Sep
Delegations, News from Communities
Reflection from the August Arlington Teachers Delegation
By Julie Harrington
September 26th, 2011
When I sit down and try to describe my travel experience with the Sister City Organization I’m not certain where to begin. As an educator who lives and teaches in Arlington, I was aware of and a distant supporter of the Arlington-Teosinte Sister City relationship through my introduction of the relationship to my fourth-grade class. The opportunity to travel to El Salvador and gain first-hand experience with the people who live there struck me as one I couldn’t pass up. A short time later, with arrangements made, travel partners confirmed, and an agenda planned, I still found myself unable to explain to friends and family “why” I was going to El Salvador other than to have an amazing experience to share with my students. So as we landed in San Salvador, I disembarked from the plane with an open mind and few expectations as to what would ensue in the next seven days.
The beauty of the land was evident even within a short distance of the airport, as was the economic struggles of its citizens. The richness I saw in the crop-covered hills and tree-covered volcanoes was not echoed in the homes we passed. There was so much to take in. I knew immediately that this trip would be an experience I would not quickly forget. Starting from that moment the six of us Arlington teachers embarked on a week long learning experience that would not only alter our perception of our sister community, Teosinte, but our perception of ourselves as teachers, as learners and as people.
Initially, when I learned about the history of the people of El Salvador and the role of U.S. foreign policy I felt empathy, then embarrassment and finally disgust. I realized that my knowledge of the lengthy civil war that had occurred during my lifetime was partial at best and certainly was ignorant of the tremendous role my own government had in shaping the outcome. To hear about men, women and children having to flee for their lives, simply because they lived in areas of the armed conflict was almost more than I could handle.
So many questions whipped through my thoughts as I learned more and more about the struggle of Salvadorans even just since the start of the 20th century. But rather than ask questions, which is my usual way of learning, I listened, and listened, and listened. What I heard was more than just a sorrowful tale. They told a story about a nation of people fighting for a better life for their children, for an education and training for those who need skills and for jobs so that they can provide themselves and their families a safe home and food. The Salvadorans I met are working hard and organizing to make it happen for themselves. It was shocking to listen to stories about families who repopulated during and after the war to a community in which nearly all had been destroyed. I couldn’t imagine how they had done it. I felt so grateful that people from so many organizations and community groups took the time to speak with us, teach us, and share their stories and their hopes with us.
When we left the city to head out to Teosinte, I could not wait to meet the community members and to see all the rebuilding that had been described to us. The greeting we received upon entering the community brought us all to tears. Children and their families were waiting with signs to greet us, thanking us, and welcoming us to Teosinte. They sang songs and gave hugs and we all struggled to keep from crying. And that was only our first greeting. Over the next four days every member of the community took time to visit with us and share their stories. I have never felt so embraced any place else in the world. I was simply floored by the stories I listened to, not just the harsh war stories, but also the stories of moving forward and building for the future. When I said goodbye to my friends in Teosinte, it was a tearful farewell because I felt so lucky that I’d had an opportunity to get to know such wonderful people.Again and again while in Teosinte, we were thanked and praised and offered food, comfort, a seat to sit in. I knew that the sense of welcome I felt was genuine.
The appreciation of the community made me really realize the importance of the solidarity and support the Arlington committee has offered all these years and it made me personally want to earn that thanks.Since returning from my trip, I have continued to educate myself about the struggles El Salvador faces and I have vowed to get more involved in both the Sister City organization and in educating my students about the world beyond our town lines.
I feel truly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much about such a wonderful country first hand and to have had my eyes and heart opened to such a strong and loving community of people.
