Northern regions

Hello friends
Here we are back in San Salvador after an enriching three days in the mountain region. Although they told us it may be colder, it was actually the warmest yet! The scenery was majestic and we continued to learn a lot about this beautiful country.

San Jose Las Floras was one of our favorite places -- a quaint small town with so much character and energy. Although only 2000 people or so, the town congregates around the square at night and you can´t help but get caught up in the activity. This is when we wish we spoke Spanish -- our translator is always close by but somehow we feel it would be great if we could just communicate a little better.

The night before last was a famous event in the village - the day of Mary´s conception - all holidays here are Catholic holidays as 90% of the population is of that faith. A band was playing and we danced in the square with the locals. We were the talk of the town and everyone came out to watch! :)

We met with the village council and an organization working with Salvade that do much great work in the region. One middle school visited left an impression on us -- the work they do is quite amazing with the little they have to work with. We would love to be able to help one of the classes - Grade 8 equivalent whose science lab is in great need of equipment - they have microscopes only so far.

Many of the groups we have met with and visited are co-ops, many women´s co-operatives that have such inspational stories of how they formed, keep themselves occupied and sell their wares -- and yes we have purchased some of their work. The co-operative movement in El Salvador is such a driving force for the small towns and villages and a great boast for the poor here that organizations like Salvaide, Criptes and Cordes assist with.

Tomorrow morning we are going to be visiting Panchemalco and hopefully see the Petrona´s house that a small delegation from our region built in 2006 - Russ thinks he can find it amongst the hundreds in the village. It seems like this time has passed so fast and already we leave Saturday. It has been an incredible journey, one that will stay with us for a long time... the only thing we wish is to have brought recording equipment for some of the stories, the struggles and the passion for their country.
Love to all
Beth, Russ, Lori, Kendall, Anna & Robert