An extraordinary adventure awaits! I am thrilled to announce my upcoming journey to El Salvador, a vibrant Central American nation, for a transformative week-long immersion. This isn’t just any trip; I’ll be traveling with Unbound, a humanitarian organization whose dedication and innovative approach to poverty alleviation I profoundly admire. This expedition marks a significant moment, bridging my lifelong passions with my current role as a blogger, promising to be an experience rich in discovery, learning, and heartfelt connections.
Initially, I drafted a conventional introductory post, eager to share details about this fascinating country, its beloved national dish, pupusas, and the myriad activities we’re set to undertake. I wanted to highlight Unbound’s remarkable global partnerships, which challenge poverty in truly novel and sustainable ways. Yet, as I wrote, I realized a more personal narrative was needed. This journey is already stirring deep emotions and reflections within me, prompting a reevaluation of my path and purpose.
A decade ago, if you had asked me about my aspirations for my thirties, food blogging wouldn’t have been on the radar. My vision was far more aligned with the work Unbound champions today: actively engaging with communities experiencing poverty, particularly Spanish-speaking ones. My dream was to live, breathe, and build relationships within these communities, raising a family while deeply rooted in their daily lives. I envisioned studying humanitarian trends, implementing best practices, and understanding the intricate pathways to sustainable growth. Crucially, my approach was always about partnering with local people, eschewing the notion of an external “expert” sweeping in to “fix” problems, and instead fostering genuine collaboration to drive meaningful change. This is the kind of work that truly ignites my spirit and makes my heart race.
While my path initially led in this direction after college, life presented other compelling opportunities, steering me towards a different course. The unexpected yet incredibly rewarding journey of building this blog—a platform where I could pursue my passion for food, photography, writing, and community-building—has been nothing short of amazing. The sheer joy and fulfillment it brings constantly astound me. However, a quiet question often lingers: should I set aside the blog, pack my bags, and return to direct humanitarian work? Not necessarily in a foreign country, though I still anticipate spending a significant portion of my life living abroad, but to find work on the ground level, hands-on, making a tangible difference.
This thought isn’t a fleeting fantasy; it’s a realistic contemplation. I approach it not as a starry-eyed idealist, but with the wisdom gained from experience. I’ve spent considerable time working in developing countries and have volunteered extensively with numerous local non-profits over the past 15 years. I have close friends actively engaged in humanitarian work, both domestically and internationally. I understand that such work can often be slow, frustrating, disheartening, and at times, even deeply saddening. Yet, I also know it can be incredibly rewarding and impactful. At 31, I’ve learned that life frequently offers us the chance to embrace an “and” rather than an “or.” I believed my “and” in this season of life would involve volunteering with local non-profits in Kansas City, supporting global poverty alleviation efforts, *and* continuing my blog. A wonderful blend, I thought, allowing me to pursue both passions without choosing one over the other.
Then, this spring, a new chapter began to unfold. I was approached by a local non-profit about a potential collaboration. Just a week later, Unbound extended an invitation to join their inaugural blogger trip. A profound realization clicked: perhaps this unique form of engagement—leveraging my blog to share stories about organizations and individuals I deeply believe in—is an even more powerful way to intertwine these seemingly distinct passions. It could be the ultimate “and.” While my long-term career path remains to be seen, I am immensely excited for this summer. It presents a remarkable opportunity to explore and share this humanitarian facet of my heart through my blog, showcasing inspiring initiatives around the world that readers can also connect with and support.
For those visiting today solely for my culinary creations, rest assured, my site still boasts over 800 stellar recipes that I wholeheartedly recommend. There’s no pressure to diverge from your usual food-focused exploration. However, if you’re intrigued by the prospect of joining me on a journey through El Salvador’s winding roads and into the welcoming homes of its people, partnering with Unbound, I would be deeply honored to have you along. This trip is about uncovering compelling ways that we, collectively—you and I—can collaborate with these communities. I am eager to share more about these opportunities in the coming days.
Now, let’s delve into some essential details about what lies ahead…
Discovering El Salvador: The Heart of Central America
First, let’s establish some foundational facts about El Salvador. I often wonder how many people could pinpoint this vibrant nation on a map. I confess, despite having lived in Costa Rica and volunteered in neighboring Guatemala, I recently found myself consulting an atlas! El Salvador, that small yet resilient speck of red on the map, is nestled between Honduras to its northeast and Guatemala to its northwest. It holds the distinction of being the smallest country in Central America, roughly comparable in size to the state of Massachusetts. Yet, within its compact borders, it is home to a dynamic population exceeding 6 million people.
- Official Language: Spanish, the melodic tongue that will guide our interactions.
- Capital City: San Salvador, the bustling urban heart of the nation.
- Currency: Conveniently, the American dollar, simplifying transactions for international visitors.
- Average Annual Income: Approximately $3,380, reflecting the economic realities faced by many.
- Population Below Poverty Line: A significant 30%, underscoring the vital need for organizations like Unbound.
- Current Season: Rainy season, so my poncho is already packed, ready for the tropical showers that nourish its lush landscapes.
- The People: Above all, I am most eager to meet the Salvadoran people, to listen to their stories, share their culture, and forge meaningful connections.
El Salvador is not merely a collection of statistics; it’s a country rich in history, resilience, and natural beauty, from its volcanic landscapes to its Pacific coastline. It boasts a unique cultural tapestry woven from indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influences, expressed vividly through its food, music, and art. The opportunity to immerse myself in this culture, particularly through the lens of humanitarian work, is an honor I eagerly anticipate.
Unbound: A Global Leader in Sustainable Sponsorship and Community Empowerment
Let’s turn our attention to Unbound, the incredible organization guiding this journey, with many more stories about their impactful work to share throughout the week. Formerly known as the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), Unbound is renowned for its transformative sponsorship programs. These initiatives provide direct financial support and invaluable encouragement to children, families, and the elderly living on the margins of society, fostering dignity and self-reliance.
Unbound operates in 21 countries across the globe, reaching over 300,000 individuals—children, youth, and elderly—thanks to the generous support of more than 270,000 dedicated sponsors. Their work, however, extends far beyond simple sponsorship. Unbound empowers communities through local teams on the ground, who collaborate with residents to establish and run community-based support groups, micro-lending programs, and various other initiatives. This grassroots approach ensures that aid is not just delivered but is integrated into the fabric of the community, fostering sustainable development and self-sufficiency from within. They believe in the power of local leadership and the inherent capacity of individuals to drive change in their own lives.
While many excellent non-profits offer child sponsorship programs globally, one distinctive aspect drew me to Unbound years ago: their inclusive approach extends sponsorship opportunities not only to children and youth but also to “aging friends”—elderly individuals who often face unique vulnerabilities and are sometimes overlooked in humanitarian efforts. This dedication to supporting the senior members of society deeply resonates with me, as I hold immense admiration for the wisdom and experience of older generations.
Earlier this year, I had made a personal commitment, one of 31 things on my annual list, to sponsor a child in a foreign country, following the graduation of my last sponsored child from her program in Africa. As I prepared to fulfill this goal, Unbound came to mind, and I made a conscious decision to shift my focus. Instead, I signed up to sponsor an “aging friend” through their program. For those interested, a sponsorship costs a modest $30 per month, an investment that creates a profound impact. It was shortly after this decision that the invitation for *this very trip* materialized, a serendipitous alignment that felt incredibly meaningful.
My El Salvador Expedition: An Unforgettable Journey with Unbound
Whether it’s serendipity or destiny, this trip feels perfectly orchestrated. For some time, I’d been discussing with my friend Sara, who works at Unbound, my deep desire to join her on a work trip to witness their operations firsthand. To my delight, just a few weeks later, she informed me that Unbound was planning their first-ever “blogger trip,” and I was invited. The rest, as they say, is history, and now, we are just under 48 hours away from departure! My excitement is palpable.
We have a meticulously planned itinerary, brimming with enriching activities. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to cook and share meals with local families. There’s something uniquely powerful about breaking bread together, fostering connections over traditional dishes. I’m especially crossing my fingers that they’ll teach me the art of making pupusas, so I can bring that culinary knowledge back and share it with all of you! But beyond the cultural immersion, I am most thrilled about a profoundly personal moment: I will finally get to meet my sponsored “aging friend,” Josefa.
I recently shared this with some friends, remarking on how wonderfully “backwards” this experience feels. Typically, when my friends sponsor a child, their connection deepens over years through letters, with an in-person meeting perhaps occurring much later, if at all. With Josefa, I have the incredible privilege of meeting her within my first month of sponsorship. This accelerated connection is truly special, and I eagerly anticipate it being the foundation of a lasting friendship for years to come. This direct encounter underscores Unbound’s commitment to fostering genuine, person-to-person relationships, a cornerstone of their impactful work.
As I mentioned, I depart on Sunday, with an uncomfortably early 3:45 AM flight – oof! Fortunately, it sounds like our accommodation will have wireless access, allowing me to share updates in real-time. I plan to upload photos to my Instagram (be sure to follow the hashtag #BlogUnbound for live updates) and hopefully even publish a blog post or two during my stay. This way, you can all follow along and experience a slice of this incredible journey with me.
Whew! That was a comprehensive update. Thank you for taking the time to read through my reflections and anticipation. If you have any questions about Unbound, the trip, or simply wish to share thoughts or words of wisdom about the endeavors that truly make your heart beat, I would be delighted to hear from you in the comments below. Your insights and support mean the world to me. Together, we can explore the power of human connection and the remarkable impact of compassionate action.
Hasta luego, amigos! (See you later, friends!)
Disclaimer: This post is part of a sponsored blogger trip by Unbound. While Unbound is covering my travel costs, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own and remain authentic to my experiences and beliefs. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to travel with and learn from such an impactful organization.