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Mounties Embark on Service Immersion Trip to El Salvador

 

 

At the start of the new year, six Mounties set out on a transformative immersion trip to El Salvador, guided by Campus Minister Mr. Charlie Bates and Señora Patricia Eakins. Aligned with their mission of service and faith, the trip took them to the vibrant communities of Papaturro and San Salvador, offering the opportunity to connect with locals, immerse themselves in the culture and history, and strengthen their faith.

Mounties hiking with their families in Papaturro to learn where they gather their fresh water resource.

Erin Olimpo '25 and Allison Demeter '26 say goodbye to their host family in Papaturro.

 

The journey began in Papaturro, where the Mounties were warmly welcomed by their host families. The families invited them into their homes and included them in Mass, providing a firsthand experience of how they celebrate their faith. The group bonded with the community through nature hikes, learning how locals gather resources, and playing friendly games of fútbol (soccer). Each day brought new experiences, from shared meals to family activities, creating lasting memories. Caroline Bladek '25 reflects, "Through the trip, we met people of all ages, and even with a language barrier, a connection could be formed. Connection with the 'dear neighbor' is more than just talking: it is laughing, it is smiling, it is listening to music, it is playing games with one another."

Mounties taking a break in Suchitoto from their travel from Papaturro to San Salvador.

 

A memorable moment for the group was their brief visit during their transit from Papaturro to San Salvador. The group stopped in Suchitoto to explore the town's architecture and take a break from their journey. There, they visited the Art Center for Peace and met Sister Peggy, a well-known figure in the community.

Abby Williams '25 shared, "The part of the trip that I keep thinking back to is when we went to the Art Center for Peace and met with Sister Peggy. The words she said that stuck with me the most are 'die on your last day alive.' I interpreted her words as advice to keep having new experiences and getting out of your comfort zone, which this trip is the perfect example of. We had difficult conversations, tried new foods, learned about past and current events, saw beautiful views, grew in faith." Erin Olimpo '25 added, "She [Sister Peggy] is living her life to the fullest and truly sees God in everyone around her."

View from outside the home of Saint Óscar Romero

 

In San Salvador, the group spent their final week immersed in the deep spirituality of the people, whose faith is heavily influenced by the legacy of Saint Óscar Romero. Archbishop Romero, was known for his courageous advocacy for human rights, his support for the poor, and his outspoken opposition to the violence during El Salvador's Civil War, he was martyred in 1980 while advocating for peace and justice. During their time in San Salvador, the Mounties visited the site of Romero's home and the church where he was martyred, gaining a deeper understanding of his life, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.

Sofi from CRISPAZ educating Mounties on their nonprofit organization while also giving them a tour around San Salvador

 

The group also met with Sofi a representative from CRISPAZ, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting peace and justice in El Salvador. Through this encounter, the students learned about ongoing social justice issues in the country and the efforts being made to address them.

Reflecting on the trip, Erin Olimpo '25 said, "It was truly amazing. It was difficult learning about the violence of the Civil War and its lasting impacts, but overall, this trip helped me grow closer to God."

Mounties posed in from of El Palacio Royal in San Salvador

 

The immersion trip not only deepened the Mounties relationships with their fellow sisters but also helped them form new connections with their "dear neighbors," both near and far.

Abby Williams '25 shares, "I am so grateful for this experience because I made meaningful connections with people I would have never met... I recommend attending an immersion trip to my fellow Mounties because it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Caroline Bladek '25 echoes these sentiments, saying, "This experience was truly incredible and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."