More recent posts about El Salvador
Articles from El Salvador
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Los Robles (The Oaks)
The Robles family's love radiated through their smiles and interactions. On holidays, we sometimes explored places off the beaten path. During a hike in La Montañona, it struck me that the family was as solid as a tree. In this portrait, I joined the Robles family with their cousin, the Oak. Valentin was a great organic farmer and counterpart. We collaborated on projects and complemented each others' work. I thank Mother Earth and the Peace Corps for uniting me with this family; they are lik...
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Anniversary Celebrations
The local youth group decided to celebrate the community's anniversary by bringing back an old tradition that they did in exile during the civil war. There statement is clear. "We are Here!!"
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Skype
This family just came to my house to skype with their son whom they have not seen since 1998. He is living illegally in the states. It was also the first time the mom had ever seen a computer. When her son's face came on the screen she started crying and kept saying "that's my son... That's my son" and then the whole family talked for 2 hours and never had to worry about how much it was going to cost them. We had to shine flashlights on her face cause my house only has one light bul...
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Leaving for America
What an incredible 24 hours of my life. Probably one of the most surreal 24 hours ever. Yesterday I went down to Miguel’s house ready to leave for San Salvador. I never gave it any thought about how it was going to be…and I’m glad I didn’t.Adriana wailed and cried as Miguel prepared to leave. Just like any other day Miguel was up early to milk the cows-one last time. He brought his big bag out and hugged his mom. She cried and so did he. Adelmo continued on with the days chores. Get the milk ...
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Don't forget to brush your teeth.
Tooth Brushing Charla- Los Cimientos, Morazan, during a medical brigade, May 2011.
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Silhouette
Just another day in site...
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When it rains, it pours.
Never had I ever experienced rain like this until Peace Corps El Salvador, when the rain just falls for hours and hours in sheets and buckets. There is no going anywhere, just time to wait it out and watch the rainfall. Asi es.
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Youth
This was the first photo I took while in Peace Corps.
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Reina
The queen of International Environmental Day.
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Handmade Hammocks
I had the pleasure of helping to make this hammock when I did a site visit to Morazon, El Salvador
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Making Fertilizer
My friends and fellow youth group members excited about making organic fertilizer for the first time!
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TRASH... FUN? YES
Youth Group Juvenil QuetzalCoatl of Nuevo Gualcho ready for the Earth Day clean up of empty toxic chemical bottles that were littered throughout their community and river.
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The Culture of Hospitality
At home, the homeless are almost always strangers to be avoided, but in El Salvador, as is probably true of other developing countries, the homeless are friends and neighbors to be cared for. Whenever I walked the dirt paths of my community, I would often come across a frail elderly woman with a toddler. I was amazed that the toddler was made to walk so much, and that the woman spent little time at home. I assumed the lady liked to chotiar, visit her friends. One day, after expressi...
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Leaving for America
What an incredible 24 hours of my life. Probably one of the most surreal 24 hours ever. Yesterday I went down to Miguel’s house ready to leave for San Salvador. I never gave it any thought about how it was going to be…and I’m glad I didn’t.Adriana wailed and cried as Miguel prepared to leave. Just like any other day Miguel was up early to milk the cows-one last time. He brought his big bag out and hugged his mom. She cried and so did he. Adelmo continued on with the days chores. Get the milk ...
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La Ceiba El Mico
LA CEIBA EL MICO by Matthew J. Newman The Peace Corps’ mission has three simple goals: 1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. 2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. 3. Helping promote a better understanding of the other peoples on the part of Americans. For twenty-seven months, I served as a Community and Economic Development Specialist in Peace Corps El Salvador. I was a foreig...
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Skill of Perspective
All Peace Corps Volunteers come from lives of relative comfort. We had washing machines, refrigerators, and we didn't have to cross the room every night to turn off the light then curse ourselves for leaving something on the floor between the light and the bed, and then scream in pain when we trip on said something in the dark. We all gain a new appreciation lets say for those modern conveniences. I, for example, bow to the washing machine. When I see it, I kiss it, hug it, and say sweet noth...
