an open plea...

I've been overwhelmed this month by people's openness to us as United States-ians. It seems that with the influences that our government has had in the history of this country, people would be a tad more hostile. However, while our government was supporting the military, there were a great deal of individuals, and organizations supporting the people of this country - and they have not forgotten it. They express gratitude for past support and for our continuing to come to their home to hear their story. I feel so blessed to be here, listening to these stories.

Having grown up with such extreme privilege, it's easy for me to forget that not everyone gets a voice. Not everyone gets to tell their story and be heard - and man do these people have stories. And when they finish I often find myself sitting there, overwhelmed by the heaviness and strength in their testimonies, overwhelmed by the responsibility of knowing it all.

And then, almost without fail, as if knowing that the question of 'what now?' is hanging in the air, they just ask us to tell it again, to whoever will listen. It's such a vulnerable, open plea for the spreading of truth. Such an idylic belief in the idea that if people know what happened - it's less likely to happen again. So here I am, being repetitious, and perhaps overly reflective - but I'm glad that you're here listening/reading. It can feel like it's all too much, but i know that this is a first step. Thank you for caring about me and for caring about these stories and these people that continue to teach me about how connected we are to each other.

"a generation or two ago no one knew what was going on here - and that's why all of this craziness could happen."

- professor at local university, San Salvador