Peace Corps El Salvador is planning an entire year of events to celebrate the anniversary, and hosted a kick-off event at the US Embassy in San Salvador last week. It was a star studded event, with participation from the US Ambassador, Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores (The Salvadoran version of Secretary of State), two Salvadoran Congressmen, high level Peace Corps officials, Peace Corps El Salvador staff and past and present volunteers. Only 20 volunteers (out of 162) were picked to attend the event, and I was excited to get my invitation. Good thing I brought a suit back with me from my visit home in November!
All of the dignitaries gave short speeches about the role of Peace Corps in El Salvador and it's history. Several Salvadorans also talked about the personal impact that Peace Corps volunteers have had on their lives, and how that impact has gotten them to where they are now. It was a very moving evening. On a side note...the Embassy also always has really good food and drinks!
Our Peace Corps staff put together an amazing video with video clips and photos (I might just make a short appearance in the video) and put it up online. If you want to see more about the impact of Peace Corps in El Salvador, I recommend you watch it:
You can also read the nice write up the Embassy put on their website by clicking HERE.
(Evin, Krystal, Ambassador Aponte, Me, Daniel and Jessica.)
(You'll never see so many volunteers this well dressed again.)
(Posing in front of a volunteer photo exhibit which is on display at the Embassy and will then go on tour of the country.)
(A picture of Jesse, for his mom!)
(Not even a hot shower in the Capital can make me look as nice as our staff members.)
Jesse's mom thanks you...Emily I will miss you when you return to the states. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog, even before you posted pics for me! Good luck in the next phase of your life...Ann
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