We walked into our ministry doors at the beginning of the month and didn’t leave the building for a few days. We didn’t go outside. We did nothing. It sort of, kind of, really felt like we were in prison. The windows are barred to prevent people from breaking in and we were told that we absolutely can’t go anywhere in Bogota without being with a local.
Yikes.
It thought it was going to be a tough month. But I was wrong. Way wrong.
We began working with the kids that live in the area right away, and I fell in love with six year old AnaMaria after she ran into my arms upon seeing me and gave me a HUGE hug. This girl was desperate. So many kids here are desperate for love, something that they don’t experience a lot of at home.
Here is AnaMaria on the left and AnaSophia on the right. They are friends who would come to our ministry site for lunch and an after school program. Both girls are sponsored for their meals and education.
One day I cried as I watched Aurora, a local in her mid-fifties, cook for all of us with the biggest smile on her face. I have never seen anyone work so joyfully. It’s as if God was physically alongside of her and she couldn’t help but smile in his presence. Oh, to consistently have that joy!
Me and Aurura were pals by the end of the month. 🙂 Here we are with Es at the end of our time in Colombia.
Amanda, a native Bogotan, selflessly serves those around her, and the kids look up to her as a big sister. She could be doing anything in life but she makes sure that all of the kids who visit our ministry site have another person to love them unconditionally. She was taken off the streets by our ministry host Lucy and has since brought her sister, brother, and dad to the Lord.
Mandy and me at our ministry site.
Lucy and Ricardo, our ministry hosts, listened to a calling God put on their lives several years ago, and because of that so many kids in the area have a place to go discover Jesus and get food in their tummies. They are another Mama and Papa who keep the doors here open for so many kids.
Here I am giving Lucy a goodbye hug.
I have never seen God’s kingdom on earth like I have seen it here in Colombia. I’ve witnessed the broken comforted. I’ve seen the joy of the Lord spread across the face of those who seemingly have nothing. I have witnessed a community of believers carry their load but share each others burdens. And I have seen the light of Christ come alive in kids as they joyfully overcome their circumstances to celebrate the beautiful life that is only made possible through the love of Christ.
There is so much more that I’ve seen that I can’t even begin to describe. And as much as I would love to tell you exactly how full my heart feels and why I’m never going to be the same, I couldn’t possibly come up with the words to do it justice.
I’m wondering though; If we weren’t ‘stuck’ inside of these walls so much, would my eyes have noticed everything I have seen, or would I have been distracted by everything this huge city has to offer. I’m thinking that God was very intentional in keeping me here. He wanted to break my heart for what breaks his, and allow me to see his kingdom through his eyes.
And that I have.
Gracias Dios.
More photos from the month:
Mixing concrete to help fix a roof onto a house.
Coloring with some of the local kids.
They let me sit at their table…on a Wednesday…and I wasn’t wearing pink.
My girl AnaMaria and me overlooking the city of Bogota.
Bogota was blanketed in fog one morning and because our ministry site was high above the city, we got a different perspective.
Saying goodbye to my team Bold Radiance after four great months together on the Race.
Our entire squad got together at the end of the month for a debrief in Bogota where we met our new coaches Deon and Rynette (ends).
Goodbye Bold Radiance(halloween party), hello new team, Boxcar Children!
