Thirst

Colombia has been experiencing quite a drought this year. This drought has contributed to a number of communities being displaced from their land, as well as the heightened reality of thirst and hunger in La Guajira, a desert in northern Colombia.

The word for today, "thirst", reminded me of this reality here in Colombia, as well as to consider the importance of water for all aspects of life.

Our water jug. Photo by Katie. 

Celebrate

Today we were able to celebrate friendship with Pastor Atahualpa, Pastor Angelica and their daughters, along with two visitors: Bishop Musa from South Africa and Pastor Raj from India. After worship we all went out to lunch.

Photo of all of us out to lunch. Unfortunately the waiter taking the photo cut out Pastor Raj, and Atahualpa and Angelica's daughter Mariana doesn't like photos, so hid under the table. 

Heal

Curtis and I both decided to take today, Saturday, as a resting/healing day. We have had an intense January and February, and with the IELCO National Assembly in one week, we wanted to start the week with clear and rested minds. 

We spent part of the day drinking coffee and reading on our terrace.

See

When we first arrived in Colombia, Katie and I were lucky enough to find an apartment just five blocks from the IELCO offices. That means the days we work from the office we are able to walk to work. Quite a blessing. On the walk we pass by and "see" this park, always full of various activities. From soccer, to security guard training, to children playing with their dogs and fruit juice vendors.

The park during the lunchtime break. Photo by Curtis.

Joy

Jenny and Cate are wonderful young women. After knowing me for awhile they told me after they had met me for the first time, they left and said, awe, that poor girl, she speaks so slowly. It was true, and extremely funny when they told me. I was learning Spanish at a very beginner level, and had to think very carefully about every word that I said, I did speak slowly. They (like so many others) have been so gracious, patient, and kind. I thoroughly enjoy them. When they asked me if I would help them with their English, I couldn't say no. Now, Thursday afternoons are a time I look forward to, always filled with joy and lots of laughing as we practice English. 

P.S. It is with lots of joy, I thank you for your prayers for rain, it rained today and yesterday. Very needed!

Jenny (blue glasses), me in the middle, and Cate (pink glasses), photo by Curtis

Shelter

Bogota is divided into a stratified system of housing. What area of the city you live in will determine what "strata" you are in. The "strata" ranging from 1(low) to 6(high) will define the price you pay for services such as electricity, water, even internet/cable. 

The word for today, "shelter," reminded me of this system, and all of the different shelter's that people live in. 

Me standing on the balcony of our apartment. Photo by Katie. 

Covenant

As I was thinking about covenant, I was hoping it would rain today and there would be a rainbow I could take a picture of - what better reminder of a covenant than a rainbow - but no such luck (please pray for rain, it is still desperately needed here). I thought about other important covenants, and of course I thought about marriage. This is a photo of the wedding vows Curtis and I made at our wedding seven and a half years (wow) ago. 

The inside cover of our 'bucket list' book.