Colombia: Through my eyes (Day 7)

July 29, 2011

Cartagena, Colombia

God is so good! Today I woke up feeling decent for the 1^st time in 4 days. I decided to go back to our work site since we were just going to be there for a ½ day to do a service project. I was so glad that I was able to fully devote myself to our mission on the last day we were here. Of course we received another warm welcome from los ninos. There was another prayer and another dance. Patricia found me again, as well as another girl named Mari. We became best friends instantly. At the end of the dance all the children we were sitting by pulled us up to go dance, too. I am not a dancer at all, but Mari was patiently teaching me, and I had so much fun. It was the highlight of my day. After that she didn’t leave my side.

We painted nails (and I got my nails painted a very un-Jess-like bright blue…haha), blew bubbles, colored, and did hair. Some girls on the team got some really cool hairstyles, while others were more….uh, interesting. :) Some kids played football, others soccer, and most the girls did crafts. It was just a great bonding experience for all of us.

Then we got to do a little painting at the center. Some of the walls looked like they could really use a new coat of paint. The children helped us paint, too, and it was really just another great opportunity to bond. Since there weren’t as many kids there today, our team was able to get more one on one time and I took this chance to get to know more about Mari and Patricia. A translator had to help us a few times, but the conversation was great. The nice thing about the older kids is that they understand we don’t know much Spanish, and they are very patient. Mari disappeared for about an hour while I was painting with several other girls, and I found out that she was with another member of the team who brought materials for friendship bracelets. She made me this beautiful bracelet and planned for another girl to take a picture of her putting it on me. I started crying, of course. It was the sweetest thing ever. I still can’t believe the generosity and thoughtfulness of these children. Leaving was very hard, but once again, I took comfort in the fact that we made a positive impact in these children’s lives, and just like in Barranquilla, it is obvious that these children are loved and cared for.

After we left our site (more tears!) we rode on a traditional bus to the market. One of my favorite things about the market is bartering, but these people were tough. I never paid full price for anything, but I didn’t get anything really cheap, either. However, I got some really great souvenirs for my family. Sometimes I felt a little bad about the bartering business, but the locals reminded us that it is part of their culture.

We were surprised tonight, leaving for dinner, to find 10 horse-drawn carriages all lined up down the street for us! Compassion was treating us to a carriage ride and a delicious dinner in the walled city. The food was unbelievable. Especially the tiramisu. I didn’t want to push it, so I only ate a little bit but I loved it. We got some great pictures of that historic area, too.

We finished the night off, as usual, with our team meeting and worship. The relationships we have formed in only 7 days are truly orchestrated by God. This team is made up of the most dedicated, passionate, God-loving people, and I am so blessed to be among them. I’ve definitely made a lot of lifelong friends here. Going home may be more of a challenge than leaving home. I’m finishing up my packing now, and it’s 1 am. This 6 am departure is gonna come way too soon!

from Jess, with love
always