Hello Family and Friends,
We left California on September 2015 to embark on a journey to El Salvador. It started with an 8-month Spanish Language School training in Costa Rica, and then we officially arrived in El Salvador on May 5, 2016 (Cinco de Mayo). There were so many obstacles and challenges our family had to face when we first arrived. We had to find the right school for the girls, a place we can call home for the next few years, and a community that would help us raise our children while we do ministry. Looking back at where we were 3 years ago, and how far we have achieved right now, it makes me so proud to see what we have accomplished as a family. For our final post, I will do a FAQ format to summarize our entire experience.What has been the biggest challenge living in El Salvador?
The language and the culture slangs and expressions (aka "caliches") have been a challenge in the beginning to try to understand how people talk and communicate. Adjusting to the weather and the tropical climate has also been a challenge for us in the beginning. Being a family with young kids, we had to make sure that our girls transitioned and adapted to the culture. The girls did not know Spanish very well, and we did not have family or many friends when we first arrived. As a mom, the biggest concern is to make sure the kids are doing well. Selah struggled the most at school in the beginning because she had to adapt faster. It was difficult for her to find connections and difficult to blend in with the other local kids. But with prayer and encouragement, Selah and Shiloh learned the language, found friends through their school and outside activities. Impressively, they finished top of their class every semester. We love the school that we chose, and I know God allowed us to be there so we could know the community and reach out to more people than we ever thought we could. Kids are truly resilient in the midst of change.What have we accomplished in the last 2 years?
Phil has been able to set up a working clinic at the camp of King's Castle located at Lago Coatapeque. He also has been able to serve weekly at 2 other clinics located in 2 different towns, Las Delicias and Nueva Esperanza. Phil has been giving free dental work to the people who are not able to afford dental care. Phil has also worked with several teams from the US and Canada. During the last 2 years, Phil has been able to help many people with dental concerns, and has also helped people who have needed partials in their front teeth, which has also helped people to restore their confidence and simply just have the ability to smile again.Phil and I have also taught several semesters in the Bible Institute. I taught English to the Salvadoran missionaries, and Phil taught French to the missionaries heading to French speaking countries. It has been an honor to work with all these students who have a passion to serve in another country.As a family, we have also served in the Children's nursery at our church. We were able to show love to the kids between infancy and 3 years of age. It has been a joy to work with the children, and a great pleasure to work alongside the Castle team who have the same passion for children. It has been a great example to show people here that we serve as a family, and how working together as a family is important.What are the greatest rewards that we can take away after this journey?
Most people see missionaries as people who go and try to make a difference in another part of the world. For the Gendreaus, being a missionary has allowed us to learn more about our relationship with God, and how our family has become closer and more appreciative of the simplicity of life. Together, we learned how to find true happiness in quality time with each other, and also to experience a culture that highly values family and friendship. As missionaries, not only are we able to love on the people around us, but we are also able to learn and be changed by the people who surround us in our community. This is the greatest reward for us, and we are so grateful for all our supporters who have believed in us all the way to the end.How can you pray for us?
As we head back to California, we will be facing a new culture shock or readjusting back to California life. We will be searching for a permanent home, and we will also be transitioning the girls to adjust to a different lifestyle. We are praising God that the kids will be going to a school that will give them great education and most importantly teach them about how to seek God in everything they do.We are excited for our new chapter, but we are also sad to leave all the new f friends we have made while we were here. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people from El Salvador. They will always be in our hearts no matter where we go. We would like to give thanks again to all our financial and prayer partners who helped make this all happen. We love each and every one of you. We also thank God for protecting us and keeping us safe, and for giving us an opportunity to know His love for people in different nations.
Blessings and Love,Phil, Mia, Selah, and Shiloh
