The Nation of El Salvador

Here are some quick facts about El Salvador*:

• Name "El Salvador" means "The Savior"
• Size:  Approx 8,125 sq feet (about the size of Massachusettes)
• Population:  7.2 million
• Capital:  San Salvador (pop 1.6 million)
• Language:  Spanish
• Declared Independence from Spain:  1821
• Population Heritage:  Approx 90% is of mixed Indian and Spanish extraction
• Gross National Income Per Capita:  Approx $3,500/year
• % of Population living below $1/day:  19%
• Religion:  57% Roman Catholic
• Has suffered greatly from natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.  Also experienced a pretty devastating civil war from 1980-1992, which was estimated to cost approx 75,000 lives.

*Online Sources used:  BBC News, US Dept of State, and Compassion International.

Why Am I Doing This?

Dear Friends & Family,
Thanks for visiting the blog!  I want my first post to be filled with information about where - and why - I am going to San Salvador, El Salvador.  Over the past few years, Tara and I have become marginally involved and connected to a ministry at our church called "Hands of Hope, " whose purpose is to support adoption and orphan care in the U.S. and throughout the world.  We've wondered where this interest (God) would lead us, and I can honestly say that we just aren't sure yet.  However, an exciting opportunity has come for me to be a part of a Hands of Hope trip to San Salvador (known from here on in the blog as "SS") June 11-18 to visit and work at the Exodo Orphanage, approx 45 min outside of SS.  Our responsibilities include light construction/landscape work as well as creating and running a Vacation Bible School for the children there.  Through this, our bigger mission is to love on the kids and staff at Exodo - and to take advantage of the overwhelming opportunity (and great responsibility) to be the hands and feet of Christ to Exodo and to the region.  More info to come on our responsibilities as our mission and details come into focus.

In order to make this possible, we are assembling a sponsorship team...people like you who may be interested and willing to sponsor me financially, but - more importantly - willing to pray for me, for our mission team, and for the children and staff and Exodo.   My cost of the trip is approximately $1,650, which will include travel, lodging, food, expenses, supplies, etc. 

I would appreciate your prayerful consideration of giving, and - if you are so led - please make your check payable to "Hands of Hope" and mail it to me at my home address (if you need my address, feel free to email, call, facebook, or send smoke signals.  :) 

I want to reiterate, however, that my bigger need is for you and yours to come along side me in prayer.  I am normally extrememly anxious about this type of travel / trip...however, I am feeling nothing but peace and excitement about what God has in store for me, our team, and the people of Exodo during our time there.  I ask for prayer for the following:

• that our trip planning go smoothly
• that the team stay motivated and healthy as we lead up to the trip
• that the kids and staff at Exodo be blessed by our trip
• that my heart just be broken for the kids and people of Exodo and SS
• that T, L, and E be safe and protected while I am away (this is my biggest anxiety right now)

Check back here often for updates!  My hope is to blog regularly leading up to the trip...and daily while in SS.  To see pictures of Exodo and find out more about Grace Hands of Hope and our involvement, visit http://www.gracehandsofhope.org/ and click on the photo album. 

Love!
DC