Richard and I have been in Colombia for just over a month and we are still settling in. We continue searching for an apartment, struggling to figure out the cell phone system, learning the names of common vegetables, and finding our way around Barranquilla. We still hav
e a lot to learn. Sometimes that can be frustrating...
What we have found is that the best way t
o combat our frustration is to give thanks each day for the thin
gs we have learned, the kindnesses people have shown us, the things we do well, and the blessings that are showered upon us. For instance, I have my "angel of the day." In a country whose people have every right to fear unknown people in their midst, I have found a remarkable willingness to talk and/or show help. From a tap on the shoulder from a woman I had never met offering me an eraser, to a proud citizen telling me about things to see in his home town, to a fairly critical bathroom stop, people have shown that hospitality is truly one of the best gifts that one can give.
We felt that as clearly in our recent trip around Uraba Presbytery as we have anywhere. At their 7th Annual Men's Gathering we were given the best rooms with mosquito netting, and folks made sure we always had enough to eat. We were invited to sing songs (in English), participate in small group conversations about service and family, and to swim in the nearby watering hole. As we continued our tour we stayed in people's homes, generally displacing them from their own rooms and beds, always with the assurance that they were much more comfortable on the floor with no fan. We saw beauty beyond compare, heard stories that could lift your spirits and break your heart, and look forward to going back for another visit soon. We have more stories and pictures on our blog so please check in there as well.
We continue to learn what our work will be here, but much of that comes along simply as we live our lives here day by day. The chance to visit a community of displaced persons, the opportunity to offer translating help, visiting churches around the country, to preach, to sing, to share. We are grateful for the leadership of the women and men of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia (IPC) as they work to spread the Good News through word and deed.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving we ask one favor of you, that you add into prayer friends of ours who lost their husband/father suddenly two weeks ago.
David Knauert and his family were to leave for Brazil to teach in a seminary in Sao Paolo, but while he was out jogging he collapsed and died. David was 38 years old and his wife Leigh and their four children will miss him terribly. He was a great gift to us in the time we knew him, and though we cannot understand why this happened, we do give thanks for his life and his witness and the time we shared with him.
We appreciate your support, Happy Thanksgiving, blessings at the start of this Advent season, and start saving up for a visit!
Peace~
Mamie and Richard
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