Today we will have a new little twist to the blog....

Hello my name is Dsuty and i am new to this blog. We are about ready to head to the market to get some supplies. i personnaly need more cash, people at Central told me there would be a lot of places that would take my debit card..... they were wrong! I am also in need of a calling card because the people at Central told me that it wouldnt be hard to get one..... again they were wrong. But all-in-all the trip has been a blast for me. This is the first time i have traveled out of the country and i enjoy it very much.

We are traveling to a new hotel today, it has a pool and i cant wait because its like 80 degrees here and its only 8 in the morning. Yesterday was an eye opening experience for me. We went to a little town outside of San Salavador called Saint Martine. We ate lunch there (which sucked for me, they over cooked my chicken), walked around the market and talked to the locals. I talked to a gourp of kids and they were so excited to talk to me. It was crazy! Well we are about ready to go to the market now. LATTER

Dusty

Today was a wonderful day! We started off with a breakfast of Crepes and fresh fruit then we were off to the museum. We went to the Archbishop Romero Museum (and the chapel that he was shot in) which opened our eyes to the civil war of El Salvador, the genocide that started in 1932, the peace treaty of 1992 and how the USA supported the killing of thousands of El Salvadorans. In fact the USA only removed it{s support for the right wing in February. The newly elected president here is bring hope to those that have lived their whole lives in fear. President Obama will be in El Salvador (along with other heads of state) for the inaugration on June 1st 2009. There is finally hope here!

The afternoon was splendid. We headed off to the coast and got to play in the waves. It was an hour ride to the ocean and many of us enjoyed watching the countryside go by as we drove. We got our first glimps of what the small towns are like and many reflected on poverty and our morning visit to the Museum. The water was wonderful and warm, something that is not often experienced on the Washington coast :) Playing soccer and taking in the breeze was such a relaxing time. Some of us took advantage of the hammocks that were along the ocean and fell asleep, while others danced and laughed the afternoon away.

Despite being sticky from the salt water, we were all in good spirits (as we still are). We were able to have pupusas, a wonderful citrus drink, dessert, and ice. We are learning more spanish but there are still times when we smile and say "si"

It is time to do dishes and help clean up. Then we are going to debrief and hopefuly retire to our rooms. Showers and sweet dreams are on the way!!




archbishop romero

We are in El Salvador!!

We have made it to El Salvador! We came in last night and rode a school bus to our hostal. All are in good spirits and extremely excited to see the city. Today we are off to learn about El Salvadors history. You will have to pardon my grammar while I am writing in country as the keyboards are a bit different and I don{t know how to access all of they puncuation. We had a beautiful breakfast in outdoor rooms inside the hostal. We are staying at the San Jose Hostal in San Salvador. There is a line for the computer so I will need to keep my posts short... :)

Hello and Welcome!

Engaging students in leadership activities that unite cultures, removing boundaries and bringing a worldly understanding to students is one of the most important factors in creating tomorrow's future.

Cross Cultural Leaders is a program that engages students in leadership activities that unite cultures, removes boundaries and brings a worldly understanding to its participants. Through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and dinner seminars, students discover the connections between communication, diversity and leadership. The participants are now challenged to spend 7 days actively participating in a service learning project in El Salvador. Students will be able to encourage others, provide the physical strength to complete manual tasks, and offer a new perspective to leadership abroad. Projects that we hope to contribute to are, but not limited to: join local government meetings and discuss topics of leadership and global issues, paint community buildings, work with middle school and high school children, and learn from local organic farmers.

Cross Cultural Leaders Service Learning trip is composed of 12 students from Central Washington University, supported by the Communication department and the Center for Excellence and Leadership. Our participants represent Disability Support Services, Student Support Services, Douglas Honors College, Student Transitions and Academic Resources and the Diversity Education Center. All of the students have previously participated in leadership retreats, conferences, and seminars.


Program Participants Include:
Steve Harrington
Dusty Kindred
Krista Greear
Alyssa Caudill
Celine Francisco
Shawn Gatlabayan
Pamela Alvarado
Joanne Perez
Chris Palmer
Katie Swan
Jesse Nelson
Domonique Meeks
Joel Bialkowsky
Julia Cain