March 4, 2006:
Webster’s New World Dictionary definition of solidarity: combination or agreement of all elements or individuals, as of a group; complete unity, as of opinion, purpose, interest, feeling, etc.
Sister Eleanor’s definition of solidarity: reaching out to another person with love and in a caring way, exists at all levels, a ‘plural concept of love’ (attributed to Father Pedro), Salvadoran meaning is similar to our meaning of ‘compassion.’
Sister Eleanor provided an orientation after mass, which deepened our understanding of why we were there. This area had been a huge conflict zone during the war. Very few families remained during those years, but in the late-80’s they began to return and re-settle along with families from other areas of the country or with those who left the country altogether and fled to Honduras. The Bajo Lempa region is scattered with such ‘re-settlements.’ This re-population continued up until the Peace Accords in December of 1992. The majority of the population of this area, those in the 46 different communities in this 30 by 25 mile parish, has been persecuted, has experienced a violent loss of loved ones, and has struggled for survival. It’s worthy to note that both former guerillas and army members have been given land here to live. Over time, they have come to co-exist even though there was no effort by the government to repair and build relationships. Thanks to pastoral contributions, there has been more of an effort towards conflict resolution.
That was then, this is now. Among other services, there is an ongoing need for healthcare for the people of this region. Gigi, a medical social worker (who proved to be a great asset during medical exams because of her gift of the language and a deep understanding of the people), explained to us the population we would be seeing from surrounding areas and about some of the common illnesses. We had the honor of hearing from two Salvadoran women, Elizabeth and Mabel, who are active in women’s rights within the Emergency Health Fund. Basically, these are very poor people who have suffered through the horrors of war. Family members were killed, many abandoned their homes. Upon their return, it was difficult to secure housing or establish a home in an area they were not originally from. The refugee’s needs were great. The Emergency Health Fund, Fondo de Emergencia, was established nearly 10 years ago to provide support services to many families. Membership is optional, only 25 cents per month, per family. From what I was to see, it is completely worth it.
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Mabel and Elizabeth |
‘Fondo de Emergencia’ statement |
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Julio and Hortensia, importante! |
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