Work Trip to El Salvador

There is a deficit of nearly 400,000 homes in El Salvador due to poverty, natural disasters and difficulty obtaining land.*

Wahlig on volcano in El Salvador in 2010

A team of local volunteers is answering the call this month to “Come Build” through a joint effort of Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Amanda Wahlig, team leader, has made the trip before – and is excited about doing it again. The Metro D.C. Synod has long nurtured ties of accompaniment with the Lutheran church in El Salvador through our Companion Synod relationship.

Of the location of the Feb. 19-27 trip, Wahlig writes, “Getsemani is located in Ahuachapan, right next to the border with Guatemala. It is one of the poorest departments (the Salvadorian equivalent of states), despite having some of the richest soil for coffee. . .  The Getsemani community seeks to create a holistic community. It will not only be the location of 90 homes, but the project is built around increasing community leadership and economic opportunities. Because many of the volunteers are international volunteers, it is also an opportunity for cultural exchange and education (on both sides).”

Follow the experience of Wahlig and her fellow travelers through their blog hosted by First Trinity Lutheran Church (D.C.) at http://ftlcelsalvador.blogspot.com/.

*From video “Thrivent Builds Worldwide El Salvador Community.”