Tibby: Women's Small Buinesses Volunteer

Let me open with a poem, since it is, after all Poetry Mondays at the CIS. At the end of the poem “I know why the caged bird sings” by Maya Angelou, it says…

“The caged bird sings with

A fearful trill of things unknown
But longed for still and his
Tune is heard on the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom.”

Are we caged birds, caged by what? These big questions and more occupy my mind here in El Salvador. Caged by society, international oppression by Core countries like the U.S.(a little Dependency Theory for ya), and our circumstances which I see firsthand here in the communities that I visit with the CIS. I have amazingly, wonderful, eye-opening opportunities to work closely with 2 communities “caged” in different ways, Comunidad Romero and San Isidro. But with the support of the CIS (including MEEEE!!) and the initiative of some kick-ass women we’re learning to grow vegetables and indigo organically to combat some of these disadvantages that exist here. Break down the cage, however you can! 

What is the unknown, and why does it call to us? El Salvador was certainly unknown to me, and I would be lying to say that I wasn’t nervous coming to live here. My largest fear is not being liked, fitting in, and being able to build a community of friends. Getting to know new people and deeply sharing our perspectives is one of the beauties of life that calls to me. I have found El Salvador to be the place that I was meant to be at this time in my life; it is really, truly, a blessing to be here. Why? I guess you have to come here to find out!

Ok, now I guess I’ll introduce myself. Hi! I’m Elisabeth Miller, but everyone calls me Tibby. I volunteer at the CIS through Brethren Volunteer Service, and will be here for 2 years. I am so so so excited to see what this time will bring, and to be a part of such good work going on in the world.

Let us sing of freedom!