The Onion

A few months ago my father had the idea of extending our trip to El Salvador for a few days after the rest of the mission team had returned to Seattle, just to see what we could learn about the importation of donated humanitarian goods to this country.  He was able to work out the details of such an extension without many hurdles, and so I agreed to join him.  To my mind there was only one possible wild card in my father’s plan: his guide, Cebolla.  Most of my misgivings were eased after we sat down with Cebolla over breakfast during our visit to Chico, California.  Cebolla has invested himself in the Chico community for over a decade and I knew he would not jeopardize those relationships in order to take advantage of my trusting, American father.  Over the past few days, Cebolla has proven that he is far more than simply trustworthy, he has been a vital asset to us here on the ground.

My most recent trip to El Salvador marks the fourth time that I have come here to serve.  My church became interested in sending people here because Castillo Del Rey offers a secure entry point for first-time mission teams.  I could not have gotten a concept for all that I have yet to learn about the culture and the people here had I not spent the last three days with Cebolla.  I know now that when it comes to travel, I don’t even know the right questions to ask.

With Cebolla as our guide, my father and I have accomplished more in the past two days than we likely would in a month of trying to figure things out on our own.  Today we visited and toured two homes for orphans which are run by the El Salvadorian government; Hogar de Cintro Infantil de Proteccion Inmediate and Hogar Niño Adalberto Guirola.  We also had a meeting with an El Salvadorian businessman whom I will refer to as Don E.  None of these meetings could have possibly taken place had it not been for Cebolla.

Cebolla is a talented communicator.  Within a minute of us sitting down with people of any level of education or social status, he has made an ally not only for himself, but for my father and I as well.  Comfort around and in conversation with strangers is a craft, an art, and one which is not easily mastered.  Added to his uncanny way with people is Cebolla’s limitless energy and enthusiasm for life.  He loves the project my father is working on because he knows that it will help the people of El Salvador, and in his mind that is the only reason he needs to pour his efforts into something.

At the end of the day, with the moon high and bright, the three of us finally had time to sit and sup together.  Of course we ate at an Argentinian restaurant we would never have known about had it not been for this incredible man.  Community enriches our participation in the building of God’s Kingdom here on Earth.  I am glad He chose for me to walk, at least a few steps, in stride with Cebolla.