About a month out, I sit here thinking about all the things I saw and learned about myself and the world. One of the things that really struck me was the amount of garbage these people leave. A lot of the rubbish is American. Coca Cola, chips, candy, all are reminders of the First World while in the Third.
The poverty we encountered was extreme. I remember Father Ron telling us that some people just cannot handle the poverty and fall victim to despair, losing their sanity. It is dreadfully sad that we spend billions of dollars on luxuries for ourselves when these people cannot even afford a meal of rice and beans. I am truly thankful to everyone who donated their money, especially during a recession. Without your generosity and good faith, our trip would have been impossible.
With regards to the building of a church labeled as a community center, the two truly are intertwined. In L'Elmo, the people who don't have work don't do much but sit at each other's houses and play dominos. Religion is crucial for these people because it is the only thing in their worlds that gives them hope. The belief of salvation after death eases the pain of their poverty. Hopefully communal activities via the chapel will help them make progress in their lives.
Thank you again to everyone, its value is immaterial.
I also want again to direct you to our website with pictures. There you can see exactly where your donation went.
Humbly,
David Levy
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