El Salvador Trip Itinerary:  The B.C. El Salvador delegation travels to El Salvador where they collaborate with long-time in-country partner, Fundahmer, which is taken from the official name of the organization “Fundación "Hermano Mercedes Ruiz,” in creating their immersion experience.  Fundahmer designs the trip’s itinerary and coordinates each day’s activities, which include meetings and conversations with representatives of the Church, the government, political parties, and several non-governmental organizations involved with human rights, globalization and trade, post-war transition and reconciliation, as well as health and education and other topics.  While learning about macro-level social, economic, political, and religious issues from various perspectives, participants also have the opportunity to witness first hand the joys and struggles of people who have been impacted by the 12-year civil war 1980-92, and by policies and situations beyond their control. 

During the trip, participants learn about the life, work, and death of Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was martyred in 1980; the four U.S. Church-women who also were killed 1980; and the six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter who were murdered in 1989.  Participants also travel to Morazan, in the eastern highlands, to reconnect with Salvadoran friends in the rural community of El Ocotillo, which has graciously hosted B.C. delegations for many years. 

Exploring Faith:  Prayer, reflection, journaling, and sharing with each other are core aspects of this experience before, during, and after the trip.  While Arrupe programs are open to people of any faith tradition, they are influenced by the Catholic tradition, and Catholic liturgies are a part of the experience.  Each participant is expected to participate in this aspect of the experience, share about her/his faith, in all of its joys and struggles and questions, and to explore how faith, and the gifts they have been given, connect to living in solidarity with all people, especially those who experience marginalization.

Living Simply:  During a trip, participants are expected to embrace “living simply.” Part of what this means is eating food that may not be familiar or plentiful, sleeping in beds or other places that are less comfortable than what might be accustomed to, getting dirty, bathing rarely, experiencing limited personal space, and possibly getting sick.  Participants also may find themselves in situations that could instigate allergies, or not be able to accommodate dietary preferences, etc.

Time Commitment:  Participation in an Arrupe program involves a year-long commitment which includes preparation for and follow up after a trip.  This commitment involves participating in weekly community meetings, a pre-trip and post-trip retreat, several presentations, a few Catholic liturgies, a number of fundraising events and activities, and pre-trip and post-trip social justice awareness-building and community service projects.  Expect this commitment to be about 5 hours a week, with retreats and the point drive week adding hours. (Please note the “important dates” associated with the program.)

Language Proficiency: Although being able to speak Spanish is useful while on the trip, participants do not need to be able to speak any language other than English to participate.

Safety and Health: Before applying for an Arrupe program, each participant and his/her family need to be aware that there are many safety and health risks associated with traveling to the destinations visited through this program. Please check the U.S. Department of State’s assessment of traveling to these destinations http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html, the Center for Disease Control’s assessment of traveling to these destinations http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx, and consider your own physical and emotional/psychological/mental health before applying.  Should you participate in a program, you will need to continue to check these websites for updates, as these assessments may change before a trip departs.

Fundahmer Safety Statement: “We at FUNDAHMER are very committed to ensuring the safety and security of our delegations to the best of our ability.  As the organization is Salvadoran-run, all arrangements for the visits are made by or in consultation with native Salvadorans who are very aware of the local and national landscape. We seek to create a secure environment for delegations in a variety of ways.  The delegation is accompanied by at least one member of the FUNDAHMER staff at all times, and secure, private transportation is always provided for the delegation.  Upon arrival, we always present a comprehensive orientation in order to ensure that each member of the delegation is aware of types of behavior that may draw particular attention to the delegation or put others’ safety in danger, and remind the delegation of such advisories, as needed, during the trip. 

As an organization, we are attentive to national and international happenings, and always do our best to avoid any potentially dangerous situations. When a delegation visits one of the communities associated with our organization, the community members are well-organized and ensure us a great deal of internal security, as they are the most aware of any potential threats to safety and security.  Visits by delegations are a crucial part of our mission to build international and intercultural understanding and solidarity, and accordingly, we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and security of our visitors during their time with us.”