CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Saturday, August 7, 2010

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!

28 comments:

Kamee said...

WOW, this is amazing, she is amazing! What a wonderful thing she is doing. You raised a wonderful daughter!

Kristina P. said...

What an amazing experience! That mural is gorgeous.

Teachinfourth said...

Talk about an art project!

Doran & Jody said...

What an outstanding woman!

Cheeseboy said...

Jeanette sounds awesome.

Also, thumbs up for any post involving a Utah logo.

Linda said...

I sure can see why you are so proud! Jeanette sounds like a beautiful person inside and out!

CB said...

Jeanette sounds amazing!! What a neat opportunity for her and what a blessing she has been to the girls and boys there - Wonderful!!
The mural is beautiful!!

CB said...

Jeanette sounds amazing!! What a neat opportunity for her and what a blessing she has been to the girls and boys there - Wonderful!!
The mural is beautiful!!

Barbaloot said...

What a beautiful mural---how wonderful of her to share her time and talents!! She must have been raised right:)

Beth at Aunties said...

Jeanette sounds like a wonderful YSA! You must be extremely pleased with the beautiful daughter you raised to be so caring and loving. The mural was had to be such a lift in those girls lives. It turned out great!
Gosh I am even proud of her, and I too can can shimmy after midnight. I know where she gets her warm sense of humor!
Good luck with your wedding...just keep taking deep big breaths! Then crash:-)

Camille said...

She is definitely the least "retarded of the bunch"! I've always envied her artistic touch, love of people, and drive in life. She's surreal! Can't wait to see her again . . . we need to have her shimmy at the wedding!

Rebecca said...

That's absolutely amazing! How wonderful to put a talent to such a meaningful use. I heart her smile too!

Kazzy said...

That Jeanette is a total rock star. I am so impressed by her.

Nancy Face said...

How wonderful she is! Her mural is just incredible, and the girls look so happy helping with it! :)

KC said...

Way to go Jeanette! She did an awesome job! She should be so happy with herself!

Kelly said...

You must be so proud of her. What a wonderfully talented person.

Mikki said...

So awesome! What a wonderful young woman. You must be so proud.
I have a feeling that once the service bug bites, it doesn't let go too easily. sweet!

Mimi Sue said...

What an awesome daughter you have. A wonderful, worthwhile activity to benefit so many. Mimi

Joanie said...

Wow,this just brought tears to my eyes looking at her beautiful artwork, and remembering all the masterpieces she created for our TK class.
I can hardly wait to see her and hear about her trip.

Mamarazzi said...

what an amazing young woman...and what a blessing she is to your family.

love the mural...so pretty!

Valerie said...

Wow! What a wonderful daughter you have raised! The mural is beautiful! Can't wait to see what she does next!

gigi said...

Connie, this just does my heart proud! What a beautiful daughter you have been blessed with that now blesses others. good luck with the wedding adventures.
Smiles.

Kerin said...

Ok....now, I'm crying!
Thanks a lot!!
I was already missing my kids, and now, I'm missing yours too!! :)
What an amazing young woman. Talk about standing in holy places! She is a wonderful example of charity and love!!
Hope you have another great home-coming, and a fantastic wedding!

Darla said...

I have been wondering how she was doing. She has such a good heart and is an inspiration to us all. Not only is she amazing but her work is pretty amazing too.

All of your daughters are pretty amazing, they take after you!

Looking forward to seeing Jeanette again!

D

The Pettit Family said...

We are so proud to know you, Jeanette. Good work!

Natalie said...

What an awesome, amazing, wonderful young woman your daughter is. You did a great job raising her.
The mural is just beautiful and the whole project is just unbelievably amazing.

Yvonne said...

That must have been an incredible experience for her. What an amazing young woman--YOU'VE DONE A GREAT JOB, MOM AND DAD.

Unknown said...

It is a nice photographs of Em's. She has great smile. She looks cute with cake on face. Congratulations ! to Em for won the competition.


Web Design