Nostalgia

        It has been two weeks since we have returned, which I consider to be ample time to readjust to life in the U.S. and to fully reflect upon the experience that we all had.  Honestly, El Salvador is my favorite place to be in the whole world.  This was my third trip to that beautiful country, and honestly I had felt that I already knew a lot about Salvadoran history, society, and culture; however, I am glad and humbled to say that El Salvador teaches me something profound every time I go.  I have never had an experience like that of working with Hogar Padre Vito Guarato, either at home or abroad; they, as an organization (on every level) showed me that, even within a society that is severely lacking in the resources needed to care for individuals with special needs, it is still possible to be compassionate, to provide plenty, and to dissipate prejudice.  The sacrifice and compassion displayed by all who worked at or supported the organization inspired me to work even harder within my own community upon returning to the U.S.  It was also refreshing to interact with the residents, and to feel as if I was truly making a difference in someone's life, especially through the concrete projects we completed (the murals and sensory garden).  I am definitely very grateful for such an educational and enriching experience, and to be sure, I already miss it.