Another Change, Another Adventure

So unless you’ve been keeping tabs via Facebook or my parents, you likely have no idea where I am. Maybe I’m underestimating the fluidity of the grapevine, though. Some of you knew that IPES (where I was up until mid-December) was facing some political differences within the organization and the state of my position was uncertain as a result. In the end, IPES experienced something like an internal split and it looks like it’s going to take some time for everything to settle back down. I’ll leave it to the former Director to sum up the rest. She articulates the situation far more accurately here.

Here are some photos from my time at IPES:

An insect, poisoned by chemicals, part of a socio-drama
during the Permaculture Design Course

Rocky Salvador terrain
The demonstration plot is typical farming land for many
small-scale campesin@s in El Salvador

It became obvious that neither IPES nor AEPS were in a position to host me as a volunteer. So I went home for three weeks during Christmas, had a good time seeing family and friends, played in the snow with Max, and didn't think much about returning (but not staying either). Essentially my choices at that point were: 1) remain in the States and get a job or continue with school, 2) return to El Salvador and work with CIS or 3) find a BVS placement in the U.S. Eventually, (as in, a week before my plane was to take off), I started to think about my choices more seriously, and after a while I chose to stay home and start taking care of things (i.e. my surmounting student loans). I felt I’d made the grown-up decision. I wasn’t running off anymore. I was going to start being a solid member of society, a Real Adult, by getting a job and chipping away at the looming pile of adult-things that have been waiting for me. 

So, naturally, I retracted my decision (even after sending out emails confirming my initial decision to stay) and decided to go, I decided to come back (it goes both ways). I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be here once again. And as much as it scares me, sometimes I think about staying long-term. But even if I don’t, it’s definitely a place I will be coming back to. I’ve got roots established here.

Chris and Dan in Antigua, Guatemala during our volunteer retreat.

Todd and Marta (his sister-in-law) at Marta's quinceñera last year.

Shout out to Dan McFadden and Todd Bauer for being supportive of my staying and going, even at the last minute. Another to Turner for challenging me to keep going, Amy for being a solid spiritual guide, dgenna for letting me ramble on about it, and the Kindys for being a flexible plan B (next year!). And lastly, thanks to my parents for offering a place to stay and then letting me go off again.

Currently I am working with an NGO called CIS (Center for Exchange and Solidarity). Most of the time I’m preparing or teaching an English class (something I’d always sworn off, mostly because I had no idea where to start, nor how to teach—a fear of inadequacy, really). I’m enjoying it immensely, but not enough (I think) to consider it as a career. Maybe. I’m also involved in the Clean Water Project, where we help get rural families, schools, and churches access to clean water. Larger community organizations receive purifiers—large, box-like contraptions that sterilize the water with (an unfortunately expensive) UV lightbulb. Individual families are given smaller Sawyer filters. CIS works intentionally to avoid “bad charity” and so in order to get a filer or purifier, families and organizations need to apply first, prove that there’s a need (based on stool sample results), as well as attend a three-day training program. In addition, the families pay a $10 fee for the filter so that they feel that they've made an investment in it, and therefore feel more inclined to care for it. Previously, the buckets that hold the water were found being used to hold tortillas, baby chicks, and other things. The $10 fee seems to have changed that significantly.

Comparison of filters from water purifier

Water purifier

CIS is also involved with democratic election observations. On Sunday, March 1st, El Salvador held elections for the alcaldes (mayors) and the diputados (department committee/board members). Many of the CIS staff and volunteers traveled to various parts of the country to partake in the observations, staying overnight in hotels or with families connected to CIS. We also participated in counting the votes (as another measure to prevent fraud) the next day. It was an interesting experience that perhaps I'll save for another post.

I’m excited to announce my participation in an up-and-coming organization in El Salvador, called Farming Hope (or Sembrando Esperanza en español). Farming Hope trains homeless Salvadorans in basic farming skills,  with the goal of self-sustainability. My friend Jamie is here through the Lutheran Church and has done an immense amount work getting it going. I just happened to show up at the right time (literally. I ran into him unexpectedly on the bus heading home for Christmas. It was the more serendipitous moment I have ever experienced). So here I am, being involved, and trying to make all the connections I can to keep this project going.

I will be talking more about Farming Hope in upcoming blogs, including stories of graduates (like the one who’s about to finish medical school in Cuba) and ways you fine folks can help (if you feel so called).

Thanks for reading. I´ll try to keep writing.

Peace,
Jess