EL SALVADOR
Women of the ELCA Trip
*March 27 - April 3, 2009

Estimated Cost: $2000

Civil conflict, migration, and recurring natural disasters. These adversities call for bold actions by courageous people like the ones you will meet in El Salvador. Practice Bold ACTS! combines LWR’s Study Tour theme, “Practice Willing ACTS of Kindness,” with Women of the ELCA’s mission to “Act Boldly” on our faith. Learn about your calling as a Christian woman and citizen of a global society. See the work of LWR in action. What does God want you to do (or be) in order to help improve the lives of families in El Salvador? Take bold action and find out!

March 27	Travel to El Salvador Your journey in El Salvador begins with dinner as Lutheran World Relief and Women of the ELCA welcome you to a week of bold learning and exploring that is sure to inspire bold action upon your return home.
March 28	Tour of San Salvador Enjoy a tour of the capital and largest city in El Salvador. You’ll visit beautiful landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, and the Monument to the Savior of Our World. *Evening Presentation: Called to Global Sisters: Seeing each other with new eyes. This workshop will open your mind and heart to welcome and embrace your global sisters. Concluding remarks by Carolina Aguilar, LWR Nicaragua Country Program Manager.
March 29	Sunday Worship and Travel to La Palma Handcraft Artisan Visit After Sunday worship, travel to La Palma and meet the artisans of El Renacer, whose products are featured in the LWR Handcraft Project, a partnership with SERRV. For almost 60 years, SERRV has worked with artisan groups around the world to create and market high-quality, handcrafted items. The items are sold using the principles of Fair Trade that are designed to promote social and economic justice for the artisans and their communities. Get an up-close look at El Renacer’s painted wood, clothing, woven textiles, seed paintings, and leather works.
March 30	Travel back to San Salvador Lunch with El Salvador Bishop Medardo Gómez Late Afternoon Break *Evening Presentation: Called to a Global Perspective: Passport to your Heart. Learn to see yourself as a part of a global community in which all can play leadership roles.
March 31	Travel to San Miguel Visit APSIES Project See the amazing impact clean water has in women-headed households. LWR, in partnership with the Association for Communities Health Care and Social Services (APSIES), assisted the community to dig wells and install water pumps, providing access to potable water and reducing instances of water born illness.
April 1	Visit CEPRODE Project Drought, floods, and severe weather have all made a significant impact in El Salvador but the people persevere! LWR has partnered with the Center for Disaster Protection (CEPRODE) to help the people prepare for disaster, conserve natural resources, and strengthen their community.
April 2	Morning in San Miguel/Late afternoon travel to Pacific Coast Morning visit to FUNDE Project Coffee growing has a long and rich history in the Eastern region of El Salvador, but declining prices of coffee have made life difficult. See how LWR and our partner, National Development Foundation (FUNDE), are helping farmers increase their incomes and improve living conditions. *Evening Presentation: Called to be Political: But I don’t want to be Political! As Christians, what are our roles and responsibilities with regards to politics? This workshop takes a revealing look into Martin Luther’s teaching about Christianity and civic responsibility. Concluding remarks by LWR staff members. Closing dinner
April 3	Breakfast Enjoy the morning in the Pacific Coast area of La Paz and soak in some sun and fun on the beach before your departure! Depart for Airport

*This trip’s start date was originally March 28 but has been changed to March 27.

 

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