The rain finally stopped…hooray!
The “house-arrest” restriction was lifted on Friday morning, so Friday afternoon was spent laying out by the pool at the Sheraton hotel in San Salvador, eating a quarter-pounder from McDonald’s, and just enjoying the company of other people. Friday night was spent out on the town 
Late night McDonald's run...yes that is Saul our private driver.
FOOD! Yes, we are also in a Mercedes...long story. Talk about Posh Corps...
In the aftermath of the storm the country is slowly tallying up the damage and taking initial measures to get itself back in working order.
- Currently 49,000-50,000 people who were evacuated are in shelters.
- USAID and the US Embassy are working with the local government to help with relief efforts, and aid is coming in from all over the country.
- The UN reports that there are 3,943 houses at risk; 489 houses partially damaged; and 85 completely damaged (Note: these are initial assessments– more are likely to be reported as assessment continues)
- Two of the three crossings between Guatemala and El Salvador are closed making travel difficult.
Though still not 100%, things are starting to return to normal here. Back to work today teaching English, giving an HIV/AIDS workshop tomorrow in a neighboring volunteer’s site, visiting one of the new volunteers in my region for her introductory town meeting on Thursday, and finishing up the logistics for my upcoming HIV workshop in November, and getting my resume put together (let the job hunting begin… *insert heavy sigh of exasperation here*).
Less than 5 months of Peace Corps service left. The clock is ticking away! I plan on working hard and playing hard while I still have the chance. It will be over before I know it! Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me this far…we are on the home stretch now!!!
