictures for a community bulletin in front of the backgrounds we made. I was representative of dirty water (my entire right arm was covered in paint) and had a 'dead fish' and trash attached to my clothes. But nothing can top the pollution sea monsters! Some of the girls were painted from head to toe in a dark brown/green color. Gross!

Day 15: Friday, December 5
Today we had our second lecture at UCA. This time, we learned about youth identity and gang culture in El Salvador. We also learned that there are 'emos,' 'goths,' and 'hipsters' here! Oh man. It's interesting to see the pieces of culture that have spread throughout the world! In the afternoon, we were planning to hold an adult workshop...but only three women came. So that didn't work out, but we did spend some time planning murals for the community center, instead of playing in the river. It was a close vote.

Day 16: Saturday, December 6
Happy birthday Jackie! My little sister turned 18 today. This is an easy day to recap: BEACH!! Today we took a much-needed day for rest and a reflection- complete with swimming in the ocean during the day and star-gazing on the beach at night.

Day 17: Sunday, December 7
Again, BEACH!! Today, Chris and I lead a reflection session after breakfast. Then, everybody got a little sunburned swimming in the ocean! After a lunch of pasta with seafood and an incredible fruit salad, we drove back to the hotel. :(

Day 18: Monday, December 8
Today we had our third lecture at UCA. This time, we learned about migration. We talked about the journey from El Salvador to the United States...the illegal way. We learned about the various dangers of illegal immigration. Then, we went to the community. First, we collected drawings from the kids to choose a design for a mural relating to environmental awareness. Then, we had dance lessons. Yes, that's right. Us gringos were taught to shake our hips! With limited success, of course. I am pretty sore after lifting up a girl and flipping her down. My partner Annie and I were just getting good when we had to leave. I'm looking forward to learning more dance moves soon!

That's about all for now! But first, just a couple quick notes:
Hey, Alyssa's family!
And, Jenae's parents: she's even ok. Don't worry. She'll blog soon.
Also...hi to my friends and family. :) Thanks for reading!