DioMass Youth Ministry

This entire experience has been amazing. Not a moment disappointed me and I couldn’t have asked God for a better place to come with my friends, or to meet new friends. Learning about the history of El Salvador has truly made me think of my life in a different way. American youth seem to be oblivious to our privileges, merely because of where we live. The poverty and violence in El Salvador is greater than I could’ve imagined. If I could change the way Americans think, from those who live in my community, to those at my school or church, or even simply those I see on the street, I would. However, first and foremost I need to change my thoughts before I plan to change the world. I want to make a change in my life, perhaps learn not to take all the wonderful things I have for granted, but I also want to use my privileges to fight for the new friends I have made. The moment that inspired me was when our friend Ishmael, said how his life was with the gang violence around him. He told us how he was threatened by a gang and had to flee the country. On his way on the migrant trail, he was kidnapped by drug dealers and kept for ransom. By some miracle, his family was able to pay the ransom and he was let free. He made his way up to Houston until he was deported back to El Salvador. Ishmael had showed bravery that I could never imagine having. If someone could show that much bravery and dedication for a life without violence like Ishmael; I should be able to show my dedication and bravery for standing up for the rights of the beautiful people that I have met from El Salvador.

- Marina Novaes