Throughout the past
seven months, my mindset has shifted. I
believe I was disillusioned when I arrived.
I believed I could do anything, create a class, develop a program, encourage
a community, and I would make an impact.
I’ve grown
discouraged. Too often people don’t
show up to class because they need to work in the field or go to town to buy
food or care for family members.
I’m reminded that
daily life here is very much about survival.
It seems less crucial to show up for school when your parents can’t read
or write. It is less essential to show
up for a health workshop when there is no immediate result. Yes, my classes are important and assist
people in “developing necessary life-skills” but how important, today?
My
friend Vince Prietto reminded me, “Service is in relationships.”
That is it! Instead of sulking in complete discouragement
and struggling to find meaning, I’m more motivated than ever. Now I strive to leave the office, organized
lesson plans, and research. I'm motivated to simply sit with my Salvadoran friends and
neighbors.
I have changed my mindset. Maybe “making an impact” is simply
welcoming others to impact my life. Through these relationships, we will serve
each other.
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