Humanitarian Service in El Salvador

Last year, at this time, Jeanette returned from a Spanish-speaking mission.

With tears of joy and sadness, she joined the ranks of everyday citizens.

After her mission, she continued her studies at the U, majoring in art education.

She never got over the feeling that she needs to serve others.  (I guess that's what the U will do for ya!)  So, at the first of June, she left to go to El Salvador to do humanitarian work with an organization called "Help International".

Shortly after arriving, among other service activities, she assisted an organization in performing eye exams for less fortunate citizens.

She has spent most of her time working at a Crisis Center for girls.  These girls are at the center because of rotten family situations.  They have little self-esteem and little self-control. 

The walls of the center are drab with peeling paint and plaster. 

Alot of work went in to repairing the walls.  Using her art skills, Jeanette drew a mural on the wall in the cafeteria.

She had the girls who live in the center, help paint the mural.   This mural depicts "keeping your dreams alive." 

It was important for all the girls to be involved and feel the accomplishment of creating something meaningful and beautiful.

Jeanette was honored for her work and had to say a few words in front of the girls, educators and administrators who attended the unveiling.  Jeanette wrote to us, "As the cafeteria filled, suddenly I was being introduced to the people and being kissed on the cheek over and over and over and over...and over. Even though I am definitely an awesome person and I can really shimmy when the time is right (especially after midnight), it was hard to accept all the attention that everyone was giving me. To me, this mural was painted by them. To me, this project was a success because everyone, other than me, pitched in their time and money to make sure it could happen."

She just finished the mural for the boys' center.  I haven't seen any pictures of that.

Jeanette is a wonderful, caring, compassionate, talented person.  She'll be coming home on Tuesday.  I hope her desire to serve continues after she gets home.  We have a wedding on Friday.  I need lots of help!

Way to go, Jeanette!  We're proud of you!