Day 5: Winning

Coming to El Salvador is quickly proving to be one of the best decisions I have ever made! I only wish I had come sooner. The students and their families are welcoming and grateful to see us. The leaders of the Seeds of Hope program have done a FABULOUS job setting the table for our visit by building long term relationships with the Pastors and the community ever since Ron and Elaine Larson started the program at Family of Christ and I am grateful for being able to benefit from all of their hard work.

The time finally arrived (with great anticipation) when Keagan and I were able to meet Claudia on Saturday. She is currently studying at the university to be a teacher. She said school is difficult but she is enjoying it. The most gratifying part of our conversation was being able to tell her face to face how proud of her Joanne and I are. Hopefully we will be able to meet Juan today.

Mark Salo

One of my favorite memories from the trip was the day where we were able to visit the schools where our sponsored kids learn. It was incredibly interesting and eye-opening and I was so lucky to have gotten to talk with some of the kids. Hearing the plans they have for their future such as being an accountant, nurse, or work in hospitality was encouraging to me as a future college student and as a sponsor. I was also able to play soccer at one of the schools and it was so much fun to share a common interest with the students. It reminded me of my love of soccer and being able to use my Spanish was such a fun experience. Besides the time we spent with the kids and young adults, I also became so much closer with all of the people who had come on the trip with us, some of which go to Family of Christ, but I never knew. Everyone became so close by the end of the trip and I am so thankful that I decided to go!

Rachel Rendall