As you all know, Thanksgiving Day is about food. However, as I'm sure you also know, it's not celebrated here in El Salvador ... they're lacking in the pilgrim department, although they have their own bloody history of European conquest and indigenous slaughter. But on to happier things. I love to cook. Cal Pipil (the youth center) has a kitchen. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday, by the way, but not necessarily because of the pilgrim/Indian history) than to make a meal for my friends? Enter Mom's "sprinkle chicken" recipe, mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans with onion and garlic. Yum. Despite the fact that the oven lacks temperature settings, the chicken was perfect. And the company was excellent as well. Somehow I ended up cooking for only men, but as Laura and I like to say, "I have marketable skills!" So, I guess I was marketing my skills. And I admit sometimes I do like to show off a little in the kitchen.
Al fresco dining on for Thanksgiving. Beat that, Pennsylvania.
And the other thing PA doesn't have ... Jamaica [Ha-mai-ka] juice. Yum.
Happy friends.
From left, me, Daniel, Josue, Oscar, and Carlos
Satisfied? Yep.
Another happy / satisfied face. My work here is done.
After I began writing this little section (because I imagine this particular post will have unrelated sections), I realized I skipped two other events that happened the day before. I went to the beach! It was awesome. I loved it. I can't wait to go back with my sister next week! And, the night before, we had a peace vigil at the church. It was full of various activities, not just praying and singing. There were those, as well as discussion groups, a candlelit march around the neighborhood, and pastoral reflections. Overall, quite a blessing to plan and be part of.
Me, beach, Pacific Ocean. Excellent.
Vigil participants
The front of our group
The banner says We ask for peace and justice, God. Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel
More of our group. Overall we had about 60 participants.
We affixed our candles after the march, and also lit several others that were sent from friends and sister parishes in the US, Canada, and England.
And there was another concert in the park on Saturday; reggae and ska. Much more my speed. Good fun. I took photos again, but they're nearly identical those from the last concert in the park. The only differences? We didn't wear the same clothes and I bought a necklace.
The beginning of December brought Vacation Bible School and the closing of the "summer" classes at the school. I was shifted over to Vacation Bible School, and so didn't actually finish up the English classes that I was team-teaching with another teacher. A good lesson in flexibility. I helped with the 10-11 year old class, and among other things, taught them the song Peace Like a River and the game Signs (Thanks, Juan!!) Tons of fun.
And the beat goes on. English classes continued at Cal Pipil, and preparations begin for Christmas .... Advent isn't a huge part of the Baptist tradition (well, when I say Baptist I mean my particular church here, Iglesia Bautista ... and they fall pretty much in line with Brethren traditions), but I did enjoy the one opportunity I had to join an Advent devotional call with BVS. It felt good to reconnect with BVS folks and have a chance to stop and pray and be with Brethren, even if only virtually.
And let's stop here. I need to refill my water bottle and find a snack. The adventure continues!
