El Salvador Mission

El Salvador Mission - updated June 15, 2001 by Viviana Sanchez, Whatcom Region

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at our mission in El Salvador for two weeks and work with the victims of the two massive earthquakes that hit the country in January and February. I am a social worker and the family therapist at the Recovery Center. I flew out on May 12 and so did Jasmine Williams, a psychiatric social worker from our sister hospital in Eugene, Oregon. This was the first time that non-medical staff was sent as volunteers.

Words cannot express the totality of the experience that I had but I will try to give you a sense of what it was like to be there. First of all, the initial shock was the wave of humid air that hit when I got off the plane. It felt as though I was covered with a blanket of thick air and two showers a day only gave me a bit of relief. Next, I was greeted by Sister Eleanor and Sister Grace who we stayed with. Their graciousness and warmth was endless and contributed to the feeling of being part of a greater good for those two weeks. Sister Eleanor Gilmore was an endless source of knowledge on the history of the horrendous civil war that lasted for so many years back in the 70s and 80s. Everywhere we went, there were signs and symbols of the country's torturous past. I do not believe that I met anyone, unless they were born after the war, who had not had a family member or friend that had been murdered by the death squads. Of course, the history of the church and the involvement of the Jesuit priests, professors and nuns who were assassinated is also woven into this fabric of memory that people wear.

For the next two weeks we went door to door to meet with adults and children who had been affected by the earthquake. Their symptoms where typical of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) victims. We discovered that many people were sleeping outside to feel safe. Children were afraid to go to school or parents where afraid to send them in case another earthquake or aftershock would occur when they were separated. The entire time we were there, daily aftershocks continued to occur in various regions and restimulated their worst fears. We all attempted to assure them that what they were feeling was normal and would pass with time.

Through sister Eleanor's networking skills and connections, we were fortunate to be able to hook up with this daily process and contribute with our therapeutic skills. Often people just needed to talk and they were very grateful that we came so far just to see them. They had beautiful warm temperaments, kind faces, and gentle brown eyes and I was especially drawn to the aged with their humility and faith in God. It was an honor to witness the spiritual resiliency of the people I met and an inspiration to be around the other volunteers.

Here is an example of the magnitude of the need. Close to 85% of the population of 6.5 million is served by one public psychiatric hospital with a staff of six psychiatrists, thirteen resident psychiatrists and I believe two or more psychologists. This is insane when one realizes that almost the entire population is dealing with long term PTSD, or dealing with the current and unpredictable street violence and theft that plagues all areas. Many non-governmental groups from other countries are helping with the current crisis and ongoing social problems of this small impoverished country, however many times materials or funds do not reach the people they are intended for because of a lack of competent or committed leadership by local mayors or political officials. Political corruption and economic greed is still evident in the huge imbalances between the rich and poor.

At any rate, my trip as a PeaceHealth volunteer was well worth the time spent and an excellent opportunity to gain a perspective that can only be attained by having been there. I encourage anyone who has basic Spanish speaking skills to take advantage of this great connection we have through our hospital. All you need is a willingness to commit your time and to brainstorm on ways that you could help. Think about it and contact Kathy Garcia by email if you are interested. I am really glad I did!!!