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| Women at bakery decorating a cake as a gift for the students |
El Nuevo Amanecer translates to the New Dawn. New Dawn is a bakery in Santa Marta that is run and owned by women. The women started the bakery after they returned from Honduras to Santa Marta. Many people from Santa Marta had to flee their country and town because of the civil war. The women who run the bakery have suffered great loss and have faced extremely tragic events. New Dawn provides the women with income, community, and hope. They are able to employ other women who also need a job. The women are always busy making cakes and other bake goods. The day that we visited they were busy delivering cakes for families celebrating confirmation. Listening to the women’s’ stories were emotionally difficult, but they also filled me with hope.
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| Group outside of Radio Victoria |
Radio Victoria is a community based radio station. They got their start in 1993 after the signing of the peace accords. This organization provides a chance for people to hear what is going on all over the world, as well as, what is happening right in their neighborhood. For many who live within the listening area of Radio Victoria this is their only means for news. A large portion of employees at the radio are teenagers. They talked with us and told about their hope for their country and the desire for a better life. One way the radio promotes hope is by open dialogue. People in the community are also invited to come to the station to talk.
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| Cristina and Kelli live on air |
While we were at Radio Victoria we each were able to go live on air to send out a message. I spoke to my host family in Santa Marta. It was exciting because before we left we had told them to listen to their radio. I said to them, “Saludos a Nicholos and Catalina, mucho gracias por asar su casa mi casa.” This means, hello Nicholos and Catalina thank you very much for making your home my home. Because I have never been on radio before it was a very fun and exciting experience.
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| Mural painting of Monsenor Romero |
Some students who speak Spanish made a radio spot to be played much like commercials are aired. In this spot they explained why we were in their country and what are hopes were for them.
Radio Victoria's website is here.
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| Nicolas, Catalina, and family |
I stayed for two nights and three days in Santa Marta. I stayed at the home of Nicolas Ascencio Escamilla and Maria Catalina Ascencio. They are a married couple with mostly all grown children. Their daughter Marti Bell, and granddaughter, Stephanie, also live with them. Some of their other grandchildren stayed over while we were there as well. It was very interesting to see first hand the every day life of a family in this small rural community. Even though it was difficult, it was one of the greatest learning experiences I have ever had.
Nicolas works as a police officer. For days at a time is gone working. This leaves Catalina alone to take care of all the chores and the family. Both Nicolas and Catalina are very hard working people. During the civil war they had to flee, like most other families in Santa Marta. When they returned home everything they owned was destroyed; homes were burnt and all the animals were killed. For a long time they had to live in tents made out of plastic. When it rained there would be huge puddles all over their home. It has taken them quite a bit of time to build a home, but they do now have one.
Over all people of Santa Marta want to share their stories about the struggles they have faced. However, I could see and feel the affects of trauma more through their eyes, body language, and mannerisms. Getting to know my host family inspired me and reminded me of how great the human spirit is and what we can survive through. It also helped remind me of why it is I want to be a social worker and the importance of human rights. My host family will always be in my heart.