El Salvador 2026: Day 5

Hello everyone!

Today was so beyond special and full of memories that we will never forget.

We got to sleep in a little this morning because we left the hotel at 9 a.m. My roommates, Jessica and Anna, and I woke up early enough to have breakfast at 7:15. We ended up eating our breakfast outside so we could soak up the morning sun. We then left at 7:45 to take a quick walk to a gas station near our hotel called Pronto to grab some fun El Salvadorian snacks to share with our families.

We got back to the hotel and got ready to leave. Once we left, our first stop was El Salvador’s version of Costco called PriceSmart to grab carts of food for the project we had planned for the day (more on that later). We also got $2 frozen cappuccinos that were so delicious and something that will be had every time we come in the future.

After PriceSmart, we got back into the bus to head to Tia Ana’s house, “Tia” means “Aunt,” so it’s really Aunt Ana’s house. Tia Ana’s is an incredible story. Currently, there are 13 kids living with her in her home, all of whom were abandoned by their parents. Their ages range from 6 to 26. Tia Ana takes care of these kids and gives them a safe place to live, keeping God at the center of it all. She told us she’s raised three generations—a total of 74 children who were dropped at her doorstep. One of them, Rebecca, works with Amazing Love Missions now, and has been working as an interpreter with a group from Bethel church this week.

When we got to Tia Ana’s, we got to hear her testimony. It was so moving and incredible to hear how God has been working in her life, to hear how He has been using her, and how willing she is to do the Lord’s work. It’s so inspiring to hear these stories—the one yesterday from Pastor Luis, and now today as we heard from Tia Ana. I’m so thankful that God has given us an opportunity to hear these stories and be inspired by them.

Over the course of three and a half hours, we did a number of activities with the kids. We first had lunch with them. We made them burgers and served them their lunch. After that, the kids wanted to take us to a waterfall that was close by. It was about 20 feet tall, which was so cool to see. We walked back to the house and played soccer or Uno, and made bracelets. We even spent time drawing pictures and stories with chalk, just like the character Billy does in “The Lamplighter.”

Once it was getting close to us leaving, we got to pray over Tia Ana and the work she is doing. It was such a blessing to be a part of their day and see all those kids getting to live a wonderful life.

We left Tia Ana’s around 2:30 for a two hour bus ride back to the hotel. Getting back to the hotel at 4:30, we rushed inside to get ready for a fancy dinner at a restaurant called La Pampa to celebrate our last night in El Salvador.

Having dinner as a team all this week has been amazing. We have been able to talk about where we have seen God each day, a specific word to describe our days, and just do a team debrief. So this was a wonderful opportunity to eat dinner all together… on a volcano!

This whole week has been such a meaningful experience. Every day had so many highs and unexpected moments that made the whole trip more exciting. God is so good in the way He moved in each of our hearts this week. And the ways He is moving in the hearts of the people in El Salvador is so precious.

I could not ask for a more perfect week spent in El Salvador, serving and sharing God’s love. Praise God for all the blessings.

Signing off,

Lauren

Today was absolutely incredible!

We had the opportunity to bring groceries to/visit a children’s home run by a kind and brave lady named Tia Ana. She told us her testimony, which was more powerful than words can describe. She grew up with many difficulties. She was in prostitution, drug use and alcoholism since she was 7 years old. She got saved on her 38th birthday when her neighbor brought her to a church. I don't speak much Spanish, but when she was explaining how she felt in her heart before coming to Christ, I didn't need a translator. My spirit knew the words, and my heart ached with hers. God told me.

Later in her life, God called her to work with children. She didn't want to, but she followed God's will and now over the years she's raised and poured the love of God into 74 children. Children who now have amazing lives. She is an inspiration to me now and many more.

When she finished talking, we got to enjoy a lovely lunch together. After lunch, fun with the kids began. We passed a soccer ball around, and they wanted to show us the waterfall behind the house. On the way there, I got to talk to a boy named Eric—his English was excellent! We got to chat, and he encouraged me to continue to study Spanish. I was very happy to meet him.

We returned to the house and started drawing on the ground with chalk. Anna taught a girl named Pilar how to play dots and boxes. Anna won, so Pilar wanted a rematch in a game of Uno. A few of us gathered around and played one game. It was a close game, and very competitive! Joyful-natured teasing was practiced and laughed about. Eventually the game ended, and she wanted to learn how to make the bracelets we’ve been making on the bus all week.

Unfortunately we had to leave soon after, but I am so glad we got show the kids some of Jesus's love. I hope they all know how much Jesus loves them. We prayed over Tia Ana, gave each of the children a “Lamplighter” book, and left on our way. It was amazing to spend time with them. Best way to end a missions trip ever!! I thank God for all of those kids, and especially for Tia Ana.

Signing off,

Sorina