Eighteen young adults spent Feb. 21-28 on a mission trip organized by Commissioned by Christ to El Salvador, immersing themselves in service, fellowship and local culture.
After arriving in El Salvador, the group traveled an hour to the town of San Jacinto. On the drive to the convent they’d be staying in, the missionaries got their first taste of Salvadoran hospitality stopping for warm traditional pupusas.
For years, San Jacinto was known as a very dangerous town, but it has since become safe enough for missionary work.
“I was impacted by learning about their dark history and how much they’ve gone through as a country. Even though they’ve gone through so much darkness they are extremely generous, open, loving people and I was deeply moved by that,” said Monica Zakaria, a parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Arlington.
Each morning, the sisters, Las Hijas de la Caridad San Vicente de Paul, prepared breakfast for the group before they were divided into smaller groups to work on different projects. Some spent their days at the local senior center, visiting the elderly. Others headed to a nearby school, where they helped students practice English through conversation, games and tutoring.
“I loved going to the schools and interacting with the kids, feeling that love as I walked in the classrooms. The kids just ran to hug me and gave me special trinkets. So much love for someone they don’t even know,” said Zakaria.
Other young adults stayed at the convent to assist the sisters with practical needs, including cleaning and helping rebuild a new kitchen facility. Another team traveled to a local chapel site to help clear debris, organize supplies and beautify the worship space.
Several young adults assisted in a special dental clinic run by an American dentist who traveled with the group. The clinic offered basic dental care for residents who could not afford it.
Throughout the week, the young adults prayed together and shared meals with the sisters.
