Introduction to this Blog

Hi! My name is Wilsabel (Wilsa) Fermin. I am a graduate social work student at Grand Valley State University and I am currently working on my master's degree. The Lord in His providence blessed me with the opportunity to take a Study Abroad International Social Work class that took place in El Salvador, an impoverished country in Central America. I decided to make this blog not only as part of my project for this class, but also a place where anyone, including my friends and family, could read about my personal life-changing experience (thoughts/opinions) in El Salvador. I learned a ton and I was also able to make an impact on the people there. Despite the civil war that struck this nation about 30 years ago, they remain the most resilient, most hopeful, most positive, most friendly, and most giving, group of people I have ever met. I had the great pleasure of being part of their reality for about 17 days, and although at times it was challenging, it was worth it. I have left a piece of my heart among the people of El Salvador. I hope to never forget what I saw, what I heard, what I felt and what I know is true about social justice and the Salvadoran people. This experience went beyond and above my expectations. If you ever have the opportunity to go to El Salvador please take it. You will be challenged, but you will also come back an incredibly changed person in numerous ways. And better yet, you will be able to put into practice what you have learned abroad in your daily day-to-day living as well as in your professional career.

Our group consisted of
Grand Valley State University (top)
and
Ferris State University students (below)


The Word of God put into practice while in El Salvador

"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me;

I was in prison, and you came to Me...

Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine,

even to the least of them, you did it to Me"

Matthew 25: 35-36, 40