We’re here, we’ve made it. It’s better than anything I could’ve imagined.
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My team and I were placed in a town called Filandia, Colombia. A town remembered by her brightly colored homes, surplus of coffee, and the beauty of her people.
Filandia is a city on a hill. Her streets are adorned with joyful music, the smell of fresh baked goods and the hearts of her people. She has room for the lost, broken and stray. Her roads break to show a tease of the rolling blue mountains, daring those who gaze upon the glimpse it to take in the full expanse of the hills.
One of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen.
As we ventured around the town yesterday, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the father. I saw him so clearly in the broken paths, the deep eyes of his people, the simplicity of a greeting. His handiwork is littered all over this place, I feel spoiled to be apart of it.
This month, a large portion of ministry looks like loving on kids. We will be spending time at La Foundacion, at a nearby farm school, and at a local youth group. Our host’s, Ason and Karson, have done an amazing job of setting us up. We will be spending two weeks working with them and then will continue on into ATL (Ask the Lord) in a new area.
One of my favorite ministry’s that we get to be a part of is called La Foundacion. This is a program created by Ason and Karson to minister to children in Filandia. They provide classes that teach the children English, creativity and about who Jesus is. Through fun, deep love and food; Karson and Ason have been able to reach over 30 children in the area. We get to serve these sweet babes through classes and children’s church on Sunday’s. I am so excited to love alongside of such passionate people.
This is one of the children that attends La Foundacion, Luis Fernando. He is kind, gentle hearted, spunky and “seis” years old. He loves to play games and has a sweet demeanor. We became pals after playing some rousing games of uno and ninja. I feel honored to be able to get to know him.
Month one is off to a great start. I am so thankful to have been placed on this team and serve with these amazing women.
Some fun things we have been learning include (but are not limited to):
-the children may laugh at your poor Spanish skills
-city busses are not that scary
-drivers in Colombia are scary
-empanadas. Enough said.
It’s exciting to be here, I feel so psyched to learn about the ways Jesus reveals himself to these people.
I have made it my personal goal to figure out the things that are important to these people based off of conversations, sermons and overall observations. So far, I’ve noticed a strong desire to bring people in. I noticed this through how willing people are to have a conversation and how good they are at inviting it! They stand in the doorways of their businesses eager to greet those that pass by. A moment that stood out to me was when we were driving back from one of our ministry points in Armenia, Colombia and stopped by a gas station. Upon arriving, our precious driver Enrique (whom we so lovingly call Enrique Iglesias), had three conversations with other people before exiting the vehicle. One of the gals on my team made the comparison to America and how we often try to not engage with others, especially at a gas station.
As you go about your week, I hope you take a moment to say hello to the folks around you. It’s a sweet thing to be alive together.
Here are some specific things that we need prayer for:
– The people of Filandia; that their hearts would be softened toward the love of the father.
– Prayer against legalism, prayer for freedom.
– Prayer for the children and families in the farming areas; for provision in their crops and deliverance from poverty.
Love you all.
In joy,
Allie
