This past weekend I had a particularly memorable and awesome day. It was "Day of the Children" here in Colombia, and to say the least, we celebrated. We woke up nice and early on a Saturday morning to go volunteering with a group of student from Universidad Del Norte. The program is called "High Five" and the purpose is to teach English to young Colombian kids in nearby towns. It was my first time, but what an appropriate day to start.
Through English-Twister, pictionary, and a bunch of other silly games, I made some great little friends.
Through English-Twister, pictionary, and a bunch of other silly games, I made some great little friends.
I had a great time getting to know all the kids, and they had a great time eating the Oreos I brought for them. We formed some relationships that made me thrilled to return the next weekend. We said goodbye and flagged down a cab in the tiny little town of Salgar (not easy), speeding back to my house to hop in the pool. Barranquilla has been experiencing a heat flash for the last week or two, and it's about to become arroyo season (flooding seasons) so you can imagine, in these days, we live in that pool.
I spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool with the whole gang - my host parents (featured above), two of my good friends (Naomi from Canada, Oumayma from Morocco), my host aunt and uncle, the women who clean the houses, Luz and Rosa, and all the many animals that are lucky enough to live there. We learned how to open a coconut using a machete, watched Oumayma teach my host dad a bit about his Arab roots through the art of dance, enjoyed the deliciousness of fresh coconut water, and made great conversation until the sun went down.
We tried to convince Oumayma to stay the night, but contrary to popular belief, we do still study here in Colombia and she had a test coming up. Naomi and I hopped in my aunt and uncle's car to bring Oumayma home. Just as we were heading back home, my uncle pulled into the McDonalds drive thru which they hilariously call "Auto Mac". He told us to order ice cream. And when we got it, he turned around to us in the back seat and said in Spanish "Happy Day of the Children, children." It was incredibly sweet, and a great reminder of how much my host family cares about me and my friends.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God's plan was definitely for me to be in this country, in this city, living with this family, right at this time. I'm so blessed! With just a month left here, I have to stop and really appreciate everything, every chance I get.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God's plan was definitely for me to be in this country, in this city, living with this family, right at this time. I'm so blessed! With just a month left here, I have to stop and really appreciate everything, every chance I get.