The reunion

Yesterday I returned for the first time to Las Delicias. It has only been 6 months since I have been in the community but it felt like years.

We went for a mass in the library to celebrate the projects of the organization in the community (FUDESCA). A Maryknoll priest who was saying mass picked us up from the entrance to the commuity. He is an older man who has been in and out of El Salvador for the past 40 years. He makes frequent trips to Guatemala so I think Jake and I can hitch a ride with him at some point.

As we slowly drove the bumpy road up to Las Delicias, I could feel my heart pounding and my hands began to sweat. I didn’t know who or what to expect once we arrived. I was sitting in the front seat and as we pulled in a little girl that I know quite well saw me and quickly ran inside the library. I stepped out of the car to feel the immense heat that is always present in the community. I slowly walked inside holding my breath. Ana Ruth, the little girl’s mom, was sweeping the floor and looked up to see me standing in the doorway. She broke into a huge grin and wrapped me in her arms with a great force. Tears sprang into my eyes and I allowed a few to drop. I felt my heart fill with joy as more people kept arriving. Each excited to see me again.

Cristina began showing me the new projects. There is now a chicken coop, a computer lab, more trees and artisan classes. We were admiring the beautiful earrings and bracelets that the students had made when I glanced up to see Dinora sauntering up the small hill at the entrance to the library. I felt my heart jump and began to walk towards her. Her back was turned to me until I had just about arrived to where she was standing. She saw me and embraced me as if we hadn’t seen each other in years. She asked me questions but began ragging on me the first chance she got.

I stayed close to Dinora all morning and she made sure I knew I was supposed to be following her. A sense of peace washed over me as I slipped right back into my place in the community. I couldn’t keep from smiling all day, knowing this is where I am supposed to be right now.