So Why are you Bringing Kids Abroad When There is So Much We Could Do Right Here in the United States?
Many people have asked the question, "Why are you bringing kids abroad and raising money for another country's poor when we have so many people in need here in the U.S.?" The answer to that question is two fold. Yes, it is true that America faces poverty and has needs, but we have found that the experience these students have in El Salvador goes a step beyond that. At home, it is difficult to inspire teenagers to go out and see the face of poverty in our own community - not because they are unwilling, but because of all of the distractions that they face in our country. In El Salvador, all of the distractions are stripped away - no make-up, no mirrors, no video games, no cell phones, etc. They are taken out of their element and placed in a situation where looks and material things mean very little. They are able to experience what it is like to live without modern technology and simple luxuries that we take for granted here in the U.S. We have seen so many teens who have come on this trip become humbled, awakened, and inspired by the people they meet in Rancho Grande. Many of them return to the United States with a better world view and a humanitarian minded heart. They want to serve others and judge less. They come back with thankful hearts and giving spirits and inspire their friends and families here. Here is where this trip begins to effect the United States- Our youth IS our FUTURE! The more young people who become exposed to opportunities like this, the better the face of our America becomes. We are fostering caring and committed citizens who want to make a difference in the way the world works. These are students who want to grow up to end world hunger and homelessness in America. Better citizens = better America. They are the face of a generation who wants to change the way people think, act, and live. They are our hope rising!
Hear it from the teens themselves...
"For me, this trip has shown me that, even in the more desolate, discouraging, and desperate situations there is still hope. Before this trip I would look out at the many problems that plague our nation and feel completely powerless against these harsh times. I would see the news, the people on the street, and the headlines in the paper and just feel that there was nothing that could be done. After visiting the people of Rancho Grande, I now know that there IS hope, that we can make a difference in our world. Where before I was barely motivated because I felt that nothing could be done, I now feel encouraged and powerful. This trip has helped me to see that everything we do has such a huge impact, and together we can make a difference." -L. S. (Syracuse area High school)
"I went to El Salvador, in February, when I was a senior in high school. I would have to say it was a life changing experience. It made me realize that I should value the small things in life instead of take them for granted- Things like warm showers, an education or material things. I would definitely do it again to help them become a better community and to see the smiles on the kids faces when we arrive. It warms your heart to see them so happy when they have so little." - P.R. Daemon College
"Going into my trip to El Salvador I didn't know what to expect. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Just being around their type of environment made me feel different. I felt relieved. The children were absolutely beautiful, every single one of them. Coming out of El Salvador I felt like a new person, like a bunch of weight was lifted off my shoulders. Still, to this day, I remember helping the families and seeing the kids smile. I thank my church and everyone who made it possible for me to go on the experience." M. S. Syracuse Area High School
"After my sister came back from El Salvador three years ago with stories about how amazing the community there was, I wanted to go myself. When I first went two years ago, I had an idea about what it would be like from my sister, but seeing it for myself was unbelievable. Everyone there didn't have much, but they were so happy and grateful for what they did have. The past two years I went, I had the best weeks of my life. I learned to go without technologies such as my phone and computer, and to be thankful for every little thing that I have. I hope I can continue to go to El Salvador and help the community there, but also learn more from them." - M.M. Syracuse Area High School
"With the constant bombardment of “Breaking News,” economic slumps, intrusive text messages, and the call of Facebook, it is difficult to find a hope like the hope the El Salvadorians showed. And it wasn’t that ignorance spurred bliss – some had access to the outside world and like news spreads here, so too does it there. No, this hope was ignited from somewhere else; somewhere internally. It is through human relations that the El Salvadorians learned to hope…learned to love. Yes, we here learn to relate to one another, but on what level? Electronics can only offer so much satisfaction and while we may do things for others, it is common to expect something in return. There, they expect no accolades; they expect no praise; they only expect appreciation; only love. It was on the second day I learned this, and from that morning while photographing some of the people, I made it a priority of mine to practice the El Salvadorian means of relationships. " - H.L. Syracuse Area High school senior
"Getting the opportunity to travel to El Salvador was such a blessing. I have never felt such a strong sense of love and happiness. The people of the community were so grateful for the projects we were completing, but we were the ones who were most grateful. These people were the must humble, thankful, giving and loving people I had ever met. They taught me so many life lessons in one short week I probably would’ve never learned myself. I have so much love for all of the people in Rancho Grande, El Salvador and I can’t wait to return!" -B.O. Syracuse area High School