By Vicki Malo January 18, 2020

El Salvador Wrap Up

After 8 wonderful days in San Salvador, it is time to go. Saying good bye was a little difficult as everyone we worked with or came across were so very welcoming and gracious, truly touched our hearts. Although there may have been some reservations coming to El Salvador, we found the country wonderful and very welcoming right from our meeting at the gate to the final farewell dinner on Saturday. The Hotel Alacanti was modest but very accommodating from keeping the restaurant open late to giving us breakfast every morning and ice for our drinks at the end of the day. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.

The road to Talnique was winding, bumpy and a times a little white knuckled depending on who we had to pass and where in the mountains we were. Our driver Carlos was excellent at navigating regardless of where we traveled (1200 km) even if we were going backwards. Yes, I believe we backed up almost as much as we went forward, however, panoramic views from the road were awe-inspiring.

We raised enough funds to construct 7 houses with bathrooms (plumbing). Unfortunately, time was too short to finish all of the houses even though our team worked hard in the hot sun. I won’t lie, lifting 35 lb. blocks and sliding them into place was hard and dusty but we had so much fun working with the locals the days flew past. We did see some of the paint go on and that was a great site with the bright bold colours.

The house owners were very appreciative of all our hard labour as well as our contributions and gifts including a bed, a stove, shoes and a gift basket filled with food and goodies. The community was also very appreciative of the donated clothes (thanks Brand for Canada) and soccer balls and uniforms (thanks Maureen Bird). The mayor was on site everyday checking in and seeing if we needed anything. If we did, it was there.

It takes a team of dedicated souls to make a trip like this not only happen but be successful. We had great support from the Rotary Club of San Salvador who were very gracious and welcoming, joining us on more than one occasion for dinners and fellowship. The comradery and cohesiveness of our group was amazing. A huge shout out to everyone who made this trip happen and be the success that it was. I can’t wait to do it all over again on our next sweat equity adventure.

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