As human beings, it is our duty to give ourselves up for the sake of others. This is an idea I had a lot of trouble grasping until I worked for and stood with the people of El Salvador. Boarding the plane in the Toronto airport wasn’t an easy thing to do: I was about to enter a completely foreign world. Don’t get me wrong, I was very excited, just slightly anxious about the uncertainty behind this mission trip.

Upon arriving in San Salvador, I started to fall in love with the colourful graffiti and sloping sidewalks. The rolling hills and endless valleys were a really nice escape from the boring, flat landscape of Winnipeg. When we started our work at the school in San Jose Las Flores, I began to realize what the trip was all about: Witnessing firsthand the struggles of the Salvadorian people, and standing in solidarity with them.

Sure, the main focus of the mission was to build a school fence for the protection and betterment of the students in the village, but the more important aspect of the trip was showing the people that they are not alone.

 During the Civil War in El Salvador, the citizens must have felt deserted and completely shut out by the government. By being present in Las Flores as a constructive and friendly force, we are standing hand in hand with the people of El Salvador, showing them that they are not and never again will be alone.

This trip helped me to discover what kind of person I want to be – a person committed to service and dedication to justice. This experience really helped capture what it means to be a man for others.