From journeying to our Colombian destination in the midst of public protests and a violent strike to partying with all the teenagers at our first Quinceñera, my first few weeks here in Planeta Rica have been quite the adventure. Definitely with its ups though not lacking in downs. With 95 degree temperatures persisting at ALL times and a humidity that gives Arkansas summers a run for their money, we dwell in a state of sweat. Additionally, not a soul in this town speaks English.
Despite this, The Christian Center of Love and Faith has welcomed us with warm (literally) arms. So far, we have taught their children, taught the youth group, taught English classes, shared testimonies, visited shut-ins, and attended church services, prayer meetings and home bible studies. We have been embraced by and adopted the friendly Latin culture, drank lots of fresh juices, eaten plantains in a million different forms, had dance class, learned a lot of Spanish, and maneuvered our way around town.
Thankfully, neither our busy schedule nor the language barrier have been a hinderance to forming relationships. Our God is much bigger than that!
Nine-year-old Valeria has a sweet round face and long brown hair past her bottom. Her face is always donning a grin, and she is always holding my hand. I have the DuoLingo app for Spanish on my phone and she has it for English. Most of our conversations involve pointing and “Como se dice…?” (How do you say…?) She loves me so much and really for no reason. We do not understand one another the majority of the time. But I do understand that smile. Her face lights up when I enter the room and she runs to me and hugs me, every time, without fail.
I am convinced that eight-year-old Andres is the sweetest little teddy bear in all of Colombia. He has not quite lost all of his baby fat and his chubby little cheeks are the kind you want to pinch off. My first night in his family’s home I stood at the hand washing station in the backyard scrubbing away at my delicates, and I felt two little hands wrap around me. He hugged me so big. I leaned down and he kissed me on the cheek, and that has been our routine ever since. We were driving in his family’s car yesterday and he sat in the middle holding my hand and leaned his head on me to fall asleep. The first week, he knocked on our door everyday at 6am holding crackers or apples or some kind of snack to deliver. (Adorable, but thank God that wake up call only lasted a few days!) There is no doubt that he loves me.
Lucia, the pastor’s wife, is absolutely beautiful. Colombian people are just gorgeous. She asked me to do her makeup for church so we sat in her living room playing beauty parlor with her complete trust in someone she just met. She also cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner, hosting us in her home.
The women at the church dress up fancy for the Sunday evening service and want to take pictures with all of the World Racers. We are rocking the World Race signature grunge look, but they are SO happy to have our pictures. These same sweet women surprised us with a day of pampering offering us a manicure or pedicure. They were literally scrubbing Africa off some of the girls feet. Its a risk to compliment these women on anything they are wearing or they will want to give it away to you! Such hearts of service and hospitality.
I can only pray that my love for others be as evident as what I have experienced here. Love should not be something of question but something of certainty. I am certain that Andres and Valeria love me. I know that Lucia and the women at the church love us. Their actions speak so loudly. Thank goodness those are louder than words, because I definitely do not understand español.
Prayers for rain in Planeta Rica’s drought, homesickness, and my ministry team would be greatly appreciated.
