by Michael Weinberger
I have always seemed to always have this profound love and heart for children. Whether it is my brothers and sisters, my nieces and nephews, or the children of good family friends, I can definitely say that my ability to connect to children and my unending interest is by far the best trait that I carry along with me. This was most certainly the case during my stay at the village of La Hacienda.
The one word that comes to mind when I think of the children that we met, is happiness. Happiness is something that has bothered me for a while. What does it mean to be happy? How do I become happy? Wait, am I happy? These questions were answered within the first 24 hours of being in the village of La Hacienda. Happiness looked at me straight in the eye as we walked up to a large group of people during our entry to the village of La Hacienda. The children were holding up welcome signs, giggling and laughing, so happy to be in our presence. The people of the village then gave us a welcome ceremony, where the children and people of both villages, Hacienda and Junquillo, had all gathered up and played games with us, sung, with us, laughed with us.
Despite being beat by a 9 year-old-girl in a potato sack race, the enthusiasm inside that small adobe building forced me to be happy, forced me to express a smile that I did not know I was capable of expressing. However, it was one girl that forced such a profound experience upon me that really answered a lot of questions that have been stirring through my 17 year old mind. The family I was assigned to had a mother by the name of Gil (Gilberta). Not only did Gil's generous hospitality force me to smile constantly, but Gil had a daughter by the name of Rosalina who was able to put a sense of joy into my heart that still has not gone away since my departure from her adobe house three days ago. Rosalina was my pal, my companion. With an exception of very few moments, I can always say that Rosalina would be following me around, talking to me, laughing at me, but most importantly Rosalina seemed to keep me calm.
It is easy to say, having just gotten out of junior year, that staying calm really isn't something that I was too aware of. Though her presence in and it of itself was able to make me open up in so many ways, it was a certain discussion with her that took place that summed up the reason for why I am sitting here in El Salvador right now. I was lying on the hammock talking to her about her about normal subjects. She is 9 years old, enjoys language, and insists that she could beat me in soccer any day. Switching from subject to subject, and feeling pretty proud of myself through my Spanish that I was able to keep up with, I finally thought to myself, "Is Rosalina happy". I been pondering the question there silently, until stopped swinging the hammock back and forth, and that is when I look up at her and simply stated "Rosalina, te gusta La Hacienda?" ("Rosalina, do you like La Hacienda?"). She looked up at me with that confused and dazed look on her face as she replied, without hesitation, "Si, como no." (Yes, of course).
For
some reason, this answer that this nine year old girl, who has probably never
been more than five miles away from home, gave me an answer that kept me up the
entire night. Here is someone who has
been affected by the injustices of her own government, here is someone who has
been living in a house made of mud, here is someone that doesn't have more than
three pairs of shirts, but most importantly, here is someone that is happy.
The obvious statement here would be for me is to say that happiness is
not materialistic. But then I asked
myself the question, "How is happiness gained if certain necessities and needs
aren't even met?", "How is it that I find a way to come home and look upon the
negative as this adolescent girl from a foreign country goes about her business
as if the negatives in life don't even exist?"
Through this conversation and the reflections that I had following it,
it brought up something that I believe is so vital to understand.
We
all remember our childhood. Having the
new "skate shoes", spiking your hair up differently every day, thinking
completely freely. No stress. We put way too
much pressure on ourselves. In today's modern society we tend to
completely over-complicate the concept of happiness. The lesson that I learned from Rosalina, is a
lesson that I needed. Happiness comes
and goes as we want it to. We control our
internal happiness. I truly believe that
as Americans, living in the richest country in the world, we shouldn't be worried
about happiness all that much. Rather,
we should be worried about the level of gratitude and appreciation for what we
do have. Just that in it of itself and
the vision of the lesson I learned from the young Rosalina, is enough to make
me happy.
In conclusion, these children are happy along with the whole village, as I came to learn that despite the circumstances the community was extremely kind and caring, something that continues to perplex me. The sense of community is what makes a person happy, not the internal needs that we all need taken care of. You will not ever see an adolescent in these villages that doesn't have such a smile that can light up the world. They will talk, they will pray, they will dance, they will joke, and most importantly, they will be as happy that no matter what circumstances they are under due to injustice, whether they become aware of it or not, it is something that you just cannot take away from these children. We have a choice in life. We have a choice to worry about being happy, to worry about becoming aware of a certain climax that we will reach that will make all our worries go away. Or, we could accept the circumstance that we are in, deal with the cards that we have been dealt, and thank God every single day for it.
Happiness
is everywhere. It is found through a spouse,
a lottery ticket, a car, a new child, or even sporting event. The happiness that I have found is contained
in a house made of mud and steel that contains crying dogs and countless
roosters. This happiness that I
witnessed can never be taken away from Rosalina and the children of La
Hacienda, and it most certainly cannot be taken away from our memory.
To
my family: I love you all and miss you
dearly, I am enjoying this trip greatly and soaking it up. Pray.
See you soon.
Thank you, Mike and all the guys for your beautiful remarks and for inviting us into your rich experiences. I am proud of each one of you and can only think back to the first trip we took to El Salvador. It is wonderful to see that you are getting from your experiences what we also received. Before I start summer school classes I want to send my love and admiration to all of you, my superstars, and to say that my thoughts and prayers have been and will be with you throughout the trip. As we discussed in Ethics class: When Jesus began his ministry he flocked to the poor and called them his brothers and sisters. In return, they gave Him the gift of his greatness. He came to know who He was because He found it in the lives of those who needed him. I know that if your hearts are big, you will receive that same gift; all will come to see God in you!
Love, Mr. Johnson
Hey Michael and the rest of the guys,
I've been looking forward to this blog since I got the email and have been checking it daily ever since. I enjoyed reading all of the responses about El Junquillo and La Hacienda. I am really interested in how so many of you were impacted by the children. When I went last year, it was the same children and people that have made made your emotions run wild for the last few days that really made me question everything in my life. These people will remain within you for the rest of your life as long as you keep remembering them.
I challenge you to not just compare everything to the Morazan experience. Take the next few days to really live in the moment and experience all that El Salvador, the people, the teachers, and you're friends have to offer because this trip is truely memorable.
Oh and one last thing, the questions that you pose Michael in your writing about happiness and joy are great questions to study, learn, and write about in you're synthesis paper next year.
With Peace,
Marco Navarro
Hey Michael and the rest of the guys,
I've been looking forward to this blog since I got the email and have been checking it daily ever since. I enjoyed reading all of the responses about El Junquillo and La Hacienda. I am really interested in how so many of you were impacted by the children. When I went last year, it was the same children and people that have made made your emotions run wild for the last few days that really made me question everything in my life. These people will remain within you for the rest of your life as long as you keep remembering them.
I challenge you to not just compare everything to the Morazan experience. Take the next few days to really live in the moment and experience all that El Salvador, the people, the teachers, and you're friends have to offer because this trip is truely memorable.
Oh and one last thing, the questions that you pose Michael in your writing about happiness and joy are great questions to study, learn, and write about in you're synthesis paper next year.
With Peace,
Marco Navarro
Michael,
I enjoyed reading your comments and those of Bryan, AJ, Scott and Danny. You all sound much wiser than your mere 17 years. What a great experince to see our world from a different perspective! Your post about happiness is so pure and insightful. Keep smiling!
Mrs K
From reading your article and looking at the pictures, it’s clear that you were affected by the children of La Hacienda and El Junquillo. And I’m so glad because these children had the most profound impact on me during the trip. After returning from El Campo last year, I was confused beyond belief. All I could think about were the children and the momentary happiness I was giving them. Nothing I could do at that instant would secure lasting happiness for them (our viewpoints were a little different at the time). But as we sat down before a reflection one night Trevor Howard and Joe Slaven reminded me that yes, just by immersing myself in El Salvador, I have been engrained in their lives forever. So even if the children you made laugh or carried on top of your shoulders doesn’t remember your name or face in five years, never forget that the impact you have had on him is enduring.
So now I look back on the trip... wishing that I was with all of you guys. From all the blog articles from AJ speaking about love, to Scott and Danny realizing the economic viewpoints of the villagers, to Bryan speaking about the educational opportunities of the children, I have again realized that this trip is an ongoing process. Even a year from now I still am learning new things from all the articles you guys have written. So if the big epiphany of the trip hasn’t hit you yet, DO NOT BE AFRAID! There is still plenty time on your trip and even when you get home to break down the experience of El Salvador. Michael, you are definitely right about the community having happiness– it’s evident everywhere in La Hacienda and El Junquillo. It took me a little longer to realize this though. With peace and love I hope you guys stay open throughout the rest of the trip.
Paz por siempre,
Jason Abbott
Michael,
Thank you for sharing so openly today. It is a gift that you were able to be in the presence of such innocent happiness, a gift that you recognized it and a gift that you shared it with all of us. We are keeping you, your Brophy Brothers and all of the people of El Salvador in our prayers...asking that each of you get from this experience what each of you needed. From your blog and that of your Brothers it appears as if our prayers are being answered.
We miss you and all your energy so very much. Enjoy the rest of the trip, keep journaling and watch the rip tides...
Love to you...
Mom, Elizabeth, Elena, Lauren & Daniel
Dear Micheal,
its your little bro me and my freinds had a sleepover and i threw up in your bed... sorry. Also i have great news the lizard came back and took ur car too!!! isn't that amazing. Mom said that since the throw up seated itself in your matress with all of its liquidicy freinds. So u have to sleep with me now HAPPY ROCKING... na na na na. But seriously i miss u and cant wait until u come home bro...
P.S. i am so sorry but the lizard has made some eggy babies and they love your room they all lost there tails well goodbye have a great time
Love,
Daniel
P.S.2. tell curly i say HI!!!!!!
Hola Sean,
Have been following the Blog & enjoying everyones observations.I am even more convinced that this journey will impact your lives forever.
Being back in San Salvador must be exciting with the change in government and visit to the University.
Miss you a lot especially yesterday at our usual
lunch after church.
Have we told you lately?
Hasta La Vista y Con Mucho Amor.
Patti & Poppi
Michael,
I loved reading this so much. You really have a way of expressing yourself so simply, yet what are saying is so powerful. The things you wrote are very insightful, and I am glad you have been able to come to these realizations on a personal level. I can definitely relate to your love of children and it makes me happy just reading about your interaction and friendship with the people you met. You are right, happiness is nothing like what we have been brainwashed to believe in by our selfish and hedonistic culture. Happiness lies deep within ourselves, the deep relationships we build, the way we live our lives, and the love God shows us and our response and calling to love others.
Keep your heart and mind open as you continue your immersion in El Salvador. Once again, stay safe and healthy as you let this experience enfold you and simplify your understanding of what's important in your own lives. God is present within all of you.
Love and Peace,
Kurt Guenther
Michael,
I am so so proud of you!!! You are learned beyond your years in many ways and thank you for sharing one of your new-found learned blessings here with us.
Love,
Aunt Eileen
Michael,
If there's one regret I have about the trip, it's that I didn't spend more time with the children. I regret it because, as you clearly demonstrate, there is so much to be learned from them. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry says in the The Little Prince, "Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves...children to have to provide explanations over and over again."
I'm glad to see that you'll never carry the same regret.
Michael,
We miss you & love you & are glad to know you're enjoying your time in El Salvador. Once again, sorry about the lizard.
Love,
Elena & Mom
Michael,
I'm not going to start blubbering because I know you'll kill me if I do, but son, I cannot tell you in words how very, very proud I am of you. Many of the best lessons in life are the ones that come upon us subtly and unexpectedly, from people who we do not expect have something to teach us. You've learned that lesson now from your own experience, which is the best way to learn, and it will be something you will treasure for the rest of life. Stay safe, have fun. Can't wait to see you when you get home.
Love, Dad
Hi Mike,
I'm so glad you're having a great time and learning alot. I love you so much and can't wait for you to get back.
P.S.
I broke my foot and had to get a cast this morning:-(
XOXO,
Lauren
Michael:
P.S. Red Wings up 2-1 in Stanley Cup Finals. Game 4 tomorrow night in Pittsburgh. NBA Finals start tomorrow night -- Lakers v. Orlando Magic. LeBron is LeOut. D-Backs still stink. At least NFL traning camps open in 7 weeks . . .
Hi Michael,
It sounds like you are having an amazing time. Im so happy for you & proud of you! I cant wait to hear all about it when you get home. We all miss you very much!!
XOXOXO
Aimee
michael,
thanks for sharing your experiences with us back here in the states. you have some tremendous insight, and i love how thoughtful you are, both in reflection and in action. you have been a gift to our community, and i want to thank you for being the person God wants you to be. the experience of living with the marginalized puts things into perspective, and it sounds like it has had a profound impact on you. can't wait to hear about it when you return.
much love,
tsmith
Who knew you were so eloquent! It sounds like an amazing experience and you are truly blessed to have been afforded the opportunity. Be sure to take advantage of it, although it sounds like you already have. :) Be smart and safe and enjoy every minute! We miss you and love you and look forward to hearing all the details when you come to Jamesport!
Take care of yourself!
Love,
Aunt Beth and family
P.S. Are those my shorts in the pics?
Hi Eric,
Wow! What a beautiful heartwarming and heartwrenching experience you have had in El Salvador. We know you will leave a part of your heart there. You and all the guys have been in our prayers daily. Enjoy the beach! We are looking forward to hearing all about everything. We are so proud of you and we love you.
Grandma and Grandpa xoxo
Hi Michael and gang,
Well written piece. Thanks for sharing a glimplse of your experiences with us. Looks like you have experienced "love in action". My prayers are with you on your journey.
T Skow...
Hey Michael,
Just read your blog......WOW!!
Sounds like you've had a life-changing experience-and in such an important way/area-given that Happiness (or not) is so core to our quality of life. I loved reading about the perspective you gained by seeing, hearing, etc. what you did while in El Salvador. I had a very similar experience at age 19 when in Peru.
I was very HAPPY for you as I read your blog, and am very impressed with the wisdom you allowed yourself to gain from this wise girl and wise, humble and happy people.
I was also quite impressed -but not really surprised-with how beautifully you express yourself (you might have some kind of future as an author!)
Happy trails to you!
BCase