Marakuya, Arequipe, and a visit to The Jungle!!

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I!  Send me."  Isaiah 6:8

 I've arrived in Bogota!!!!  My first week here has been like a whirlwind and I am learning so much about Colombia, El Camino, and about trusting the Lord for provision :-) 

What I've learned about Colombia:
They have many delicious fruits including Marakuya, Arequipe, and Lulu to name just a few!!  I've also learned to make my own fruit juice from scratch :-)
Eggs and Milk do not need to be refrigerated!!
Riding the TransMilenio (their public transportation system) is crazy crowded - Don't know why I ever complained about the Metra or the Loop back home!!
They love to greet one another - so I have had lots of practice with saying "Beunas Dias/Tardes" to EVERYONE I see.   


Above is the view from my apartment building :-)  What a blessing it is to wake up to this picture of God's beautiful creation in the morning!

Here are some pictures from inside my apartment - kitchen, living room, etc.  Interesting beginning to life in Bogota - I was locked out of my apartment with all of my things inside for the first two days of my arrival!  (I know - what a way to start off my time here in a foreign country!!)  After having to spend two days living in the same outfit, God has really taught me to trust him to provide, as He did so through the wonderful teachers at ECA who gave me a toothbrush, and something to sleep in :-) 

This past Saturday, or yesterday, I had the opportunity to go and serve at one of the places our 9th graders will be serving at this school year!!!  It is called The Jungle, and their ministry is to take care of kids who live on the street here on the southside of Bogota.  They come from broken homes that include prostitution, sexual abuse, drugs, and other horrible family situations that have put them on the street.  These precious children lacked basic human needs such as water, food, and positive human touch.  I think I spent the entire time there with a child wrapped around my waist in some way!!!!!  We spent the morning playing with about 100 of them, giving them lots of hugs and tickles.  Then, we sang songs about Jesus' love and had a bible lesson/craft on the 10 commandments.  Lastly, we sent them away with a hot dog and drink to fill their hungry stomaches.  While we were there, we took turns going across the street and had constant intercessory prayer being lifted up for this minsitry.  I was so humbled to see the devastation and affects sin has had on the world in this way.  The hurt and pain that these children are going through is really hard to see.  However, they also had hope and light in their eyes as we told them about Jesus and that there was someone who really cared about them.  What a simple way to be the arms, hands, and feet of Christ to these little ones.  How many times have I missed opportunities back in the USA to minister to people who are hurting in my own country??  They are easy words to say, 'Here am I.  Send me!!" but, how often I miss the chance to sacrifice my time to go and help someone else who really needs it!!  Praying that God would open my eyes, all of our eyes, and make our hearts willing to be compassionate to those in need :-)  The work of the Jungle ministry was so encouraging to me and the people who pour their lives into this ministry are a blessing from the Lord!!!!  I came away feeling exhausted, yet amazed at how God is working in these children's lives :-)

Lastly, I leave you with a picture of my classroom!!  I have been able to start working and preparing for the Lord's work for this upcoming school year, and had a the opportunity to meet two of my students :-)

Prayers/Praises
We finally have hot water in our apartment!!!   Praise the Lord :-)

That I would get the rest that I need in Jesus as I head into a full week of orientation and planning.

That I would prioritize my individual time w/ God and His Word,  as I get settled here in Bogota :-)

A teaching need that ECA has had been fulfilled by a member of the Orchard!!!  My friend, Jon Henkles and his wife, Lindsay, are joining us for the first week of school to fill in for our high school social studies teacher who is arriving a few weeks late into the school year.  Thank you for being an answer to prayer, Jon and Lindsay!!!

Bendicionces,
Carrie

God's provision - Shoes, luggage, and abundant generosity

God provides.  Don't get anxious or worried.  Trust Him!! God provides.
This has been the theme in my life lately as I have been preparing to leave for Bogota.  I wanted to share with you a few "God Stories" about how he has been teaching me to trust Him, and how He always provides...even in the smallest of details :-)

Shoes:  As I was starting to gather what I wanted to bring to Bogota, I noticed something about a pair of my shoes that I LOVE to wear.  I really LOVE to wear them, and it showed :-)  The sole on the bottom was starting to come off, the heel looked like it had been chewed on, and there were scuff marks everywhere.  Since I love these shoes, I was able to overlook their faults...but not for long :-)  As I went shopping, something seemed to keep me from buying a new pair of shoes.  I have been praying that the Lord would guide me in how I spend my money.  And it seemed that for the moment, new shoes may not be in the picture.  So, I packed the old shoes...

A few days ago, I found out my friends were selling a ton of designer shoes for a reasonable price...oh, and also in my size!!  I decided to e-mail them about possibly purchasing a pair of shoes from them.  They responded with offering me a pair or two for free :-)  Praise the Lord!!!  I am so glad that I waited on God's timing, and that my friends were given the opportunity to come on board as ministry partners and help me in this way :-)  Even down to a little detail like a brown pair of shoes, God cares! God provides :-)

Luggage and abundant generosity:  Packing is so hard!!  Trying to get everything into suitcases (while dealing with a weight limit) when you are moving to Bogota is like piecing together a puzzle or playing Tetris :-)  After gathering everything I wanted to take, it seemed impossible that I would be able to fit it all into two checked baggages.  Luggage fees for the third bag are very high, and I wasn't sure how I was going to get all of my things to Bogota.  I lifted the luggage situation up to the Lord in prayer and asked that He would provide for me to take the third bag.  Within these last couple of days, the Lord has sent money from a few different places...all with people saying that they wanted to help with the cost of my luggage!!  What a wonderful and surprising gift from my colleagues at Winston Elementary, my little sister, and my church family. 

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32

Praise God that he not only gives us the little things (like shoes and luggage fees), but also the most important gift that we will ever need...love and forgiveness through his Son, Jesus :-)  So, thank you to all of my supporters!!  God is continually using you to help me as I begin my ministry at El Camino :-)  May God bless you abundantly for your generous hearts to furthering His Kingdom.


Prayer Requests:
For safe travels and arrival in Bogota tomorrow, July 23rd!!
Prayer/FinancialSupport
God would bless my 1st year of teaching
Lean on God’s comfort/presence as I leave my family and friends.
God would continually fill me with His love for my students and the people of Colombia.
Remain persistent and passionate in prayer over the ministry God has called me to –dependence on His grace and strength, not my own


I had such a wonderful, and emotional, last time of worhipping at the Orchard Evangelical Free Church this morning.  Love my church family!!!  I will miss you all, and you will be in my heart as I take-off for Bogota bright and early tomorrow morning :-)

Ciao, for now!!
Carrie