It was an amazing day. We packed in a lot starting with a visit to the church where Father Romero was assassinated. This was followed by an amazing discussion with Jeanne Rikkers, an expert in gang violence. She told us about her personal experience with the negotiations between gangs and how the government has mishandled them and missed opportunities to make changes for the better. But she stays hopeful. I'm in awe of how someone who has seen so many setbacks and such misery can keep going. From this discussion we went to a meeting with the vice minister of education. It was uninspiring, just a lot of rhetoric about their vision. He is not the most inspiring speaker. From there we went to lunch and it was off to el Puerta del Diablo. As if all that wasn't enough we had a great pupusa dining experience and finally, a few quiet moments looking at the city lights.
Reflections: I feel like I've been here for weeks instead of only a little more than 24 hours. I've taken in so much information in such a short time. Certain themes, or words just keep coming up: martyrs, massacres, la puebla, la pobre and always, always Father Romero. Father Romero is El Salvador, and El Salvador is Father Romero.
great post, Sheryl!
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