This trip, we will be building with the Thrivent community in Getsemani. Our last trip, we helped ESHFH put together their video bid to be the host for a Thrivent community in Latin America, and it was wonderful that they got it--it's a great program, and this wonderful country has benefited so much from the increased partnership with Thrivent.
Getsemani is located in Ahuachapan, right next to the border with Guatemala. It is one of the poorest departments (the Salvadorian equivalent of states), despite having some of the richest soil for coffee. One-fifth of the families survive on a monthly income of less than the cost of the family food basket.
The area, because it is up in the mountains, is also subject to earthquakes. Habitat houses are seismic-resistant, and therefore represent not only stability for these families, but desperately needed safety.
The Getsemani community seeks to create a holistic community. It will not only be the location of 90 homes, but the project is built around increasing community leadership and economic opportunities. Because many of the volunteers are international volunteers, it is also an opportunity for cultural exchange and education (on both sides).
For more information on Ahuachapan and the Getsemani community, please go to the HFHES website on the project.
