I made another trip to El Salvador! I recently returned from a two week trip to the same neighborhood in Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador. That means I was able to reconnect with many people I've gotten to know over the past couple years. I was also able to make some new friends, both from El Salvador and from the United States. I have been able to see how much my Spanish has improved and, though I still have much to learn, I am able to have more conversations than previously. That has been a big encouragement to me. I would like to acknowledge the hard working SHIP staff and three wonderful young ladies who have served as Interns this summer. They work very hard to make sure everything functions as it should and remain flexible to whatever unforeseen obstacles appear.
Too much went on to list everything but I'll share some highlights. I was involved with the community outreach service, guys Bible study, plumbing work, electrical work, roofing, "hey can you help move this", dishwashing, soccer games, setting up for weddings, and probably a few more things if I really thought about it. There's always something going on at SHIP. I enjoyed working alongside everyone. I had many conversations in English and Spanish getting to know the people I was working alongside. Digging a trench is not exciting but it can be enjoyable if you make it fun. Or you can be bitter because it's not what you wanted to be doing, it's your choice. Perspective matters. The big work project right now is renovating and adding on to the building that used to house an orphanage. The plan is to open up a school there, starting with pre-k and kindergarten. There are many building regulations that are needing to be met before it can be opened. Windows, room sizes, small toilets, low sinks, kitchen requirements, etc. An expansion to this building that has been built will also be the new home for the Ship Shop. We put the roof on this building a few days before I returned to Texas.
A big highlight of my trip was on the last Sunday when I played soccer with the boys from the neighborhood for about 3 hours, with about an hour being in pouring rain. Yes, I was sore for several days but it was absolutely worth it. They play soccer regularly with each other so they liked passing me the ball to see what I could do. I like to think I've improved over the past two years, but there's an obvious skill gap. I really appreciate how they welcome me into the group. Some of this is because I've been there several times and some of it is because they enjoy having a younger male around they can connect with. There are not a lot of consistent, positive role-models who the teenage guys have in their lives. Think of a big brother, not too much of an authority figure or scary adult, but someone they can have fun with but also open up to without fear. I am grateful for the times where God has let me fill that position. The young men in the community have such great potential.
I arrived halfway through one group's trip, but they all welcomed me as if I'd been there the whole time. Some people from both groups I had met before on previous trips, but there were several first-timers as well. I did not meet or even see any trippers who gave off a discouraging vibe to anyone. Everyone wanted the best for everyone they were around. I don't have rose-colored glasses, and I don't mean to say there's never any tension or micro-aggressions or bad attitudes, I just mean that they don't seem to stick around or become an issue. The vision SHIP gives paired with the difference people can see they are making is a big reason for this. Only God could possibly organize everything needed for SHIP to be received and protected so well in a country, and part of the country, so high in crime and gang activity. God has given the Horton's the vision and has brought people to serve alongside them to help make this vision a reality. If you ever spend time with the Horton's or anyone involved with SHIP, you will find great humility. Working diligently and remaining focused on God is what I believe continues to make SHIP an effective organization and ministry. Two boys and one girl accepted Jesus as Lord of their lives during my last week there. Though the physical work is important for SHIP being there, the real motivation is for sharing the salvation that Jesus has given us and praying that people would accept that salvation.
I wasn't good about taking pictures this trip but here's a few I picked up from different people. Feel free to ask me any questions if you have any. I can talk about SHIP and my experiences in El Salvador for a very long time.
Some of us sitting at the new bus stop in our neighborhood after church.
The bus stop after the cover is installed.
About to start the outreach service.
The wonderful view from the SHIP balcony.
Grinding off some rebar to bury a new sewer pipe.
Juan Carlos preparing some pineapple. He's a man I have enjoyed working alongside for the past couple years each time I return to El Salvador. Great friend and worker.
The kids SHIP helps send to school.
One of the boys reading some verses during the guys Bible study.
Me with Fredys, the young man I help send to school. I have seen him become more engaged in the community and Bible studies over this past year. It's an honor knowing him and being able to help him continue his education. He has a very fun personality and is mind-blowingly good at soccer.
