On January 31 and February 1, Nuestro Ahora welcomed three new first year students into its university program, officially beginning the new academic semester. Four students in all, Celsa, Magdalena, Maricela, and Mirian, in addition to two of our local program staff, Odilia and Vickie, traveled by bus to Suchitoto, Cuscatlan to discuss plans and talk about goals for the upcoming semester. The weekend in Suchitoto included time for individual reflection, Mass Saturday evening, community building, and fun, as well as a chance to take in the local culture and sights. We stayed at the beautiful and inspirational Center for Art and Peace begun by Sr. Peggy O'Neil (Vickie's former theology professor at the UCA), which provided a great escape from the often chaotic and bustling pace of city life in San Salvador. You can follow our weekend in the picture tour below. . .
After lunch overlooking Lake Suchitlan
The Hostel at Sister Peggy's "Center for Art & Peace"
Lots of Plans! . . .Discussing Expectations and Sharing Goals for the Coming Semester
And Lots of Paperwork!
Mirian, Celsa, and Maricela Hanging Out :)
Our Group after Mass Saturday Evening. . .Vickie, Magda, Odilia, Maricela, Celsa, and Mirian
Waiting for Pupusas (Dinner)
Mirian and Maricela with Suchitoto's Park and Cathedral in the Background
Having Fun with Modern Art
Looking at Some Amazing Photos, taken by local kids from Suchitoto, as part of one of Sister Peggy's "Center for Art and Peace" community projects
Maricela, Mirian, Celsa, Magda, and Odilia 
On Sunday Afternoon, we visited Lake Suchitlan. . .El Salvador's Largest Lake
Beauty.
