Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Blue and White Stripes


The meaning of the El Salvador flag...The flag and blue and white colors are very present in the country. Enjoy a little history...

The blue stripes represent the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea; while the white stripe symbolizes peace. The state coat of arms on El Salvador's flag is based on the coat of arms of the former United Provinces of Central America. The coat of the arms shows a triangle which represents equality and the three branches of El Salvador's government. Inside the triangle are five volcanoes which symbolize the five former members of the federation, flanked by the blue of the ocean and sea. The triangle contains symbols of liberty, ideals of the people and peace, which are represented by a red cap, golden rays and the rainbow. The triangle also shows the date that El Salvador gained independence from Spain. Underneath the triangle lies El Salvador's national motto which translates in English to 'God, Union and Liberty'. The fourteen clusters of leaves represent the 14 departments or states of El Salvador. The El Salvador flag was adopted on September 27, 1972. El Salvador, which in Spanish means 'the savior', gained its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821 and independence from the Central American federation in 1842. (source www.worldflags101.com)

Welcome to our team!

Equipo de El Salvador 2013

August 10-18, 2013

Join us for the journey! Our team has 13 members- 5 newcomers and 8 returnees. We come from Maryland, Kansas, and Kentucky, though our roots are much deeper than that. Our demographic is 6 women and 7 men, with our average age being 45, and every decade from 20s to 60s represented. (You're welcome team, and I say this so that anyone reading this knows this trip is possible for them.) There are no limits in regards to age or gender. Anyone can cut brush with a machete. But we'll leave the septic hole-digging to Al Kohlhafer.

I will attempt to post photos and memories daily on our journey and always enjoy comments. It's a great team morale boost when we hear from our family and friends at home.