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I think that this trip was unparalleled in terms of broadening perspectives and understanding the history and situation. The U.S. is so far removed from these problems and so many people don’t understand the impacts of the average U.S. citizen and their influence on the world. This trip allowed me to open my eyes to that. I hope to encourage family and friends to educate themselves.

It is a beautiful day when the Lord allows the threads of our stories to weave into one–creating a fabric that can’t save the world, but gives us strength, love, faith, and hope to continue weaving.

This experience has been one of the most challenging and rewarding encounters I have witnessed. It will open your eyes and break your heart. It challenged my way of thinking, feeling and consuming. It has driven me to make changes to my lifestyle as well as work to become more informed about world issues. In the past, I have simply let the world revolved around me and I have not been informed or cared about the goings-on. This trip has sparked a flame in me to be more conscious of my surroundings and work for chance. My actions have consequences, even though I may not see them. I will accept my job as a worker for the kingdom and I’ll leave the rest to the master builder.

Praise the people for having the strength and courage to tell their story, fight for their civil liberties, and defend their children and families. I am amazed at the human spirit and the dignity the Salvadorans possess deep within.

This encounter enabled me to hear and be in solidarity with the people who suffered injustice, took action, and endured terrible consequences. These are the incredibly strong living saints who give witness to their faith and commitment to justice and their fellow human beings. Of course I had read about the civil war, the murders of Monseñor Romero, the Jesuits, and the 4 North American women, but I was not fully aware of the context and not touched by the suffering of the people as I have been on this encounter. Being updated on the current context, the current economic and political realities were eye-opening, not just for El Salvador, but for the many parts of the world where variations of this tragic drama are being played out. One of the sad pieces for a U.S. citizen is our government’s complicity in the injustice and repression here and elsewhere… I am very thankful to Crispaz for organizing and leading this encounter. It was extremely well done and serves to build important bonds between human beings in different countries.

Where to begin? Certainly, I feel incredibly informed. My eyes have been opened in a way no textbook or documentary ever could. I feel compelled to always remain somehow involved in the lives of the poor. This solidarity has always been a calling form me, one strengthened by this experience. In particular, I feel called to educate youth on the systematic oppression of the poor, to tell the stories of the poor, and to encourage others to join our walk in solidarity.

This trip has touched me in a way that I’m not sure I yet can fully comprehend. My beliefs and my ideals have been questioned. I have learned about a people with huge hearts and grand hope for the future in the country they adore. I am returning home a new person, as coming here has helped me identify my strengths and my weaknesses. I would recommend this trip to everyone who has the chance to take it. It has been a one-of-a-kind experience that I am so thankful that I was given the change to take.

--Emily Dougherty, May 2008

Where to begin? Certainly, I feel incredibly informed. My eyes have been opened in a way no textbook or documentary ever could. I feel compelled to always remain somehow involved in the lives of the poor. This solidarity as always been a calling form me, one strengthened by this experience. In particular, I feel called to educate youth on the systematic oppression of the poor, to tell the stories of the poor, and to encourage others to join our walk in solidarity.

--Eric Nichols, May 2008

I went looking for the bathroom at 4 am and stepped on three kittens and their mom. She let out a ‘hiss!’ and this set off three dogs. I opened the barn door and they showed their teeth. The dogs set off the roosters. The bathroom was just a few feet away and just as I got there, an old man whom I had never met came out of the door! I’ve been speaking a little bit of Spanish since I’ve been here, but at the moment I just couldn’t speak. In the morning, everyone had a polite little sinker.”

--Daniel Seiple, April 2008

This encounter has totally opened my eyes, which were probably very close to being closed…My encounter in El Salvador was one of the greatest experiences of my life (50 years). My eyes have been opened to a humble, faithful people who are full of hope and only want an opportunity to work hard, stay safe and practice their faith. They could teach the world a lesson or two.

--Maureen Neary, April 2008

My experiences of the last week didn’t answer any of the great questions that permeate my mind regarding life and its meanings. Instead it renewed my interest in such questions and gave them new context. I’ve always struggled with the difference between charity and social justice, but my experiences here in El Salvador here have made the difference abundantly clear. Social justice is equivalent to empathy, and it entails becoming one with the people in need of aid. Instead of sympathizing with the child in the UNICEF ad and asking for donations we were able to spend time in an impoverished community. The message they shared with us in that community was deep and profound and cannot be communicated through ink on a page. The smiles, laughs, kisses, and tears shared with all the people I encountered will stay with me.¨