Colombia Fun Facts:
- Colombia is the size of Spain, France and Portugal combined.
- $1 = $2,000 Colombian pesos. I currently have a $20,000 bill in my wallet! J
- Around 60% of urban Colombians live in poverty and the figure is 80% in rural areas.
- Lonely Planet calls Cartagena, “Colombia’s most romantic and perfectly preserved colonial city. A fairy-tale city of romance, legends and sheer beauty.” I agree! One of the most beautiful cities I have visited.
Ministry: Alex Rocha Ministry
Alex grew up on the streets in one of the poorer neighborhoods of Cartagena. He was involved in gangs and drugs until the age of 24. He changed his life around and now lives daily for God. He has raised his six children to love and follow Jesus Christ. He has a lovely family and his dream of the youth center became a reality two years ago. He makes relationships with the kids on the streets through soccer, basketball, and English lessons. His wife teaches Sunday school at the youth center on Sundays and his daughters teach English classes four times a week. This family lives to show other Christ’s love. They are constantly helping and loving their neighbors. Alex is also a tour guide in Cartagena. His smile is contagious. Alex Rocha is the example of “living mission” (book by Scott Bessenecker).
Each day ministry looks different. We have played soccer, kickball, and basketball with the kids. We have taught and helped out with the afternoon English classes, prayed over sick or injured neighbors, and did a Sunday morning kids program. This week we will help out with a construction project and try to start doing more worship nights, give our testimonies and Bible studies.
Living: Team Open Arms has been paired up with Team Tonka this month. Team Tonka has three guys, so it has been fun to have guys around! We are thankful for them too, it helps us feel safer walking around. Anytime we walk anywhere some of Alex’s family members or friends walk with us too. We are safe with the locals and our men! We are staying at the youth center. The youth center consists of three rooms and one bathroom.
The main room has a refrigerator, two computers, chairs and a white board. This is where team Tonka sleeps. They have to pick up their sleeping pads and sleeping bags every day, so we can use the room for breakfast, English classes and to hang out. The middle room is very small and houses the backpacks, Sam and Susan (married couple) and the water for the bathroom. The back room is where Team Open Arms is sleeping. We share the room with cabinets and a giant t-shirt printing machine. Haley, Bethany, Amy and I are side by side up against one wall, while Shelby, Molly and Kelsey (squad leader) are up against each other. There is a very small path to the bathroom. We have a mouse that likes to make daily appearances. One night it ran across Amy’s face and then ran across my chest!!!!! (I may have screamed a lot along with the rest of the room.) True story: As I just typed that sentence the little guy just scurried right by me! (I did not scream; I am over him and his mouse antics.)
We also have air conditioning, ants and leaks, but I am so thankful for a safe place to live. I feel safe here. The city of Cartagena is split into six socioeconomic “levels” if you will or districts. If you live in the tourist part of town (old town) or where all the skyscrapers are that would be considered level six. We are living in level one. Alex and his family live in level two.
Thank you for all the prayers for safety. I feel them and God’s presence daily. I apologize for not posting many pictures on the blog, but feel free to friend me on Facebook to see some pictures of Cartagena. It is not safe to get out a camera in our neighborhood, so all pictures are of the tourist section-which is beautiful!
And lastly, I am no longer the team treasure, but starting this month the team leader. I am so thankful for Team Open Arms and love each woman on my team dearly. They bring so much wisdom, insight, love and fun to my life daily. God knew we needed to be together to challenge one another and to help each of us grow in our relationship with Him. Please keep us (Molly B., Haley, Shelby, Amy, Bethany and myself) in your prayers. Thank you!
