here or there?

The minimum monthly income per household in El Salvador is $238 (and the take-home pay is less than $200) -- if you work in retail or services. For those who work in the campo, it is $85.50*.

As my time begins to come to a close here, money has been on my mind. How close have I stayed to my budget, for example. How do I steward those funds I was so generously given a year ago?

These Money Matters were something I was really intentional with when I came down. I wanted to live simply, to live in solidarity, with the people here. To go as deep as I could, to understand more. So I budgeted low and have been able to be faithful to it for the most part.

And at the same time, my experience is so different. In addition to my small weekly allowance, I had funds to go to the states twice while I was here -- to renew my visa but also to see family, friends, my boyfriend. What a huge privilege. Families here are often split between El Salvador and the States, with (usually) the dad sending money back to support his family, while the mom works, raises kids, and takes care of all those household things. Many many people are in the states illegally and so visiting is impossible. Not only did I have the funds to go back, but I had the paperwork!

This week, I have been worried about my budget. How to see all of the people I want to see before I go (many not in Suchi and so requiring money for bus fare, for lunch etc...), little good bye things I want to do for people here. How to live simply, intentionally, and also take advantage of my time here. It's a delicate balance -- and one that strikes me with my privilege, with my resources every time I think about it. Because for me, it is a choice. I do have the resources to do those little things that many many people don't. As I have worried, I have been gifted by little circumstances that have called me back: the boat not running across the lake both days I went to school this week so being given free rides in pick ups by others who were driving to town, a friend taking me out to dinner last night, another friend paying my bus fare on the way to the capitol. I have been relieved from my financial worries by these dollar or twos here and there, but even more struck by this unsolicited generosity and called back to relationships, friendships, the importance of going beyond my own immediate "best" interest

It makes me think of the generosity of people here, their open hearts homes and hands. And it illuminates the real question: how do I live in solidarity (and so simply) and be as generous with all of my resources as my friends here are with theirs. That, I think, changes the questions. It is important to stay in budget, to not spend beyond ones means, but it is also important to give generously.

I was listening to a podcast last week from The Psych Files and it was talking about a study done on the phrase "It is better to give than to receive." They found that people, once their basic needs were met, were happier if they spent money on gifts for others or gave to charities rather than something for themselves.

It's a balance, and a heart attitude. If the woman in the temple could give her last two coins, what can I give? and how?

*http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=43355