Reflections on SERES and on my time in El Salvador

October 1-4, 2024 - Written by Betsy Hale, SERES Board Member

When I began thinking about a way to better understand the SERES organization and its two parts, El Salvador and Guatemala, it seemed natural to plan to land in El Salvador.  I have been involved from a distance for many years in the country, joining CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador) in the 80s during the armed conflict, accompanying El Salvadoran immigrants fleeing gang violence recently, and tracking the changes that have come about with the Bukele regime.

I was excited to see this place with my own eyes.  Antonio met me and whisked me off to eat an especially delicious pupusa before we headed to the Plaza Central to meet the SERES Ambassadors.  We gathered in a circle of 11.  The opening question was:   What does SERES represent for you?  I noted the responses that came from each without hesitation:  Connections, authenticity, family, learning from each other, personal development, belonging, deep learning, a place to be vulnerable and to discover myself….  The conversation continued around the circle that evening with sharing at a level that only comes from a group who feels safe and connected.  The next morning began at 6, driving to Suchitoto and meeting with four different groups. 

Meeting with SERES Ambassadors from El Salvador

We did activities involving music, connecting games,  planting radishes and trees.  When Antonio posed the opening question to the group about what they most liked about “activate,” several answered, “working in a group.”  One profound effect of SERES that I observed was how involvement in SERES strengthens a sense of community.

The following day in the communities around Jujutla the activities were varied - planting trees, picking up garbage, improving the soccer field. The youth had a similar spark, an eagerness to participate, an attentiveness, a sense of presence and pride when they spoke.   I was struck with how they shared space with each other.  

In Jujutla, participating in activities with the youth group.

On my third day we entered Guatemala and headed for ULEW FUEGO.  We arrived late, I spent the night falling asleep to the sounds of the forest.  In the morning Marco Antonio gave me a full tour of the land speaking about the 100 varieties of edible plants.  I met with Antonio and Marco Antonio and heard them speak about their dreams for the land — an expanded place for retreats, a store with products created from the richness of the plant life, demonstration gardens for student groups.  

We met the next day with a few youth from La Dignidad.  The opening question asked what was the best part of their week.  A young woman answered, the moment she was living being among her SERES community.  I noted as we left they asked eagerly when they would next be together.  They spoke of how dangerous La Dignidad had become.  

It was a pleasure to travel with Antonio and observe him lead, embodying and modeling the leadership skills that SERES teaches.  

GUATEMALA

My travel plans took an unexpected turn when we learned of the Dengue outbreak in Rabinal and canceled the visit there.  It allowed me some extra days which I decided to spend in San Juan La Laguna.  I was able to catch Abi for a couple of hours before she left for the Opportunity Collaboration in Mexico.  We sat in the incredible “comedor” in the shape of a water jug that Abi’s brother Josiah  created as a place for her sister in law, Esmeralda to cook and serve traditional local dishes. The place is an absolute gem.  I was fortunate to stay at Casa Maya and to connect with Abi’s delightful and talented family.

On another occasion I hope to observe and participate in SERES activities in Guatemala.

SUMMARY

I left my time with SERES convinced that the work —  “El Viaje del Joven” is profound, life changing, and so much needed given the challenges that are present today.  Whether the youth find opportunity in their communities or decide to migrate, the sense of self and leadership skills they develop better prepares them for challenges of all kinds. They develop a strong network that they rely on. I am excited by the Co-Leadership of Antonio and Abigail, their authenticity, their unique strengths, their grace, and their ability to admit when they are confronting a growing edge.  

I recommend that others go to El Salvador, the less traveled, less known place.  

I am grateful to have a better understanding of SERES and all of its dimensions.  I couldn’t have done it without making this trip.