[Definition: Travel - El Salvador - Group - Missionary]
For a first experience outside the comforts of my own country, this was a pretty important one, and somewhat life changing. Mind you, not "fall to my knees and have a revelation" life changing, but it had an impact, none-the-less.
During my senior year of high school, my mother began taking a major interest in travel. She had always had it - she lived in Europe in her early twenties despite being born in America. I'm guessing I got my wanderlust from her. Now a nurse, she learned from a friend in the hospital about a church that sends missionaries to a church-funded orphanage in El Salvador. Partaking in this experience wasn't exactly cheap, but it was the perfect opportunity to get out and see a bit of the world.
During the first full week of February in 2005, my mother, the other missionaries and I flew to El Salvador and, suffice it to say, 'earned our room and board' on the orphanage. It was fun, and somewhat hard - I took part in renovating an old gymnasium which took the better part of four days. The temperature was a constant 35-40 Celsius, with little humidity; it was easy to dehydrate and not realize it. However, the benefits far outweighed the difficulties. The children were ecstatic to have us there, and we were welcomed with open arms. I visited the nearby school, and was able to sit in on classes for the entire day. It gave me a new view of the world, and how good I had it. It also showed me that I could survive without common comforts.
The orphanage was a decent size, surrounded by razor wire fence and guarded by armed soldiers - people occasionally attempted to sneak in and steal food despite these precautions. It never came to blows though, and no one was too worried. While there, I made friends with many of the young El Salvadorians; however, I haven't been able to keep in contact with them, something I greatly regret. Language barriers were always a concern, but we usually found a way around them.
The entire experience was a good one, especially for it being my first. I had always had the desire to see new countries, but now I had a basis for future travels. Leaving was difficult, and I hope to return someday, but life goes on and new journeys await.
