Lent Photo a Day: Buddies

This is me with Mauricio, Mauricio was one of the first people I met when we arrived in Colombia. He and I quickly became close. He calls me his big sister and he is my little brother. This photo was at a special event at our church - that is why we are both dressed up. Lots of fun memories wrapped-up in this photo. 

Lent Photo a Day: Mauricio's Artwork

Mauricio is a young man who works with us in IELCO's office in Bogota. He does a lot of the graphic design for the publications of IELCO, and is a very talented artist. He made these drawings for us, on the left is for Katie and on the right is for me.

Lent Photo a Day: Cate's Graduation

One of the things that I will always remember about Colombia has been the times that we have been invited into the special moments of different people's lives. This photo was the graduation of Cate, where I was invited to support her with her family. This photo was taken during lunch after. A very special memory indeed. 

Lent Photo a Day: Abilio and John

Here I am with Abilio (in the middle) and Pastor John (right) at the end of the conference last year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Medellin outcome documents. They were both main organizers of the conference and have accompanied me in so many ways these years in Colombia. Two people I am grateful to know.

Lent Photo a Day: Our Office

The last several months the central office of IELCO (where we both work) has been under construction with some remodeling and updating projects. This was the celebration of the inauguration of the new meeting room (the first room that was finished). These are some of the wonderful people we work with!   

Lent Photo a Day: Sustainable Community Development

As I got more acquainted with the context of IELCO, I realized that a way that I could accompany local congregations was through community development. I found a certificate program at Colorado State University, and the ELCA supported me taking the courses. Last year I finished the courses, and have been able to put into practice with IELCO congregations much of what I learned during the certificate program.

Lent Photo a Day: A good reminder

We all have days where we wonder if what we are doing is worth it, right (please don't tell me I am the only one). This picture is one of my reminders that sometimes what I am doing matters. This is Leidy and the photo is from the national retreat for Christian Formation, we hadn't formally met before this retreat. She came up to me and said I had led a workshop with her son, and he would be so excited if we could take a picture together to send to him. It was a needed affirmation in that moment and has stuck with me.