Amy, a lot of this is probably familiar to you J
Today was a question-your-entire-existence kind of day. How does my life and the changes it inspires impact those around me? Am I doing enough? Am I living up to the call of my God and the demand for justice in the world?
At the chapel where Monsenior Ramero was assassinated, while looking at the man whom he knew would pull the trigger, I was challenged. A sister in the order of the Caramalight asked us if our lives had purpose. She then prayed over us a beautiful prayer, asking God to be with us, encourage us and strengthen us. I was moved. I was astonished by the kindness and commitment to me this woman had. She had met me only minutes before, yet she prayed for me. This woman had a bold faith and a blatant commitment to social justice. She explained the lack of fear that Monsenior Ramero displayed, looking down the barrel of the gun that would kill him, She showed me an entirely different cultural view of death.
Would I do that? Unfortunately, no. In America, life is usually more important than the cause. Should it be? Does it depend on the cause?
The next stop on today’s agenda was a home for the elderly. It sported spots for 204 elderly persons in need. I was flabbergasted. Fifty or so beds lined the walls and filled long, narrow rooms. All that I could think of was the smell of body in the heat. The patients were friendly and open! One sung to us, and another insistently offered me her lunch. I declined, but appreciated the offer!
Lastly was the UCA campus. There we met with a gringo by the name of Dean. He was perhaps the most easy to communicate with, in that he spoke the same language as I. The meeting with him was more enlightening because it came from the perspective of my culture. It was easier to identify with.
Though out the day I was really able to embrace a cultural aspect El Salvador, that of facing death. Death is treated with a sort of reverence here. Pictures depicting death are common place. In America we would not see the graphic detail, the prevalence, and the brutal honesty.
When meeting with dean, he said “You come to El Salvador, we break your heart, and you go home ruined forever.” The breaking has begun, but will I be ruined…or will I be saved?
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