Por la PAZ!

Yesterday I ran with the liberty torch under the burning rays of the Salvadoran sun. The liberty torch is a way to celebrate independence day throughout Central America. It passes from school to school throughout all of the Central American countries. According to The Costa Rica News: 

During its tour of El Salvador, the torch will be carried by more than 40,000 students from various schools, “to encourage them to develop values ​​of peace, brotherhood and citizenship."

Right on! I went with a group of students from my school, including some of my 9th graders. My favorite part was when they pass the flame the students yell "Por la paz!" 

Decorations at the school. The kids hang out during one of the 129482 recesses.  

My student Alfredo with the homemade torch. Each school has their own torch. 

The kids. 

So excited! 

It was so difficult to rangle them into a picture with me. 

Here comes the other school! 

Pass the flame. POR LA PAZ!

Here we go! 

The actual run ended up with about 6 kids who ran at a dead sprint ahead of everyone else, only stopping when the flame went out to relight. Me and my teacher friend were struggling to keep up. My short little legs were not made for running! At one point we were running down the mountain side and I thought for sure I was going to wipe out. When the police escort finally decided to pass us up we thought it'd be best if we hopped on the back of a pick up. We arrived to cheers, and some people shaming us with "Ya no vale!" Oh well! At least we took some great pics!