Paradise Found!

I have so much to tell you that I am not quite sure where to begin.  It took a bit for us to get organized first thing in the morning but this turned out to be a blessing for Pancho.   There were 3 Hondurans riding through El Salvador on giant motorcycles and they were staying at the Mediterranean Hotel with us.   He was like a fat kid in a candy shop.    Once they connected it was impossible to drag him away.   I am fairly certain there was a life long bond made and I love seeing Pancho so passionate about something he truly loves.
There is a beautiful lady named Sandra Quinteros who is the key player in making this project a reality for us.   She is the main contact and she makes things happen.   Great things really do come in small packages.  Sandra met us at the hotel and we started off toward Sonsanate in a comfortable little micro bus.  Her love for this country is contagious.

The first thing I notice as we head out of San Salvador is the roads.  They are perfect!   It's like they were just paved yesterday.   We have got to bring the Mayor of Winnipeg to come check this out.   Not one pothole.   As we head off into the country side things get a little more rugged and we start to see the locals scurrying along the roadsides, and the small "tiendas" selling fresh Mango and Coconuts.
Our first stop is Sonsanate where we meet the man of my dreams (sorry Pancho - but he stole my heart on impact).   His name is Don Freddy.  It's his eyes.  And his laugh.
Don Freddy's face is carved deep with lines and I am certain each one tells a story.   He is going to be our driver for the rest of our trip.   I feel instantly connected to him and understand why everyone loves Don Freddy.

Joe and I opt for the least comfortable and most exciting option for seating.   After dumping all of our stuff, including two giant bags filled with soccer cleats and jerseys in the back of Don Freddy's huge truck, we jump in the box and ease ourselves onto one of the bags.  As we make our way through tiny towns,   the children wave at us and we wave back.   Joe and I exchange glances, words aren't necessary.  I feel joyful.

We arrive at Jardin Del Celeste just in time.   The rain begins and it is torrential.   But we are safe under a lovely wooden canopy surrounded by the most beautiful, lush gardens I have ever seen.   The colors are breathtaking and I feel myself welling up.     I feel truly blessed.
We are a bit chilled so we start with a warm mulled wine and a lovely lunch consisting homemade tortillas  and fresh avocado with shrimp.   What a concept, guacamole with shrimp - you can bet you are all going to get to try this when I get home.

The rain finally lets up and we head into Ataco.  The streets are lined with little stores selling local wares and many of them are painted with colorful murals.   Our goal is cheap beer and "pan" (bread).   We scored on both accounts.
When we got back to the hotel we found a cozy spot under the canopy next to a wood burning fireplace with a lovely bottle of "vino tinto".  It was the perfect setting for story telling.   We asked Sandra about her country and the civil war that was not so long ago.  She and Don Freddy told us about the challenges they faced and the fears they lived with and how they have overcome both.  
 It is almost 10:00pm and we are exhausted.  Joe manages to get the stove going in his cottage (we are expecting an explosion any minute) and he warms the bread and lights the candles he had purchased in the market earlier and we reflect on the trip so far.  After only one day, we already have so many thoughts to share with each other.  The anticipation of today and our first visit to the school is almost dizzying.    We may get to meet some the families that are receiving the stoves later today, but I have already learned that things don't always go as planned.  So I will just wait and see what happens!