This was SUPPOSED to say...
I have passed over the 300 day mark. I am very close to being here for a year! So crazy.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
291 - Short Anniversaries
So, yesterday (Monday) and today were two recent anniversaries of mine. One of them is a good one and one of them is a not so good one.
Monday marks 2 weeks that I have been running on a regular basis! I have always been the person that "runs" and will run once every couple of months. But, never enough to accomplish anything or to actually be worth the exercise.
One of the ex-pats that is living here in Barranquilla is a marathon runner (*gulp*) and she mentioned that she has run quite a bit since getting to Barranquilla. So, I thought that it would be fun to join her sometime and see how that was. Well... I absolutely wont be running any marathons ANY time soon. But, the two of us have been running with another person and I really enjoy the company, I enjoy that they push me farther and harder than I ever thought I would be able to actually be able to run. They are really encouraging and helpful and full of tips and advice. I really enjoy them. We usually run together 2 evenings a week, and then I will go on my own 4 days a week.
So here are some things about running in Barranquilla:
1. It is HOT! Oh my goodness is it hot here. It is regularly in the mid-90's here everyday. But, not only that, the humidity is generally well up in the 60-70% if not more. So, it is a really wet, hot, sticky HOT, hot. I almost always go running in the evening (around 8:00 or so) and even then it is still pretty hot and humid. The heat is kind of a motivation though, you create your own wind, and you almost don't want to stop running because as soon as you do you lose the breeze that you previously had!
2. The roads and sidewalks aren't quite as nice as they are in North America. They aren't horrible, but there are random obstacles, such as super high sidewalks (because of the flash floods, or arroyos), there are sometimes cracks, and also street venders and the notoriously slow walking people of the city. I am and always have been a power walker. This is something that I just can not get used to unfortunately.
3. Flash floods/Arroyos. The first Saturday that I went running alone there were some darkish clouds, but there are often clouds so I didn't think anything of it. Well... needless to say, I made it for about 15 minutes before there was an absolute DOWNPOUR! I had to walk all the way back to my apartment (I couldn't home run because a lot of the sidewalks here are made with tile, so as soon as there is even the tiniest bit of water they are ridiculously slippery). It was about a 10 minute walk home and in that time there was already a miniature arroyo on my street. It is crazy, and kind of scary.
So, that is the good, or exciting anniversary that I wanted to share with everyone! It is something that I have been really excited about. It feels nice to be active.
The sadder one is that 4 weeks ago today I was pick pocketed on the bus on my way to the school where I volunteer. I was really disappointed because they got my iPod. I used that stupid thing for just about EVERYTHING! I had so many helpful apps and dictionaries and games and so many things. I used it to talk to friends and family and to also keep a schedule and for my alarm clock. Just everything. It has been a big adjustment getting used to not having it.
It really was my own fault that I lost it. I absolutely never carry it with me while on the bus, and very rarely while outside of my apartment. But, after 8 1/2 months of never having anything happen, I thought that it would be fine to take it and with me so that I could listen to a podcast that I had downloaded, while walking home.
Luckily for me, the two people who took it were VERY good at what the do, so although I knew that something was funky in the situation while I was trying to get off the bus before the bus passed my stop, I didn't realize that I was being robbed. So I appreciate that. However, unluckily for me, the two people robbing me were very good at what they do so they got my iPod, haha.
It has actually been a surprisingly great conversation starter! So many people here have experienced losing their cell phones, both expensive and inexpensive, to the "ladrones or ratas." Apparently, black market cell phones are in VERY high demand here. Because the unemployment rate here is so high, people are desperately looking for ways to provide for their families. So, one way to do that is to come upon a cell phone and get a pretty good deal on it from a pawn shop. From what I hear they pay a pretty nice fee. I was talking to a friend who was telling me that most people who are stealing and selling these phones hate what they are doing. They never thought that they would ever do something like this, but that they lost their jobs, or are sadly unable to pay their bills.
So, in short, although I am very very sad that my iPod is gone, I have learned a very valuable lesson and I will never again carry anything, even slightly of value, on the bus. But, I do also hope that the person who took my iPod was able to get a good deal on it to provide for their family.
Also, on a happier note! Running is great!
Monday marks 2 weeks that I have been running on a regular basis! I have always been the person that "runs" and will run once every couple of months. But, never enough to accomplish anything or to actually be worth the exercise.
One of the ex-pats that is living here in Barranquilla is a marathon runner (*gulp*) and she mentioned that she has run quite a bit since getting to Barranquilla. So, I thought that it would be fun to join her sometime and see how that was. Well... I absolutely wont be running any marathons ANY time soon. But, the two of us have been running with another person and I really enjoy the company, I enjoy that they push me farther and harder than I ever thought I would be able to actually be able to run. They are really encouraging and helpful and full of tips and advice. I really enjoy them. We usually run together 2 evenings a week, and then I will go on my own 4 days a week.
So here are some things about running in Barranquilla:
1. It is HOT! Oh my goodness is it hot here. It is regularly in the mid-90's here everyday. But, not only that, the humidity is generally well up in the 60-70% if not more. So, it is a really wet, hot, sticky HOT, hot. I almost always go running in the evening (around 8:00 or so) and even then it is still pretty hot and humid. The heat is kind of a motivation though, you create your own wind, and you almost don't want to stop running because as soon as you do you lose the breeze that you previously had!
2. The roads and sidewalks aren't quite as nice as they are in North America. They aren't horrible, but there are random obstacles, such as super high sidewalks (because of the flash floods, or arroyos), there are sometimes cracks, and also street venders and the notoriously slow walking people of the city. I am and always have been a power walker. This is something that I just can not get used to unfortunately.
3. Flash floods/Arroyos. The first Saturday that I went running alone there were some darkish clouds, but there are often clouds so I didn't think anything of it. Well... needless to say, I made it for about 15 minutes before there was an absolute DOWNPOUR! I had to walk all the way back to my apartment (I couldn't home run because a lot of the sidewalks here are made with tile, so as soon as there is even the tiniest bit of water they are ridiculously slippery). It was about a 10 minute walk home and in that time there was already a miniature arroyo on my street. It is crazy, and kind of scary.
So, that is the good, or exciting anniversary that I wanted to share with everyone! It is something that I have been really excited about. It feels nice to be active.
The sadder one is that 4 weeks ago today I was pick pocketed on the bus on my way to the school where I volunteer. I was really disappointed because they got my iPod. I used that stupid thing for just about EVERYTHING! I had so many helpful apps and dictionaries and games and so many things. I used it to talk to friends and family and to also keep a schedule and for my alarm clock. Just everything. It has been a big adjustment getting used to not having it.
It really was my own fault that I lost it. I absolutely never carry it with me while on the bus, and very rarely while outside of my apartment. But, after 8 1/2 months of never having anything happen, I thought that it would be fine to take it and with me so that I could listen to a podcast that I had downloaded, while walking home.
Luckily for me, the two people who took it were VERY good at what the do, so although I knew that something was funky in the situation while I was trying to get off the bus before the bus passed my stop, I didn't realize that I was being robbed. So I appreciate that. However, unluckily for me, the two people robbing me were very good at what they do so they got my iPod, haha.
It has actually been a surprisingly great conversation starter! So many people here have experienced losing their cell phones, both expensive and inexpensive, to the "ladrones or ratas." Apparently, black market cell phones are in VERY high demand here. Because the unemployment rate here is so high, people are desperately looking for ways to provide for their families. So, one way to do that is to come upon a cell phone and get a pretty good deal on it from a pawn shop. From what I hear they pay a pretty nice fee. I was talking to a friend who was telling me that most people who are stealing and selling these phones hate what they are doing. They never thought that they would ever do something like this, but that they lost their jobs, or are sadly unable to pay their bills.
So, in short, although I am very very sad that my iPod is gone, I have learned a very valuable lesson and I will never again carry anything, even slightly of value, on the bus. But, I do also hope that the person who took my iPod was able to get a good deal on it to provide for their family.
Also, on a happier note! Running is great!
Friday, October 12, 2012
280 - Seas of yellow
Today was a very important game in Colombian soccer!
Today, I learned that each region (South American being a region) only has a certain number of spots that are open for the World Cup. So... it is really really tough to get one of those spots. Also, since the World Cup is being held in Brazil, they get an automatic in! Super lucky for the country that the game is being held in, not so lucky for every other country in the region who has one less spot that is open for them.
So, great news for Colombia is that they beat Paraguay 2 to 0! Oh my goodness... let me just tell you all about what it is like when a goal is scored by the Colombian team. First of all, even when the team that you are rooting for here gains control of the ball people are up on their feet and screaming and yelling and cheering and it is hilarious. There were women, and possibly men, who were screaming and it sounded like they were being murdered. I was a little afraid for a while. So, you can just imagine what it is like when the team actually scores. Up roar is the only word that I can think of to describe what it is like. EVERYONE is up on their feet screaming and clapping and cheering for a good two or three minutes, if not more. People are hugging and laughing and it is just a great site to see.
Today is actually the first day that I have ventured out of my apartment on a game day. I have heard horror stories, so I usually just stay inside. I went to a restaurant with some fellow ex-pats that I have recently met. They are a great couple from Miami who are working and living in Barranquilla. They have a 17 month old little boy and I love hanging out with them. It has been a real blessing knowing them. Anyway, as I was walking to meet up with them, I noticed that there were restaurants where I had NO idea there were restaurants before. It was crazy. They just popped up out of no where to accommodate for all of the people watching the game. It was great. There were people everywhere. Also, the Colombian jersey is bright highlighter yellow and everyone is most certainly all decked out! I think that I may have to purchase one very soon.
But yes, there are so many people out on the streets and in bars and restaurants that are all wearing yellow and it is almost overwhelming! It is just a sea of yellow.
I also started running very recently. That has been something that I have really enjoyed. One of the ex-pats is a hard core runner and she let me tag along. Hopefully she wasn't disappointed when she realized that I don't have much endurance! I am hoping to change that though. It has been really nice to have some activity to really look forward to.
So yes, sorry that I haven't been updating very frequently, I haven't been doing much that is blog-worthy. The school where I volunteer has been on fall break for the last week, so my excitement of the week was when I FINALLY (after 2 months of calling and asking and asking my landlord) got my oven fixed! Oh man, I was exciting! I made cookies, and they were delicious.
Today, I learned that each region (South American being a region) only has a certain number of spots that are open for the World Cup. So... it is really really tough to get one of those spots. Also, since the World Cup is being held in Brazil, they get an automatic in! Super lucky for the country that the game is being held in, not so lucky for every other country in the region who has one less spot that is open for them.
So, great news for Colombia is that they beat Paraguay 2 to 0! Oh my goodness... let me just tell you all about what it is like when a goal is scored by the Colombian team. First of all, even when the team that you are rooting for here gains control of the ball people are up on their feet and screaming and yelling and cheering and it is hilarious. There were women, and possibly men, who were screaming and it sounded like they were being murdered. I was a little afraid for a while. So, you can just imagine what it is like when the team actually scores. Up roar is the only word that I can think of to describe what it is like. EVERYONE is up on their feet screaming and clapping and cheering for a good two or three minutes, if not more. People are hugging and laughing and it is just a great site to see.
Today is actually the first day that I have ventured out of my apartment on a game day. I have heard horror stories, so I usually just stay inside. I went to a restaurant with some fellow ex-pats that I have recently met. They are a great couple from Miami who are working and living in Barranquilla. They have a 17 month old little boy and I love hanging out with them. It has been a real blessing knowing them. Anyway, as I was walking to meet up with them, I noticed that there were restaurants where I had NO idea there were restaurants before. It was crazy. They just popped up out of no where to accommodate for all of the people watching the game. It was great. There were people everywhere. Also, the Colombian jersey is bright highlighter yellow and everyone is most certainly all decked out! I think that I may have to purchase one very soon.
But yes, there are so many people out on the streets and in bars and restaurants that are all wearing yellow and it is almost overwhelming! It is just a sea of yellow.
I also started running very recently. That has been something that I have really enjoyed. One of the ex-pats is a hard core runner and she let me tag along. Hopefully she wasn't disappointed when she realized that I don't have much endurance! I am hoping to change that though. It has been really nice to have some activity to really look forward to.
So yes, sorry that I haven't been updating very frequently, I haven't been doing much that is blog-worthy. The school where I volunteer has been on fall break for the last week, so my excitement of the week was when I FINALLY (after 2 months of calling and asking and asking my landlord) got my oven fixed! Oh man, I was exciting! I made cookies, and they were delicious.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Day 260 - Culture and Birthdays!
Well, I didn't do too well on actually updating more regularly like I had planned. But I do honestly think about this little blog often and try to come up with things to write that will actually be interesting. So... here it goes.
I have been thinking a lot about culture lately. Culture is something that I had honestly never thought about until... I would say my third year of university, Fall of 2008. Up until then I was quite ignorant. I really had no reason to not be... I had never traveled out of North America, even though I was going to University in Canada, Canada and the States are actually quite similar. However, starting in my third year of University I became very close with two friends (specifically) who were VERY interested in International Development and third world studies and things of that nature. I'm not sure if they realize just how much they have opened my eyes. I have realized how much I really really love learning about new cultures and traveling and seeing new and wonderful places and experiencing new and incredible things. Since then I have done a little bit of traveling. I have been to Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Colombia. My trips have steadily gotten longer and longer (15 days, 3 months, 2 years respectively) and the adventure has just started.
When you first enter into a new culture it is easy to spot the new and different aspects of life, habits, idiosyncrasies, and ideas of people in the new culture. It is even easy to bash some of these new ideas because you obviously are right, because this is how you have done it all your life so why wouldn't other people do it like that? However, when you actually spend some time in these communities and cultures you realize just how similar we all are, and also that these new-to-you ideas aren't all that bad.
One really obvious difference between Latin America and North America is the way that time is viewed. Being here I, personally, am VERY conflicted. For anyone who knew me from... 2009 and back, knows that I was NOTORIOUSLY 10 to 15 minutes late to absolutely everything. While in my high school youth group my youth leaders would actually sometimes make me a special informational paper with an earlier time on it so that I would get there at the right time. Shoot. So, because of that I am very conscious of time. I have learned more how to respect (in a North American aspect) other people's time and show up more or less exactly when I say I will. Well, because this was something that I was constantly battling and thinking about after 2009 (more or less) I always made sure to be on time. I was always looking at the clock and remembering how long it took to get from one place to another and counting down learning shortcuts and blah blah blah. Needless to say when I got to Colombia I was no different. When I would set up meetings or hang out dates I would say 2:30 and would get there at 2:30 and be upset when I was the first person there, sometimes by 30 minutes or more. I would also call ahead in some cases to let people know that I was running 5 minutes late (a completely foreign concept to most people, which now has caused many laughs, haha). Now I feel silly.
This was hard to adjust to, and honestly I am still in the process of adjusting. At the beginning I would get upset because I felt disrespected. I didn't realize that I was the one being disrespectful by showing up early, or on time. In most Latin American cultures when someone tells you a certain time, they mean "come after 7:00." Generally, it is safe to assume that you will want to get somewhere around 15 minutes after the stated time, unless it is work or school or something like that. However, time here isn't viewed in the North American way. In North America we are governed by time and schedules and late vs. early and things of this nature. In Latin America it is more important to continue listening to a friend, rather than leaving "on time." Or, to finish preparing the meal, or spending more time with your children, or what ever other activity. I could really talk about the time issue more and more so I am going to stop it there.
Another of the big ones for me was shoes. For lack of a better word... I hate shoes. I love having my toes free and my feet on the ground and I love the feel of the floor or the grass or that whatever on my feet. Shoes are constricting and hot and I am not a fan. I would of course come to a place where it is considered rude to take off your shoes in someone's house. In North America, in most houses, the first thing you do when you enter a house is take off your shoes (in my house we have a little area specifically for shoes when you walk in the door). This is because most houses have either carpet or hardwood flooring. So, you want to respect the home owner by not ruining, or dirtying, their flooring. So, that has just become a part of our culture. Here in Colombia, all floors are tiled. Also, most people sweep and mop either everyday or at least every other day. Also, why would you want to get your feet dirty? It is easier to clean the floor.
Clothing. This one has been the most difficult for me. I am a comfortable dresser. I could honestly care less about my appearance. Give me shorts and a silly and punny Threadless T-shirt any day of the week! That is not the case in Colombia. I don't know how they do it, especially with the heat and humidity here! However, everyone here (unless they are going to or leaving from the gym) are dressed to a T! I have seen very very few adults wearing shorts. I think that I could honestly count on one hand the amount of times I have seen an adult in shorts. They are just simply a foreign idea. One time, I went somewhere and met someone new and they asked me where I was from. The person that I was with said (well can't you tell from how he is dress? He is from the States!). At first, I was offended but in reality... it's true. We are notoriously bad dressers. I was just recently helping to clean out the closet of the family who previously lived in the church building so that we could send them their things. I made a comment to the pastor, "wow, they have a lot of really nice clothes," and she responded with "yeah, that's how it is here." Shoot. I have had to (through MUCH trial and error) learn that when going anywhere official that pants are required. There are some places that actually wont let you enter if you are wearing shorts. It has been a frustrating road, because I honestly just don't own/didn't bring many pants because I am in a tropical very humid climate. I have become some what of a joke because of my clothes and on many occasions had people ask me "why are you dressed like that?" I have started to just laugh it off, and or make fun of myself. But frankly, unless I am at a school or church, I don't care that people look at me funny for wearing shorts.
One other major difference of course is food. A HUGE staple in Colombia is meat. This has been a tough one for me. I have honestly never been a big meat eater. When I was younger and found out that meat was actually animals and that we killed them to eat them... I was devastated. There were times where I would actually get myself physically and emotionally wrecked thinking about the fact that I was eating a cow, or a pig, or a fish, that was just days or hour before playing with it's friends. Today that same distaste for meat has carried over to my adulthood. I still don't like the idea of killing animals, but for me the environmental and nutritional factors are larger in my mind. The idea amount of energy and resources that goes into many meat producing farms makes me weary, the same as the often horrible conditions that the animals are in for their entire lives causes me to not want to support their production. The same goes for the thought of hormones and preservatives and additives in meat. Through finding other alternatives throughout my life I never really learned to like meat. I do eat meat, don't get me wrong. I love a good hamburger and I can never get enough buffalo wings. But, if there are vegetarian options I will usually take them. Colombians are generally carnivores and they love, and are very proud of their meat dishes. I have been in many awkward situations in restaurants when I ask if there are any vegetarian options. It is such an odd concept for many of the people down here, and one they have never experienced. Why would you with all the tasty meat products? But, I don't consider myself a vegetarian. I rarely cook with meat in my apartment, but I am more than happy to eat meat that has been prepared for me or in a restaurant.
These are just some of the larger examples that I am sure I will go farther into at some point in this blog. In all honesty, I sometimes forget where I am. Especially in Barranquilla, a large port city, the city and much of the culture (aside from some of the more obvious aspects) is very similar to that of large cities in North America. However, I have learned to really appreciate life from a different set of eyes now that I have been living in, and learning about this new culture.
Also, today is my baby sister's 18th birthday today. I really and truly can't believe she is 18 years old. When did this happen?! I am so excited for her! Happy Birthday Allie!!!
I have been thinking a lot about culture lately. Culture is something that I had honestly never thought about until... I would say my third year of university, Fall of 2008. Up until then I was quite ignorant. I really had no reason to not be... I had never traveled out of North America, even though I was going to University in Canada, Canada and the States are actually quite similar. However, starting in my third year of University I became very close with two friends (specifically) who were VERY interested in International Development and third world studies and things of that nature. I'm not sure if they realize just how much they have opened my eyes. I have realized how much I really really love learning about new cultures and traveling and seeing new and wonderful places and experiencing new and incredible things. Since then I have done a little bit of traveling. I have been to Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Colombia. My trips have steadily gotten longer and longer (15 days, 3 months, 2 years respectively) and the adventure has just started.
When you first enter into a new culture it is easy to spot the new and different aspects of life, habits, idiosyncrasies, and ideas of people in the new culture. It is even easy to bash some of these new ideas because you obviously are right, because this is how you have done it all your life so why wouldn't other people do it like that? However, when you actually spend some time in these communities and cultures you realize just how similar we all are, and also that these new-to-you ideas aren't all that bad.
One really obvious difference between Latin America and North America is the way that time is viewed. Being here I, personally, am VERY conflicted. For anyone who knew me from... 2009 and back, knows that I was NOTORIOUSLY 10 to 15 minutes late to absolutely everything. While in my high school youth group my youth leaders would actually sometimes make me a special informational paper with an earlier time on it so that I would get there at the right time. Shoot. So, because of that I am very conscious of time. I have learned more how to respect (in a North American aspect) other people's time and show up more or less exactly when I say I will. Well, because this was something that I was constantly battling and thinking about after 2009 (more or less) I always made sure to be on time. I was always looking at the clock and remembering how long it took to get from one place to another and counting down learning shortcuts and blah blah blah. Needless to say when I got to Colombia I was no different. When I would set up meetings or hang out dates I would say 2:30 and would get there at 2:30 and be upset when I was the first person there, sometimes by 30 minutes or more. I would also call ahead in some cases to let people know that I was running 5 minutes late (a completely foreign concept to most people, which now has caused many laughs, haha). Now I feel silly.
This was hard to adjust to, and honestly I am still in the process of adjusting. At the beginning I would get upset because I felt disrespected. I didn't realize that I was the one being disrespectful by showing up early, or on time. In most Latin American cultures when someone tells you a certain time, they mean "come after 7:00." Generally, it is safe to assume that you will want to get somewhere around 15 minutes after the stated time, unless it is work or school or something like that. However, time here isn't viewed in the North American way. In North America we are governed by time and schedules and late vs. early and things of this nature. In Latin America it is more important to continue listening to a friend, rather than leaving "on time." Or, to finish preparing the meal, or spending more time with your children, or what ever other activity. I could really talk about the time issue more and more so I am going to stop it there.
Another of the big ones for me was shoes. For lack of a better word... I hate shoes. I love having my toes free and my feet on the ground and I love the feel of the floor or the grass or that whatever on my feet. Shoes are constricting and hot and I am not a fan. I would of course come to a place where it is considered rude to take off your shoes in someone's house. In North America, in most houses, the first thing you do when you enter a house is take off your shoes (in my house we have a little area specifically for shoes when you walk in the door). This is because most houses have either carpet or hardwood flooring. So, you want to respect the home owner by not ruining, or dirtying, their flooring. So, that has just become a part of our culture. Here in Colombia, all floors are tiled. Also, most people sweep and mop either everyday or at least every other day. Also, why would you want to get your feet dirty? It is easier to clean the floor.
Clothing. This one has been the most difficult for me. I am a comfortable dresser. I could honestly care less about my appearance. Give me shorts and a silly and punny Threadless T-shirt any day of the week! That is not the case in Colombia. I don't know how they do it, especially with the heat and humidity here! However, everyone here (unless they are going to or leaving from the gym) are dressed to a T! I have seen very very few adults wearing shorts. I think that I could honestly count on one hand the amount of times I have seen an adult in shorts. They are just simply a foreign idea. One time, I went somewhere and met someone new and they asked me where I was from. The person that I was with said (well can't you tell from how he is dress? He is from the States!). At first, I was offended but in reality... it's true. We are notoriously bad dressers. I was just recently helping to clean out the closet of the family who previously lived in the church building so that we could send them their things. I made a comment to the pastor, "wow, they have a lot of really nice clothes," and she responded with "yeah, that's how it is here." Shoot. I have had to (through MUCH trial and error) learn that when going anywhere official that pants are required. There are some places that actually wont let you enter if you are wearing shorts. It has been a frustrating road, because I honestly just don't own/didn't bring many pants because I am in a tropical very humid climate. I have become some what of a joke because of my clothes and on many occasions had people ask me "why are you dressed like that?" I have started to just laugh it off, and or make fun of myself. But frankly, unless I am at a school or church, I don't care that people look at me funny for wearing shorts.
One other major difference of course is food. A HUGE staple in Colombia is meat. This has been a tough one for me. I have honestly never been a big meat eater. When I was younger and found out that meat was actually animals and that we killed them to eat them... I was devastated. There were times where I would actually get myself physically and emotionally wrecked thinking about the fact that I was eating a cow, or a pig, or a fish, that was just days or hour before playing with it's friends. Today that same distaste for meat has carried over to my adulthood. I still don't like the idea of killing animals, but for me the environmental and nutritional factors are larger in my mind. The idea amount of energy and resources that goes into many meat producing farms makes me weary, the same as the often horrible conditions that the animals are in for their entire lives causes me to not want to support their production. The same goes for the thought of hormones and preservatives and additives in meat. Through finding other alternatives throughout my life I never really learned to like meat. I do eat meat, don't get me wrong. I love a good hamburger and I can never get enough buffalo wings. But, if there are vegetarian options I will usually take them. Colombians are generally carnivores and they love, and are very proud of their meat dishes. I have been in many awkward situations in restaurants when I ask if there are any vegetarian options. It is such an odd concept for many of the people down here, and one they have never experienced. Why would you with all the tasty meat products? But, I don't consider myself a vegetarian. I rarely cook with meat in my apartment, but I am more than happy to eat meat that has been prepared for me or in a restaurant.
These are just some of the larger examples that I am sure I will go farther into at some point in this blog. In all honesty, I sometimes forget where I am. Especially in Barranquilla, a large port city, the city and much of the culture (aside from some of the more obvious aspects) is very similar to that of large cities in North America. However, I have learned to really appreciate life from a different set of eyes now that I have been living in, and learning about this new culture.
Also, today is my baby sister's 18th birthday today. I really and truly can't believe she is 18 years old. When did this happen?! I am so excited for her! Happy Birthday Allie!!!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
238 - QUE PENA!!! (and blue moons!) (I thought that this updated on Saturday - Whoopsies)
Que pena is a phrase in Spanish that I use quite often! Literally translated it mean "what a shame!" They use it to mean things like, "I'm SO sorry" or "Oh shoot!" (if you forgot something). So me... being the forgetful person that I am, have forgotten to update my blog. Que pena. I am so sorry friends! I have had a couple of people in my family tell me that I need to get my act together! So, here goes nothing! I am going to shoot for updating at least twice a week for September! Hopefully exciting things will happen and I will want to update you all more often but we shall see!
Where to even start?!
Firstly, can I just say that I can not believe that August is already over! When did that even happen?! I suppose it happened tonight...
Where last we left off, I had just recently gotten back from Riohacha and I had taken my short little trek to Santa Marta and Taganga. Then, I was getting settled back into the swing of things.
Since getting back I have been getting more and more involved with the school where I have been volunteering! I absolutely love it there. I still feel like a rock star because the kids get super excited, so that is always an added bonus to my weeks! It is definitely a self esteem booster. I help out in 8 classrooms for about 30-45 minutes at a time, over three days. It is SO nice having something in my week that is definite and set in my schedule. It also fulfills my need to "do" something. I love reading books, I love teaching/singing songs. It is just great.
I have really gotten to know some of the teachers that are there and that is wonderful! I keep bumping into more and more people who speak English here! Who knew there were so many?!
Very recently a friends' church was having a sale/festival to raise money for their church. They had hot dogs and other food, they were also having a book sale! Oh and I love book sales! So, I got some really really cheap books so that was awesome. I am looking forward to reading them and improving on my Spanish. I bought one Goosebumps (or should I say Escalofríos) book. I used to really enjoy those when I was younger.
I have also recently been able to meet up with some fellow ex-pats (ex-patriots, or people who are not living in their country of birth) and it was great! We found each other on an ex-pat website and is used for networking and research for ex-pats, and it was really great timing. I have really been craving some North American contact and now I know of a couple people who are also living in Barranquilla! So great. I also found out from this website that there are hardly ANY ex-pats that are now, or were living in Barranquilla. From what it seems like, most people go to Bogota or Cali and steer clear of Barranquilla. That is too bad because this is a great city!
I could say more but I am going to have to make sure that I have other things to say for the next post!
Where to even start?!
Firstly, can I just say that I can not believe that August is already over! When did that even happen?! I suppose it happened tonight...
Where last we left off, I had just recently gotten back from Riohacha and I had taken my short little trek to Santa Marta and Taganga. Then, I was getting settled back into the swing of things.
Since getting back I have been getting more and more involved with the school where I have been volunteering! I absolutely love it there. I still feel like a rock star because the kids get super excited, so that is always an added bonus to my weeks! It is definitely a self esteem booster. I help out in 8 classrooms for about 30-45 minutes at a time, over three days. It is SO nice having something in my week that is definite and set in my schedule. It also fulfills my need to "do" something. I love reading books, I love teaching/singing songs. It is just great.
I have really gotten to know some of the teachers that are there and that is wonderful! I keep bumping into more and more people who speak English here! Who knew there were so many?!
Very recently a friends' church was having a sale/festival to raise money for their church. They had hot dogs and other food, they were also having a book sale! Oh and I love book sales! So, I got some really really cheap books so that was awesome. I am looking forward to reading them and improving on my Spanish. I bought one Goosebumps (or should I say Escalofríos) book. I used to really enjoy those when I was younger.
I have also recently been able to meet up with some fellow ex-pats (ex-patriots, or people who are not living in their country of birth) and it was great! We found each other on an ex-pat website and is used for networking and research for ex-pats, and it was really great timing. I have really been craving some North American contact and now I know of a couple people who are also living in Barranquilla! So great. I also found out from this website that there are hardly ANY ex-pats that are now, or were living in Barranquilla. From what it seems like, most people go to Bogota or Cali and steer clear of Barranquilla. That is too bad because this is a great city!
I could say more but I am going to have to make sure that I have other things to say for the next post!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
212 - Updates and Impromptu lunches
My poor little blog has been so neglected lately! I am so sorry for those of you who read it!
I just have to say that I can't believe I am already passed the 200 days mark! When did that happen?! Well... I suppose that it happened about 12 days ago. But, that doesn't change the fact that it is really crazy to think about for me.
Update - I spent about two weeks (Monday July, 9th until Saturday July 21st) in a "little" coastal town called Riohacha. Riohacha holds the oldest Mennonite church on the coast. The church there is also a nursing home which is really exciting. Nursing homes are very rare in Latin America because families are so predominant here. However, there is a very big need for these establishments, so it was a great experience to be able to be a part of one of these communities for two weeks.
While there, I was able to build relationships with many of the people who lived and worked there. I also had the chance to give a few English lessons. It was a lot of fun! I made some really great friends there. I got a chance to learn how to fish with just some fishing line, a hook, and a plastic bottle! That was definitely new! They have a little guest room that I was able to stay in, so it was nice to be right there in the church.
I taught a class to younger kids in the morning, high school aged kids in the afternoon, and adults in the evenings. It was a lot of fun having the different dynamics and age groups there.
On my way back from this trip I took a very short trip to a hostel that I previously stayed in for a little rest and relaxation time. That was definitely a blessing! I was able to meet a lot of really cool people and spend a lot of time in the pool and chatting it up with backpackers from ALL over the world! I met people from all over Europe and Australia and New Zealand as well.
I even made my way to a little fishing village called Taganga and spent some time on the beach there! That was awesome.
Since being back I have been getting back into a routine that now includes volunteering in a local school that two of my good friends work at! That has been such an incredible experience! I just finished my first week there! The little kids are just great! I work with grades one and two primarily and I was also able to meet with some grade 10ers and we spoke in larger conversations and got a little more serious. All of their teachers have to be bilingual and they teach two subjects (as well as English classes) in English by the time you get to junior high years. So, by the end of school there almost all of the students are very very near being bilingual, if not actually bilingual. They have a great system and I have really enjoyed getting to know the teachers and students! They are a hoot!
The kids in the school make me feel like a celebrity! This last week every day during their first break a lot of the kids would come up to me and just stand there and stare. I would ask them what their names were (usually in English because I was told I wasn't allowed to speak in Spanish while there, haha) and they would just blush and smile and run away. But then a couple brave students would ask me in English what my name was and how old I was and how many brothers (the idea of the word "sibling" is very strange for Spanish speakers because "hermanos" means siblings but also brothers, and you would say "hermana" for sister) I had and little things like that. They would get SO excited when they could understand me. There were a lot of giggles (on both ends of the conversations because I giggle when I get nervous) and smiles and one little boy even shared a cookie with me! I am REALLY looking forward to continuing to volunteer there.
Today was Sunday which means church! We had a lovely service and Pastora Mitzi gave a very nice sermon on prayer and living for God from I Peter 4. After service we were standing around and talking and then all the sudden there was a TORRENTIAL downpour! Traveling in Barranquilla while it is raining is actually VERY dangerous. I am not sure why exactly it is this way because it isn't the case in all of Colombia but it is bad. It is famous for it's "arroyos," or flash floods. Many many people die every year and a lot of damage is done as well. They have been known to move city buses. Not just move as in a couple inches, but move as in a few blocks at a time! Scary stuff. I am going to include some links to youtube videos at the end.
So, since we were trapped in the church we had an impromptu lunch. It was so much fun because it was really unexpected and we just hung out and laughed and told stories and goofed off and watched the Olympics (a female long jumper from Colombia got a silver medal!) had a great time! It is so often (and as is the lifestyle and culture here in Colombia) that the best times are had with the impromptu get togethers and random occurrences.
There was a meeting afterwards and people were getting a little overly excited. I was pretty pumped though because I understood about 80% of the conversation even though people were talking back and forth and over each other and speaking VERY quickly! Sometimes in situations like that I really surprise myself with my Spanish and it make me feel like I am actually learning!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOd39djeGb8&feature=fvst
This one is a slide show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYOFEavp8M0&feature=related
This is an extreme one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ranUY9TJqc&feature=related
This one is actually just about two blocks from where I used to live!
I am very happy to live on the 6th floor when these things happen! On a very similar note, I was really confused when I first got here and saw that the sidewalks were up REALLY high from the street and often there are waist high walls at some intersections. Well... I soon found out why.
On a lighter not, these don't happen often at all! I would say just maybe twice a month or so depending on the part of the city you are in and the time of year. The rainy season is roughly June-ish until maybe November.
I just have to say that I can't believe I am already passed the 200 days mark! When did that happen?! Well... I suppose that it happened about 12 days ago. But, that doesn't change the fact that it is really crazy to think about for me.
Update - I spent about two weeks (Monday July, 9th until Saturday July 21st) in a "little" coastal town called Riohacha. Riohacha holds the oldest Mennonite church on the coast. The church there is also a nursing home which is really exciting. Nursing homes are very rare in Latin America because families are so predominant here. However, there is a very big need for these establishments, so it was a great experience to be able to be a part of one of these communities for two weeks.
The front of the church in Riohacha
This is when you walk in the door. Everything is very open in Colombia. I really enjoy that.
While there, I was able to build relationships with many of the people who lived and worked there. I also had the chance to give a few English lessons. It was a lot of fun! I made some really great friends there. I got a chance to learn how to fish with just some fishing line, a hook, and a plastic bottle! That was definitely new! They have a little guest room that I was able to stay in, so it was nice to be right there in the church.
This was my bed for two weeks in the guest room. The previous occupant really enjoyed music!
Also lions! One of the workers always made sure that I had a thermos full of ice water every morning! It was so nice of her! I would leave and come back and she would have replaced it every morning. It made me feel very special!
I taught a class to younger kids in the morning, high school aged kids in the afternoon, and adults in the evenings. It was a lot of fun having the different dynamics and age groups there.
One of my afternoon classes
On my way back from this trip I took a very short trip to a hostel that I previously stayed in for a little rest and relaxation time. That was definitely a blessing! I was able to meet a lot of really cool people and spend a lot of time in the pool and chatting it up with backpackers from ALL over the world! I met people from all over Europe and Australia and New Zealand as well.
I even made my way to a little fishing village called Taganga and spent some time on the beach there! That was awesome.
Taganga is a little village and you can take a 5 minute boat ride around a small mountain into a little cove and sit on an awesome beach! The view was incredible!
This is a view from the beach.
Then, this is a view of the beach.
There were venders everywhere that were selling things from fruit juice to shrimp, to sunglasses. It was great!
Since being back I have been getting back into a routine that now includes volunteering in a local school that two of my good friends work at! That has been such an incredible experience! I just finished my first week there! The little kids are just great! I work with grades one and two primarily and I was also able to meet with some grade 10ers and we spoke in larger conversations and got a little more serious. All of their teachers have to be bilingual and they teach two subjects (as well as English classes) in English by the time you get to junior high years. So, by the end of school there almost all of the students are very very near being bilingual, if not actually bilingual. They have a great system and I have really enjoyed getting to know the teachers and students! They are a hoot!
The kids in the school make me feel like a celebrity! This last week every day during their first break a lot of the kids would come up to me and just stand there and stare. I would ask them what their names were (usually in English because I was told I wasn't allowed to speak in Spanish while there, haha) and they would just blush and smile and run away. But then a couple brave students would ask me in English what my name was and how old I was and how many brothers (the idea of the word "sibling" is very strange for Spanish speakers because "hermanos" means siblings but also brothers, and you would say "hermana" for sister) I had and little things like that. They would get SO excited when they could understand me. There were a lot of giggles (on both ends of the conversations because I giggle when I get nervous) and smiles and one little boy even shared a cookie with me! I am REALLY looking forward to continuing to volunteer there.
Today was Sunday which means church! We had a lovely service and Pastora Mitzi gave a very nice sermon on prayer and living for God from I Peter 4. After service we were standing around and talking and then all the sudden there was a TORRENTIAL downpour! Traveling in Barranquilla while it is raining is actually VERY dangerous. I am not sure why exactly it is this way because it isn't the case in all of Colombia but it is bad. It is famous for it's "arroyos," or flash floods. Many many people die every year and a lot of damage is done as well. They have been known to move city buses. Not just move as in a couple inches, but move as in a few blocks at a time! Scary stuff. I am going to include some links to youtube videos at the end.
So, since we were trapped in the church we had an impromptu lunch. It was so much fun because it was really unexpected and we just hung out and laughed and told stories and goofed off and watched the Olympics (a female long jumper from Colombia got a silver medal!) had a great time! It is so often (and as is the lifestyle and culture here in Colombia) that the best times are had with the impromptu get togethers and random occurrences.
There was a meeting afterwards and people were getting a little overly excited. I was pretty pumped though because I understood about 80% of the conversation even though people were talking back and forth and over each other and speaking VERY quickly! Sometimes in situations like that I really surprise myself with my Spanish and it make me feel like I am actually learning!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOd39djeGb8&feature=fvst
This one is a slide show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYOFEavp8M0&feature=related
This is an extreme one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ranUY9TJqc&feature=related
This one is actually just about two blocks from where I used to live!
I am very happy to live on the 6th floor when these things happen! On a very similar note, I was really confused when I first got here and saw that the sidewalks were up REALLY high from the street and often there are waist high walls at some intersections. Well... I soon found out why.
On a lighter not, these don't happen often at all! I would say just maybe twice a month or so depending on the part of the city you are in and the time of year. The rainy season is roughly June-ish until maybe November.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
179 - Fruit Juice!
One of my favorite things here in Colombia is the FRUIT! There is fruit everywhere! There are so many different types of fruits that I have never heard of and will probably never see again!
BUT! My all time favorite is maracuyá! Oh my goodness is it delicious! It is a really strange looking acidic and sour fruit but... oh so yummy. Let me show you how to prepare it.
BUT! My all time favorite is maracuyá! Oh my goodness is it delicious! It is a really strange looking acidic and sour fruit but... oh so yummy. Let me show you how to prepare it.
This is maracuyá (passion fruit). It really doesn't look like anything special. From what I understand you are even supposed to pick out the ugliest ones that you can find because they will generally have the most juice.
Then you cut that baby open and find the magic that is inside! The seeds are covered by the fruit which is a little unfortunate but that doesn't stop me from turning it into the yummiest juciest juice ever!
You just take a spoon and scoop it out! It comes right out. It is so weird! It has little finger like things inside that hold some of the fruit in place.
Then you blend it, add some water and sugar (I like to do half honey and half sugar to make it a little healthier) and then strain out the seeds...
Then enjoy the little piece of heavenly nectar from the gods that is jugo de maracuyá...
It is really REALLY good if it is made with milk but I was too scared to try and make it with milk. Maybe next time!
Day 169 (Saturday June 23rd) - Birthday!
This was the second time that I have ever been away from my family for my birthday. Having a summer birthday was always a little difficult as a child because when I was younger all of my friends planned big parties and passed things out around school and people were generally excited about it for a long time before hand! I have had parties before but before the technology of cell phones and e-mail it was a different task. Anyway, what I am saying is that in the past one thing that was consistent for me every year was the fact that my family was always there! I have been blessed the last two years to be around great people for my birthday, but it will never be quite the same being away from my family :).
My day was like any normal Saturday. I taught my two English classes and then we had youth group! For youth group we played games and ate cake and brownies and just hung out. We were celebrating all of the birthdays from January to June. It was a ton of fun! It also just so happened to fall on my birthday, haha! :P
After this I headed home and what should I find upon entering my apartment?!
There was a nice little smörgåsbord (I looked up this word and it is apparently a type of Scandinavian meal that is served buffet style. It originated in Sweden... you learn something new every day. Also I thought the original spelling was fun) of Colombian food!
This is a blended fruit drink made out of my FAVORITE fruit, maracuyá (passion fruit)!! So delicious. It is topped of with milo, which is a chocolate powder that is from Australia, but is really popular here! It is so delicious!
I had such a good night! We listened to Colombian music and talked and laughed and they tried to teach me how to dance some but I was cursed with two Mennonite left feet and dancing isn't my strong suit to say the least! Haha! It was such a good night and they made me feel so special and loved here in Colombia! They also made me realize that I should keep a better eye on my spare key... Haha! :P
My day was like any normal Saturday. I taught my two English classes and then we had youth group! For youth group we played games and ate cake and brownies and just hung out. We were celebrating all of the birthdays from January to June. It was a ton of fun! It also just so happened to fall on my birthday, haha! :P
After this I headed home and what should I find upon entering my apartment?!
Some good friends broke into my apartment and decorated it all Colombian-like! Yellow, blue, and red are the colors of the flag. Then, there were also little cut outs of different Colombia things around as well! I was so surprised and excited! :)
We've got muffins (in Spanish also called muffins) that are made with peanuts and arequipe (or dulce de leche as it is more commonly known in the States). Delcious.
This is called matrimonio, kind of like marriage. It is made with a coastal cheese and a something called bocadillo which is a lot like home made fruit roll ups. Yummy. Never would have thought to put cheese with fruit though. That was weird at first! The tooth picks had coffee beans and Colombian flags and good 'ol Juan Valdez (who was the first person to import coffee into Colombia).
Delicious cake that was basically one of the muffins but it bunt cake form.
On top here is botifarra, which is a type of sausage. Then on bottom is bollo de yuca. Bollo (boy-o) is... kind of... hard to explain. It is kind of a cake type thing. But made out of yuca, which is a root like a potato, but not a potato. It is interesting. They also have corn bollo which is pretty delicious.
I had such a good night! We listened to Colombian music and talked and laughed and they tried to teach me how to dance some but I was cursed with two Mennonite left feet and dancing isn't my strong suit to say the least! Haha! It was such a good night and they made me feel so special and loved here in Colombia! They also made me realize that I should keep a better eye on my spare key... Haha! :P
Friday, June 15, 2012
Day 161 - A day of catching up
So this last week has been rather uneventful.
It has been SUCH a process trying to get the internet installed in my apartment. I have tried with three different companies and of course it was the last company that I tried that was actually able to hook everything up.
With the first company it took about a day and a half to figure out what was going on and then I found out that they didn't serve my neighborhood.
With the second company I went down to their office and talked with them and had a contract filled out and even signed everything and all was ready to go! Then, I had to wait because they couldn't come out for another 24-48 hours. On the third day when they showed up they told me that they couldn't serve the building. BUT they had a cable that was close by so they could run it to the building but it would just take a little longer. Well... I thought that was a little lame but why not. Then, a friend told me that I should go with a different company and I would be happier with them haha. Oh goodness. So, a day or two later we went to the second company and had them terminate the contract (luckily, since nothing had been installed that was really easy to do). Then we went to the third company and they worked out great.
With the third company that I went to, they were having a deal that if I got telephone service, internet, and cable I would be able to get the first two months free! That is pretty sweet. It was also only about 5 dollars more a month to add the TV. So... why not? Haha! With this company I still had to wait though... we went there on a Saturday and you have to wait 24 hours, which was a Sunday and they don't work Sundays. Then Monday was a holiday. Then on Tuesday they had to come and cut the line from the previous tenants, then FINALLY on Wednesday they came and set up the internet and everything in my apartment! Oh I was so excited.
Since I was constantly "waiting" for the internet I was never allowed to leave my apartment because they might show up while I was away. So... I got a lot of reading done that week and a half haha! But now, I have Skyped with my family and some friends and so I am all caught up on that. I have also caught up on many other things that required internet usage, like contacting my MST and updating my blog and reading hilarity on themetapicture.com
Today is Friday and I have been very productive! I am glad that I am able to actually say that. The majority of Wednesday and Thursday the whole city was without water. They had to clean the pipes so they shut off the water. That was fun. So, that meant that I wasn't able to do the dishes or mop. So I caught up a bit on that. I also sent a ton of e-mail today and updated my blog! Woohoo!
It has been SUCH a process trying to get the internet installed in my apartment. I have tried with three different companies and of course it was the last company that I tried that was actually able to hook everything up.
With the first company it took about a day and a half to figure out what was going on and then I found out that they didn't serve my neighborhood.
With the second company I went down to their office and talked with them and had a contract filled out and even signed everything and all was ready to go! Then, I had to wait because they couldn't come out for another 24-48 hours. On the third day when they showed up they told me that they couldn't serve the building. BUT they had a cable that was close by so they could run it to the building but it would just take a little longer. Well... I thought that was a little lame but why not. Then, a friend told me that I should go with a different company and I would be happier with them haha. Oh goodness. So, a day or two later we went to the second company and had them terminate the contract (luckily, since nothing had been installed that was really easy to do). Then we went to the third company and they worked out great.
With the third company that I went to, they were having a deal that if I got telephone service, internet, and cable I would be able to get the first two months free! That is pretty sweet. It was also only about 5 dollars more a month to add the TV. So... why not? Haha! With this company I still had to wait though... we went there on a Saturday and you have to wait 24 hours, which was a Sunday and they don't work Sundays. Then Monday was a holiday. Then on Tuesday they had to come and cut the line from the previous tenants, then FINALLY on Wednesday they came and set up the internet and everything in my apartment! Oh I was so excited.
Since I was constantly "waiting" for the internet I was never allowed to leave my apartment because they might show up while I was away. So... I got a lot of reading done that week and a half haha! But now, I have Skyped with my family and some friends and so I am all caught up on that. I have also caught up on many other things that required internet usage, like contacting my MST and updating my blog and reading hilarity on themetapicture.com
Today is Friday and I have been very productive! I am glad that I am able to actually say that. The majority of Wednesday and Thursday the whole city was without water. They had to clean the pipes so they shut off the water. That was fun. So, that meant that I wasn't able to do the dishes or mop. So I caught up a bit on that. I also sent a ton of e-mail today and updated my blog! Woohoo!
Day 156 (Sunday, June 10th) - A day of first visitors!
After church today I invited some of the young people over to my apartment to eat some delicious food! I was really excited because I am most certainly related to my mother because I have the hardest time cooking for just one person. I always seem to cook way too much! Luckily, that was not the case Sunday because I had 4 guests that I was able to cook for! Woohoo! It was a lot of fun :). We made pancakes and hashbrowns. I was so surprised that they had never tried hasbrowns and they thought that I was crazy when I described them to them. Unfortunately I had the bright idea of grating the potatoes the night before... bad idea. Our hashbrowns were a little discolored haha. Oh well, they tasted the same!
When I was preparing the meal I decided to recruit some help from two of my guests and taught them how to make everything! I had a blast! I felt like I was back in the YouthWorks kitchen. While working with YouthWorks we were each in charge of a meal through out the week and we had to teach the youth how to prepare everything and then how to cook it. We weren't supposed to do it ourselves because it was a learning experience for the kids. HAHA! Oh that was one of my favorite times. It was also one of the most stressful parts of my week, cooking while there were 40 - 50 hungry people out in the dining area waiting for the food! So, I took charge with my two friends and showed them how to do everything and let them have fun with it. Then, as they were doing that I was getting everything else ready. They did a really good job because everything turned out really well! They seemed to like the hashbrowns well enough. I may have to make them again with properly colored potatoes so they know how they are supposed to look and taste haha.
It was so nice having visitors!! I love hosting people.
The first question that I always get asked when people find out that I am living along in an apartment (or leading up to, when they found out that I would be living along in an apartment) was "Oh... that's nice... but who is going to cook for you?" I always laugh and assure them that I love to cook and I personally think that I am rather good at it. They never seem to believe me though. Then next question is, "well... who is going to clean for you?" Haha! Oh goodness. Well, it is a small apartment so I think that I can handle that. Also, it is VERY common here for someone to have a cleaning person come to their house and clean up. Usually if you don't it is because you can't afford it and it seems like a bit of a status symbol I guess. I think that is a great idea and I would love to have someone clean for me but... I am the type of person that I would clean before my cleaning person got there so that they didn't see what it looked like before. Also, I have a lot of time on my hands and it is a small apartment so I am good with cleaning it myself for now. But, I understand that it is a very rare thing in Colombia for a young man to live on his own though, so I guess I can understand that. Colombia is very family oriented so usually you live with your parents until you are married and then you are set!
Many people were a little worried about me moving off on my own. Everyone had an opinion on what I should be doing instead. However, I am so happy here in my little apartment with a wonderful view. I love being independent and feeling like I am not intruding in other people's homes. I love having space and not feeling guilty if I go to bed super late or get up late, haha! Oh goodness. I appreciate being taken care of but I am such an independent person that being taken care of quickly feels like smothering and then I just get nervous, haha.
When I was preparing the meal I decided to recruit some help from two of my guests and taught them how to make everything! I had a blast! I felt like I was back in the YouthWorks kitchen. While working with YouthWorks we were each in charge of a meal through out the week and we had to teach the youth how to prepare everything and then how to cook it. We weren't supposed to do it ourselves because it was a learning experience for the kids. HAHA! Oh that was one of my favorite times. It was also one of the most stressful parts of my week, cooking while there were 40 - 50 hungry people out in the dining area waiting for the food! So, I took charge with my two friends and showed them how to do everything and let them have fun with it. Then, as they were doing that I was getting everything else ready. They did a really good job because everything turned out really well! They seemed to like the hashbrowns well enough. I may have to make them again with properly colored potatoes so they know how they are supposed to look and taste haha.
It was so nice having visitors!! I love hosting people.
The first question that I always get asked when people find out that I am living along in an apartment (or leading up to, when they found out that I would be living along in an apartment) was "Oh... that's nice... but who is going to cook for you?" I always laugh and assure them that I love to cook and I personally think that I am rather good at it. They never seem to believe me though. Then next question is, "well... who is going to clean for you?" Haha! Oh goodness. Well, it is a small apartment so I think that I can handle that. Also, it is VERY common here for someone to have a cleaning person come to their house and clean up. Usually if you don't it is because you can't afford it and it seems like a bit of a status symbol I guess. I think that is a great idea and I would love to have someone clean for me but... I am the type of person that I would clean before my cleaning person got there so that they didn't see what it looked like before. Also, I have a lot of time on my hands and it is a small apartment so I am good with cleaning it myself for now. But, I understand that it is a very rare thing in Colombia for a young man to live on his own though, so I guess I can understand that. Colombia is very family oriented so usually you live with your parents until you are married and then you are set!
Many people were a little worried about me moving off on my own. Everyone had an opinion on what I should be doing instead. However, I am so happy here in my little apartment with a wonderful view. I love being independent and feeling like I am not intruding in other people's homes. I love having space and not feeling guilty if I go to bed super late or get up late, haha! Oh goodness. I appreciate being taken care of but I am such an independent person that being taken care of quickly feels like smothering and then I just get nervous, haha.
Day 155 (Saturday, June 9th) - A day of cancelled classes and mall hang outs
So, Saturdays are very busy days for me. My schedule is 10:00 to 11:30 Basic Level English lesson. 3:00 to 4:30 Intermediate Level English Lesson. 5:00 to 7:00 youth group!
I love Saturdays because I get to actually feel productive! I have a lot of free time here in Colombia, which I love! Don't get me wrong. But, it is also nice to be able to look back on my day and think, Wow! I got a lot accomplished today! My weekends are definitely my work weeks.
So, unfortunately no one showed up to either English class. But, that meant that I had a lot more free time than I normally do on Saturdays. We are also starting up a new class (because I was gone for 2 weeks and then we had 3 weeks without classes for various reasons) so that can also be a little rocky. Maybe it will be better this next week.
However, after waiting around for the afternoon class I decided to head to the mall to use the internet. That was a nice break because by this point I still didn't have internet in my apartment (long story). So, while heading to the mall I bumped into one of the guys that is in the youth group! That was a nice treat because I don't get much one-on-one time with the youth here. They are all so busy. So, we got some ice cream and chatted and hung out for a little while. I was also able to catch up on some facebooking and e-mailing as well. That was nice.
I have recently acquired some helpers for the youth group! I love this! I love having other like minded young adults that are willing to help out! I love the company and I also love not having to give the lesson every week haha! :) This week was nice because it was the first youth group where I was able to just sit back and actually enjoy the lesson and activities and the company rather than stressing about giving the lesson and making sure that my grammar is all correct haha. We have been working on the book of Matthew. I really enjoy this one because it gives such good lessons on how to work towards peace and how to treat those around us!
I love Saturdays because I get to actually feel productive! I have a lot of free time here in Colombia, which I love! Don't get me wrong. But, it is also nice to be able to look back on my day and think, Wow! I got a lot accomplished today! My weekends are definitely my work weeks.
So, unfortunately no one showed up to either English class. But, that meant that I had a lot more free time than I normally do on Saturdays. We are also starting up a new class (because I was gone for 2 weeks and then we had 3 weeks without classes for various reasons) so that can also be a little rocky. Maybe it will be better this next week.
However, after waiting around for the afternoon class I decided to head to the mall to use the internet. That was a nice break because by this point I still didn't have internet in my apartment (long story). So, while heading to the mall I bumped into one of the guys that is in the youth group! That was a nice treat because I don't get much one-on-one time with the youth here. They are all so busy. So, we got some ice cream and chatted and hung out for a little while. I was also able to catch up on some facebooking and e-mailing as well. That was nice.
I have recently acquired some helpers for the youth group! I love this! I love having other like minded young adults that are willing to help out! I love the company and I also love not having to give the lesson every week haha! :) This week was nice because it was the first youth group where I was able to just sit back and actually enjoy the lesson and activities and the company rather than stressing about giving the lesson and making sure that my grammar is all correct haha. We have been working on the book of Matthew. I really enjoy this one because it gives such good lessons on how to work towards peace and how to treat those around us!
Day 149 (June 3rd) - Moving DAY!!!
It has been quite a long time since I have updated this silly thing. So, I am going to have to do a little re-capping. When we last left off I was staying at the church building, living with the family there.
All of this changed on Sunday, June 3rd! I finally got possession of the apartment on Saturday June 2nd. We couldn't decide if I should go to the apartment and clean and paint and then move in at a later date or if I should move in on Sunday at some point. Well... I have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting this day for over a month now so I opted for moving on Sunday. After church some friends (both youth from the youth group and also some young adult friends) came to the apartment and helped me clean. I was a little bummed out because the people who lived here before me did not clean or paint the apartment before moving out. So, the floors were dirty, the walls were really scuffed and dirty and the paint is (still... oops) chipping and it just wasn't pleasant... especially in the kitchen. Although this was frustrating I did not let it get me down! My friends and I cleaned the apartment from top to bottom! It really only took us about an hour and a half or so. I was so incredibly blessed to have them come and help me with the not so fun part.
To tell them thank you I took everyone out for lunch! We went to a nice little local restaurant on the street. Their food was so delicious! I am going to have to go there again! I can't remember exactly what I had but it was nice.
After lunch we called a moving truck and he came to help us move everything. When he first pulled up in front of the church my heart sank. It was a TINY little truck with an even smaller bed. I had no clue how this was going to work with a refrigerator, a bed, and everything else that I had to move. Well... I forgot that this is Colombia. We some how got EVERYTHING to fit onto this dinky little truck in only ONE trip! I couldn't believe it... color me impressed.
Luckily it was a really short drive from the church to my apartment. However, once we were at the apartment... that was a different story. We had to haul everything up SIX flights of stairs! Just kidding. I am on the sixth floor, but thankfully I have an elevator... but that only goes up to the fifth floor haha. After that there is a fairly tight spiral staircase and then my apartment.
It was so nice to have everything just done and taken care of! I have decided that I definitely need to paint. I just don't know when I will be un-lazy enough to actually do it! Haha. I think it will be very soon though, because it desperately needs it. I love my apartment and I am loving being independent and feeling more at home because of this.
I have more pictures but I can't seem to find my camera cord so I will post those when I have them!
I had some very special friends join me to help me clean! Shaddy is washing loose items and Carolina decided that she would tackle the very dirty and caked on stove top.
Aldo here had a great time mopping!
Jean Carlos is wiping down my pretty sweet dinner table.
It seems like I didn't actually do any work but that is far from true!! I was doing a lot! I just paused to take pictures so I wasn't in many of them :P
Here I am working!
All of this changed on Sunday, June 3rd! I finally got possession of the apartment on Saturday June 2nd. We couldn't decide if I should go to the apartment and clean and paint and then move in at a later date or if I should move in on Sunday at some point. Well... I have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting this day for over a month now so I opted for moving on Sunday. After church some friends (both youth from the youth group and also some young adult friends) came to the apartment and helped me clean. I was a little bummed out because the people who lived here before me did not clean or paint the apartment before moving out. So, the floors were dirty, the walls were really scuffed and dirty and the paint is (still... oops) chipping and it just wasn't pleasant... especially in the kitchen. Although this was frustrating I did not let it get me down! My friends and I cleaned the apartment from top to bottom! It really only took us about an hour and a half or so. I was so incredibly blessed to have them come and help me with the not so fun part.
To tell them thank you I took everyone out for lunch! We went to a nice little local restaurant on the street. Their food was so delicious! I am going to have to go there again! I can't remember exactly what I had but it was nice.
After lunch we called a moving truck and he came to help us move everything. When he first pulled up in front of the church my heart sank. It was a TINY little truck with an even smaller bed. I had no clue how this was going to work with a refrigerator, a bed, and everything else that I had to move. Well... I forgot that this is Colombia. We some how got EVERYTHING to fit onto this dinky little truck in only ONE trip! I couldn't believe it... color me impressed.
The refrigerator is sitting on the boards used on my bed frame to keep my bed together. Then, just tied on with a rope. Then, we have a couch, two chairs... I was nervous and praying for the entire 5 minutes drive.
Luckily it was a really short drive from the church to my apartment. However, once we were at the apartment... that was a different story. We had to haul everything up SIX flights of stairs! Just kidding. I am on the sixth floor, but thankfully I have an elevator... but that only goes up to the fifth floor haha. After that there is a fairly tight spiral staircase and then my apartment.
It was so nice to have everything just done and taken care of! I have decided that I definitely need to paint. I just don't know when I will be un-lazy enough to actually do it! Haha. I think it will be very soon though, because it desperately needs it. I love my apartment and I am loving being independent and feeling more at home because of this.
I have more pictures but I can't seem to find my camera cord so I will post those when I have them!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Day 144 - HOT days and HOT deals!
Today was a fun day. It was one of those days where plans got changed a bunch but the day ended up being just as great as it would have been if the original plans had been kept.
Today was supposed to be the day that I started volunteering with a school here. A good friend of mine works as a teachers in a bilingual school here in Barranquilla, this is also where her daughters and some of the other kids from the youth group go. She has been talking to her boss about letting me come and work with some of the classes a couple times a week doing fun activities like reading books in English and things like that. It would be really basic things in grades one and two I think. But I love working with kids so I am excited! Then, there is also a chance that I will be able to work with some of the older high school kids and have mock interviews and other more advanced English conversations.
It finally worked out with both of our (planned) schedules that I would be able to come! However, this morning something came up. I think that they had an impromptu field trip or something like that. Sad day. But this is a fairly common occurrence in Colombia. That is something that has been a bitter sweet about it here. You always have to be on your toes! Sometimes things happen, like people's bosses planning surprise events haha. Oh well, we are going to try again tomorrow :)
But! Since I wasn't able to go work with kids I decided to call a good friend of mine and go to the center of the city today, this is something that we have been talking about doing for a long time. The center of the city is where they sell a lot of things for fairly cheap (it would have been a lot cheaper for my friend if I hadn't been there, haha!). They had EVERYTHING you could possibly want! Oh my goodness! They had souvenir type things, they had household items, they had decorations for your house, they had fresh fruits and veggies which I loved, they had fresh meat (which I didn't love and wow did it smell bad haha), also so so so many others.
I bought some fruit called mamon, it is something that I had an fell in love with in Puerto Rico (there they call it guinepa). You bite the outside and it makes a split down the middle. Then you slurp the fleshy green mess out of the inside of the semi hard shell. There is a big pit covered in the "meat" and the meat feels like a booger but it tastes SOOO good! So, you suck all the fruit off the pit then you spit the seed out. It is a lot of fun to eat!
Also, I bought some very coasteño (they word for coastal people and culture here in Colombia) pictures to hang in my apartment. It was only 5 dollars for both of them! The guy selling them was also incredibly nice.
I also bought a sweet bag! Every one here has one, so I figured that I should jump on the bandwagon. It says "I love you Colombia" I like that Colombia has two ways to say "I love you" You can say "Te amo" Which literally means "I love you" This is reserved for family, significant others and very close friends. But, then they also have "Te quiero" which literally means "I want you" or more so "I like you." But they use it the way we say "Oh I love this movie!" Or "You are so funny I love you." I think that it saves face for the word "love." I like it.
Then I bought some sweet kids books to read in Spanish! I also finally found something that I have been looking for for a while! An English book! This is one that will help me with my lesson plans and teaching grammar! I have looked in so many places. When my friend and I first went to this persons stand he tried to charge us 25,000 pesos for this book. It is 15 years old and in decent condition but I was in no way willing to spend that much. He went down to 15,000 pesos but I still wasn't willing for that much. So we left but as we were leaving the area to head home he spotted us and yelled at my firend and told her that just for her as a gift he would give it to her for 8,000 pesos (about 4 dollars). Sometime being white native English speaker is super lame. So many people assume you have more money than you actually do. Finding these books made today feel more like a "work" day rather than a "free" day because I went specifically to find and English book. So I feel at least a little bit accomplished haha. Also, that last book is Charlie and the Chocolate factory. I am pumped to read it!
I also found some GREAT deals on kitchen items and plan on going back sometime soon to snatch some more great kitchen deals here soon!
My friend and I had a GREAT time! Well... I did. I hope that she did too haha. I know that when people tell me to post pictures these aren't really what they had in mind but I was too scared to take my camera to the center. Maybe next time I will risk taking my iPod and use that camera. Also, I really need to start taking more pictures! More to come soon!
PS. I am officially moving into my apartment in TWO days! I am so excited!!! I can hardly contain myself.
Today was supposed to be the day that I started volunteering with a school here. A good friend of mine works as a teachers in a bilingual school here in Barranquilla, this is also where her daughters and some of the other kids from the youth group go. She has been talking to her boss about letting me come and work with some of the classes a couple times a week doing fun activities like reading books in English and things like that. It would be really basic things in grades one and two I think. But I love working with kids so I am excited! Then, there is also a chance that I will be able to work with some of the older high school kids and have mock interviews and other more advanced English conversations.
It finally worked out with both of our (planned) schedules that I would be able to come! However, this morning something came up. I think that they had an impromptu field trip or something like that. Sad day. But this is a fairly common occurrence in Colombia. That is something that has been a bitter sweet about it here. You always have to be on your toes! Sometimes things happen, like people's bosses planning surprise events haha. Oh well, we are going to try again tomorrow :)
But! Since I wasn't able to go work with kids I decided to call a good friend of mine and go to the center of the city today, this is something that we have been talking about doing for a long time. The center of the city is where they sell a lot of things for fairly cheap (it would have been a lot cheaper for my friend if I hadn't been there, haha!). They had EVERYTHING you could possibly want! Oh my goodness! They had souvenir type things, they had household items, they had decorations for your house, they had fresh fruits and veggies which I loved, they had fresh meat (which I didn't love and wow did it smell bad haha), also so so so many others.
I bought some fruit called mamon, it is something that I had an fell in love with in Puerto Rico (there they call it guinepa). You bite the outside and it makes a split down the middle. Then you slurp the fleshy green mess out of the inside of the semi hard shell. There is a big pit covered in the "meat" and the meat feels like a booger but it tastes SOOO good! So, you suck all the fruit off the pit then you spit the seed out. It is a lot of fun to eat!
Also, I bought some very coasteño (they word for coastal people and culture here in Colombia) pictures to hang in my apartment. It was only 5 dollars for both of them! The guy selling them was also incredibly nice.
I also bought a sweet bag! Every one here has one, so I figured that I should jump on the bandwagon. It says "I love you Colombia" I like that Colombia has two ways to say "I love you" You can say "Te amo" Which literally means "I love you" This is reserved for family, significant others and very close friends. But, then they also have "Te quiero" which literally means "I want you" or more so "I like you." But they use it the way we say "Oh I love this movie!" Or "You are so funny I love you." I think that it saves face for the word "love." I like it.
Then I bought some sweet kids books to read in Spanish! I also finally found something that I have been looking for for a while! An English book! This is one that will help me with my lesson plans and teaching grammar! I have looked in so many places. When my friend and I first went to this persons stand he tried to charge us 25,000 pesos for this book. It is 15 years old and in decent condition but I was in no way willing to spend that much. He went down to 15,000 pesos but I still wasn't willing for that much. So we left but as we were leaving the area to head home he spotted us and yelled at my firend and told her that just for her as a gift he would give it to her for 8,000 pesos (about 4 dollars). Sometime being white native English speaker is super lame. So many people assume you have more money than you actually do. Finding these books made today feel more like a "work" day rather than a "free" day because I went specifically to find and English book. So I feel at least a little bit accomplished haha. Also, that last book is Charlie and the Chocolate factory. I am pumped to read it!
I also found some GREAT deals on kitchen items and plan on going back sometime soon to snatch some more great kitchen deals here soon!
My friend and I had a GREAT time! Well... I did. I hope that she did too haha. I know that when people tell me to post pictures these aren't really what they had in mind but I was too scared to take my camera to the center. Maybe next time I will risk taking my iPod and use that camera. Also, I really need to start taking more pictures! More to come soon!
PS. I am officially moving into my apartment in TWO days! I am so excited!!! I can hardly contain myself.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Day 140 - Free Lunch and Internet
So the internet has become a precious commodity (I may or may not refer to it as 'my precious' at times) because I have been without it for such a long time! I very rarely get to use it and when I do I have to walk about 7 blocks to the local mall here (Centro Comercial Americano - I love that to make things sound fancier they are often named "Americano") to sit and troll on their unprotected wifi. Anyway, I usually sit up in the food court area and read the hilarity on themetapicture.com and then check up on e-mails and facebook and connect and waste time. There have been many times when I think of something that I want to look up but then I can't because I don't have internet and then I will think "Oh right, I don't have the internet. I guess I will just have to look it up on wikipedia... shoot... that is on the internet." Then I realize how addicted I am.
So, I have been living at the church building because my housing has yet to work out. So that has been interesting. Already living there are a couple and their 2 1/2 year old adorable daughter. So that has been fun and interesting. I am very very ready to have my own place and not feel like I am intruding for once and to just feel completely and 100% at home. That is where my apartment comes in! Oh I can't wait! Today, I went on a little trek (which I will talk more about in a second) early early in the morning and then when I got back everyone was gone! So, I took advantage of the fact and played some music really loud and was pulling a dance chore party. I got a little cleaning done while listening to the music haha. It was a lot of fun to just be a little ridiculous and not have to worry about bothering anyone.
There is a gentleman from Illinois visiting right now. He is in the area talking about his experience with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) which is a Mennonite organization that I think is just incredible. He has worked for CPT for 7 years and then for the last 3 years he has been traveling around off and on telling people in The States, Canada, and Colombia about the work that they do with CPT. There are teams in Palestine, Iraq, and Colombia. In Colombia they work with farmers and "get in the way" when paramilitary or guerilla teams try to come and force them off their land. They stand in between the intruders and the farmers and try to start a dialogue with them. Sometimes the people listen. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes they leave and other times they don't. However, many people's lives have been saved because of these CPTers who are risking their lives to make these guerillas and paramilitary groups think about what they are doing before they do it. If you are at all interesting in hearing more about what they do their website is www.cpt.org It really is an incredible ministry.
So! A date has been set for me to move into my apartment! I am super pumped! I am beyond ready for this! June 1st that baby is ALL mine! That will be one week from today! When did June 1st become one week from today? WOW time has really flown by and I have been here for almost 5 months now. Wow... Anyway. I am excited. I will have internet at my disposal, food in my fridge, a shower that works, and being able to play music without being worried about disturbing anyone! Woot!
OH! So, while I was sitting on the internet in the food court today a friends father, who I have only meet once, came up to me and said hello! It was really fun and random (not so random after I found out he works at the school right next to the mall haha). Then he came over with lunch and he had bought me lunch and we ate together and it was hilarious and awesome! When I said that he didn't have to that he said "nonsense! When one Colombian is eating everyone with them has to be eating!" Haha. Nice guy
So, I have been living at the church building because my housing has yet to work out. So that has been interesting. Already living there are a couple and their 2 1/2 year old adorable daughter. So that has been fun and interesting. I am very very ready to have my own place and not feel like I am intruding for once and to just feel completely and 100% at home. That is where my apartment comes in! Oh I can't wait! Today, I went on a little trek (which I will talk more about in a second) early early in the morning and then when I got back everyone was gone! So, I took advantage of the fact and played some music really loud and was pulling a dance chore party. I got a little cleaning done while listening to the music haha. It was a lot of fun to just be a little ridiculous and not have to worry about bothering anyone.
There is a gentleman from Illinois visiting right now. He is in the area talking about his experience with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) which is a Mennonite organization that I think is just incredible. He has worked for CPT for 7 years and then for the last 3 years he has been traveling around off and on telling people in The States, Canada, and Colombia about the work that they do with CPT. There are teams in Palestine, Iraq, and Colombia. In Colombia they work with farmers and "get in the way" when paramilitary or guerilla teams try to come and force them off their land. They stand in between the intruders and the farmers and try to start a dialogue with them. Sometimes the people listen. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes they leave and other times they don't. However, many people's lives have been saved because of these CPTers who are risking their lives to make these guerillas and paramilitary groups think about what they are doing before they do it. If you are at all interesting in hearing more about what they do their website is www.cpt.org It really is an incredible ministry.
So! A date has been set for me to move into my apartment! I am super pumped! I am beyond ready for this! June 1st that baby is ALL mine! That will be one week from today! When did June 1st become one week from today? WOW time has really flown by and I have been here for almost 5 months now. Wow... Anyway. I am excited. I will have internet at my disposal, food in my fridge, a shower that works, and being able to play music without being worried about disturbing anyone! Woot!
OH! So, while I was sitting on the internet in the food court today a friends father, who I have only meet once, came up to me and said hello! It was really fun and random (not so random after I found out he works at the school right next to the mall haha). Then he came over with lunch and he had bought me lunch and we ate together and it was hilarious and awesome! When I said that he didn't have to that he said "nonsense! When one Colombian is eating everyone with them has to be eating!" Haha. Nice guy
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day 131 - Friends and McDonald's
So, since my last post things have been really interesting! But... we currently don't have internet so I haven't been able to post anything about it :P
I went to a little indy movie theater with a friend last week. It was really fun! It was a Korean film with Spanish subtitles. It was a really weird movie but I really enjoyed it. I love going to little hole in the wall places like this and now that I know where it is I may have to check it out again sometime!
On Mother's Day a group of young people from the church went to the mall and hung out there. It was a great time! We got ice cream and shared some burritos from the food court and then went to see the Avengers! It was such a nice time to be able to connect with people around the same age as me and to feel like I actually have friends here. That maybe sounds cheesy but it was a great feeling, haha.
The church also recently had a barbecue to celebrate their time with Amanda and Gamaliel here on the coast. It was such a special time to be able to hear stories and to hear how they have touched so many people here. Gamaliel and Amanda have really had an incredible ministry here and they will leave some big shoes to fill!! Luckily, I don't think that we could have picked a better pastoral team to fill them. They will most certainly be missed and their absence will not go unnoticed.
Another big thing going on right now is my housing... I have an apartment all picked out and it is empty and waiting for me... but something has happened and I have no clue when I will be able to move in. Here in Colombia there was at one point a habit of people to move into an apartment and they would just stop paying rent but continue to live there. So... now if you don't have Colombian credit (which I don't) you have to have two or three co-signers for you apartment. Understandably. But, these co-signers have to have both a salary and own a home. With most people here it seems to be one or the other. We did find three people though, but one of the people didn't notarize their paper and they are currently out of the country. Whoopsies. So... there is a possibility that I will have to wait until they return in June and I will live in the church building for a couple of weeks. Or there is one last ray of hope and I might be able to move in on Monday. I am trying not to get my hopes up and I am trying to be the happiest and as patient as I can be in this situation. However, I am so excited about having my own place! I feel like a little kid the night before Christmas... it just can't come fast enough!
God has a plan and He will work everything out. I just have to be patient.
I went to a little indy movie theater with a friend last week. It was really fun! It was a Korean film with Spanish subtitles. It was a really weird movie but I really enjoyed it. I love going to little hole in the wall places like this and now that I know where it is I may have to check it out again sometime!
On Mother's Day a group of young people from the church went to the mall and hung out there. It was a great time! We got ice cream and shared some burritos from the food court and then went to see the Avengers! It was such a nice time to be able to connect with people around the same age as me and to feel like I actually have friends here. That maybe sounds cheesy but it was a great feeling, haha.
The church also recently had a barbecue to celebrate their time with Amanda and Gamaliel here on the coast. It was such a special time to be able to hear stories and to hear how they have touched so many people here. Gamaliel and Amanda have really had an incredible ministry here and they will leave some big shoes to fill!! Luckily, I don't think that we could have picked a better pastoral team to fill them. They will most certainly be missed and their absence will not go unnoticed.
Another big thing going on right now is my housing... I have an apartment all picked out and it is empty and waiting for me... but something has happened and I have no clue when I will be able to move in. Here in Colombia there was at one point a habit of people to move into an apartment and they would just stop paying rent but continue to live there. So... now if you don't have Colombian credit (which I don't) you have to have two or three co-signers for you apartment. Understandably. But, these co-signers have to have both a salary and own a home. With most people here it seems to be one or the other. We did find three people though, but one of the people didn't notarize their paper and they are currently out of the country. Whoopsies. So... there is a possibility that I will have to wait until they return in June and I will live in the church building for a couple of weeks. Or there is one last ray of hope and I might be able to move in on Monday. I am trying not to get my hopes up and I am trying to be the happiest and as patient as I can be in this situation. However, I am so excited about having my own place! I feel like a little kid the night before Christmas... it just can't come fast enough!
God has a plan and He will work everything out. I just have to be patient.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Day 123 - Trip recaps and mosquito bites
This weekend was a very exciting one to say that least! We went to a city/town about 5 hours away from Barranquilla, called Rioacha. There is a Mennonite church there and, to the best of my knowledge, was one of the very first ones in Coastal Colombia! When Gamaliel and Amanda started their term they worked at this church for a bit and then moved on to start their church planting in Barranquilla. Because Gamaliel and Amanda have been such an integral part of this church they went to this church to say good bye before they left. As of now they are planning on leaving to head to Armenia (in southern central Colombia, about 4 or 5 hours south west of Bogota) on May 21st.
It was so nice to be a part of this transitional time, both with Gamaliel and Amanda, but also with the church. This was also a time for them to be officially introduced to their new Regional Coordinator for the the National Mennonite Assembly of Colombia, Mitzi. Mitzi is also the new pastor at the northern church in Barranquilla (which is the church that I have been working in primarily). We are SO happy to have Mitzi and her husband Jaime (Mitzi is the primary pastor in the team) as our pastoral team! She was voted in completely unanimously. I was really disappointed that I wasn't there for the vote, it was a public vote and from what I understood it was a very emotional experience. I know that I would have been emotional at least! Mitzi is an incredible woman and I know that if anyone can fill in Gamaliel and Amanda's VERY big shoes both in the community and the northern church, she and Jaime will be able to do that.
I am so disappointed with my lack of PICTURE TAKING! I can't believe that I forgot to take more pictures while there! I even took my camera... disappointing. But, we went to the beach and found shells and there were also four baptisms in ocean and that was just an incredible experience to be a part of!
While in Rioacha I kind of had a mini revelation on to why I have turned into SUCH an introvert (which is really not normal for me) since coming here. While trying to talk with some of the youth in the church I had to repeat myself several times because I wasn't understood and it was very... frustrating. I have gotten to the point where I honestly understand about 75% of all conversations (unless they are about something COMPLETELY out of left field haha). So that is nice. But, for some reason I am just not understood when I speak. I'm not sure if it is my accent or my grammar. I have heard people with thicker US accents than I think I have speak here in Colombia though and they are understood fine so I am assuming my grammar must be atrocious. This is a difficult realization because I kind of pride myself a bit on my English grammar... so that is a new feeling. I have decided that I need to be MUCH more intentional about learning Spanish though... oh goodness. This has been a long journey on that front. Spanish grammar is so much different than English grammar. But it really really is necessary. Bring it on Spanish. Bring it on!
The church in Rioacha has asked me to be in the process of thinking about spending long periods of time there with them. They are thinking about maybe one to two week stretches every two months perhaps. They also threw out a month at a time so... we will see how everything works out. I will for sure be praying about that and seeking out guidance! I would definitely like to do this but they are both big time commitments haha.
One thing that I am very excited about is that I will be meeting with our new pastor sometime next week to talk more about my role in the church and what exactly my job is here and where I can be better involved. As of right now I really only "work" about two hours every week on Saturdays while helping with the youth. Also, during the English lessons I suppose, but those have been sparsely attended recently haha. It will be nice to go over everything again and kind of have a new beginning. Since returning from home I have had a renewed sense of meaning and a much clearer head. It will be wonderful having a more concrete idea of what all I will be able to do and how to help and keep myself occupied for this next leg of my journey.
In other transitional news, I will be moving into my new apartment VERY soon! The exact date keeps changing but I believe I will be there by the end of next week. I am beyond excited about this new transition! I have always been a very independent person and it will be so nice to have that bigger sense of independence of living on my own and providing for myself! Also, the view of being on the sixth floor isn't anything to complain about either :P.
It was so nice to be a part of this transitional time, both with Gamaliel and Amanda, but also with the church. This was also a time for them to be officially introduced to their new Regional Coordinator for the the National Mennonite Assembly of Colombia, Mitzi. Mitzi is also the new pastor at the northern church in Barranquilla (which is the church that I have been working in primarily). We are SO happy to have Mitzi and her husband Jaime (Mitzi is the primary pastor in the team) as our pastoral team! She was voted in completely unanimously. I was really disappointed that I wasn't there for the vote, it was a public vote and from what I understood it was a very emotional experience. I know that I would have been emotional at least! Mitzi is an incredible woman and I know that if anyone can fill in Gamaliel and Amanda's VERY big shoes both in the community and the northern church, she and Jaime will be able to do that.
I am so disappointed with my lack of PICTURE TAKING! I can't believe that I forgot to take more pictures while there! I even took my camera... disappointing. But, we went to the beach and found shells and there were also four baptisms in ocean and that was just an incredible experience to be a part of!
While in Rioacha I kind of had a mini revelation on to why I have turned into SUCH an introvert (which is really not normal for me) since coming here. While trying to talk with some of the youth in the church I had to repeat myself several times because I wasn't understood and it was very... frustrating. I have gotten to the point where I honestly understand about 75% of all conversations (unless they are about something COMPLETELY out of left field haha). So that is nice. But, for some reason I am just not understood when I speak. I'm not sure if it is my accent or my grammar. I have heard people with thicker US accents than I think I have speak here in Colombia though and they are understood fine so I am assuming my grammar must be atrocious. This is a difficult realization because I kind of pride myself a bit on my English grammar... so that is a new feeling. I have decided that I need to be MUCH more intentional about learning Spanish though... oh goodness. This has been a long journey on that front. Spanish grammar is so much different than English grammar. But it really really is necessary. Bring it on Spanish. Bring it on!
The church in Rioacha has asked me to be in the process of thinking about spending long periods of time there with them. They are thinking about maybe one to two week stretches every two months perhaps. They also threw out a month at a time so... we will see how everything works out. I will for sure be praying about that and seeking out guidance! I would definitely like to do this but they are both big time commitments haha.
One thing that I am very excited about is that I will be meeting with our new pastor sometime next week to talk more about my role in the church and what exactly my job is here and where I can be better involved. As of right now I really only "work" about two hours every week on Saturdays while helping with the youth. Also, during the English lessons I suppose, but those have been sparsely attended recently haha. It will be nice to go over everything again and kind of have a new beginning. Since returning from home I have had a renewed sense of meaning and a much clearer head. It will be wonderful having a more concrete idea of what all I will be able to do and how to help and keep myself occupied for this next leg of my journey.
In other transitional news, I will be moving into my new apartment VERY soon! The exact date keeps changing but I believe I will be there by the end of next week. I am beyond excited about this new transition! I have always been a very independent person and it will be so nice to have that bigger sense of independence of living on my own and providing for myself! Also, the view of being on the sixth floor isn't anything to complain about either :P.
Day 119 - Feeling rested and rejuvenated
(I started writing this on... last thursday I think. So that dating is a little off haha)
Wow. It must have been a while since I have been here because the new layout is a little confusing.
I recently was able to go home and attend the wedding of a very very good friend, the one and only Maggie Borton, now Kalm! Also, her now husband Jon. It was such a special thing that I was able to make the journey home and be able to stand up for two wonderful people on their wedding day!
While home I was told by a few people that I need to get better about blogging. Whoops. I will try!!
Being home was just what the doctor ordered! It was such a blessing getting to see so many friends and my family and be in a place that was 100% recognizable and familiar. I gained new perspective and got some ideas of what I would like to do during this leg of my adventure. Needless to say I am pretty excited about what is going to come about! I will post a little more about that when it actually happens though.
Wow. It must have been a while since I have been here because the new layout is a little confusing.
I recently was able to go home and attend the wedding of a very very good friend, the one and only Maggie Borton, now Kalm! Also, her now husband Jon. It was such a special thing that I was able to make the journey home and be able to stand up for two wonderful people on their wedding day!
While home I was told by a few people that I need to get better about blogging. Whoops. I will try!!
Being home was just what the doctor ordered! It was such a blessing getting to see so many friends and my family and be in a place that was 100% recognizable and familiar. I gained new perspective and got some ideas of what I would like to do during this leg of my adventure. Needless to say I am pretty excited about what is going to come about! I will post a little more about that when it actually happens though.
My mom made the cake so we went and dropped it off. We had a little bit of fun with the photobooth that was provided for the wedding festivities!
I have awesome parents!
My mom made the AWESOME cake! She thought it looked good enough to eat haha
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Day 93 The one where he keeps forgetting to update his blog
So, this will be a back blog...
Monday morning, the first day of Holy Week. I packs up and went camping with the youth and young adults of the church, Getsemani. It was a ton of fun!
We went to a little house type thing that had a big yard in the back that is rented out. People brought tents and hammocks and there were also beds. It was RIGHT on the beach so we were able to constantly just look up and see it right there. I loved that.
There were some beautiful words spoken by the youth leader from this church and I just really enjoyed it. For me there is just something so spiritual about the ocean, and I felt so close to God while being there. Something about the fluidity and every changing-ness and immensity of the ocean just connects me with the creator. I loved it.
It was such an incredible experience!
They take this trip every Holy Weeks, while the kids are out of school. I think that I will definitely be attending next time if they will have me, haha!
Barranquilla is slowly starting to really feel like home. It was a little hard at first but now that I am building some lasting friendships and getting more involved and finding out just how much there is to offer in the city things are going so much better! I am really starting to find my place here.
Monday morning, the first day of Holy Week. I packs up and went camping with the youth and young adults of the church, Getsemani. It was a ton of fun!
We went to a little house type thing that had a big yard in the back that is rented out. People brought tents and hammocks and there were also beds. It was RIGHT on the beach so we were able to constantly just look up and see it right there. I loved that.
There were some beautiful words spoken by the youth leader from this church and I just really enjoyed it. For me there is just something so spiritual about the ocean, and I felt so close to God while being there. Something about the fluidity and every changing-ness and immensity of the ocean just connects me with the creator. I loved it.
It was such an incredible experience!
They take this trip every Holy Weeks, while the kids are out of school. I think that I will definitely be attending next time if they will have me, haha!
Barranquilla is slowly starting to really feel like home. It was a little hard at first but now that I am building some lasting friendships and getting more involved and finding out just how much there is to offer in the city things are going so much better! I am really starting to find my place here.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Day 86 - A Day of New Discoveries and Movies
I got the chance to go and visit one of the churches in the south today, Getsemani. It was such a great experience. It was so nice to be able to see the many places that God is working in the city of Barranquilla. I also got a chance to try some Holy Week sweets that apparently everyone makes around here! I didn't get a chance to take a picture... but they were delicious!!
Afterwards a friend brought me back to the apartment and we decided to run to Exito and grab some last minute things, I am going with the Getsemani youth/young adults to a camp over the next three days. I am pretty excited.
While we were there my friend kept mentioning how she had been to this Exito/shopping center before a couple years ago and mentioned the movie theater. I thought to myself, haha, that is funny friend. There is no movie theater in here. I have walked around this shopping center place aimlessly many times. Apparently because I didn't want to check out the electronic center I missed the FOOD COURT and the MOVIE THEATER!!! It felt like walking from the wardrobe filled with fur coats into Narnia. My mind was blown. I have been living here for 3 months now. I visit that Exito at least twice a week if not more, especially while I am bored. Never, have I ever seen this extra piece of the building. Well... now I know. I guess that goes to show that sometimes, just under the surface, there is something awesome waiting for you!
So, in light of this new discovery I decided to treat myself to a movie that I have been wanting to see. I went and saw the Hunger Games!! Oh was it GOOD! I was a little disappointed because I thought that like in Puerto Rico, it would be in English and subtitled in Spanish. Well... nope! Pure Spanish. I was pleasantly surprised however, through reading the book and my rockin' awesome Spanish skills I understood everything!! There were two conversations that I was confused in but they were short and not important for the plot. I was pretty pumped though! I loved reading the books so I am excited to relive everything in the movies! I can't wait for the next one!
I also splurged and got a big popcorn, which I may or may not have eaten all of... and a grape soda, it was spectacular!
I am happy that I now know what my spare time will be spent doing! Also, who doesn't love some good food court food. This may not have been the best discovery...
Afterwards a friend brought me back to the apartment and we decided to run to Exito and grab some last minute things, I am going with the Getsemani youth/young adults to a camp over the next three days. I am pretty excited.
While we were there my friend kept mentioning how she had been to this Exito/shopping center before a couple years ago and mentioned the movie theater. I thought to myself, haha, that is funny friend. There is no movie theater in here. I have walked around this shopping center place aimlessly many times. Apparently because I didn't want to check out the electronic center I missed the FOOD COURT and the MOVIE THEATER!!! It felt like walking from the wardrobe filled with fur coats into Narnia. My mind was blown. I have been living here for 3 months now. I visit that Exito at least twice a week if not more, especially while I am bored. Never, have I ever seen this extra piece of the building. Well... now I know. I guess that goes to show that sometimes, just under the surface, there is something awesome waiting for you!
So, in light of this new discovery I decided to treat myself to a movie that I have been wanting to see. I went and saw the Hunger Games!! Oh was it GOOD! I was a little disappointed because I thought that like in Puerto Rico, it would be in English and subtitled in Spanish. Well... nope! Pure Spanish. I was pleasantly surprised however, through reading the book and my rockin' awesome Spanish skills I understood everything!! There were two conversations that I was confused in but they were short and not important for the plot. I was pretty pumped though! I loved reading the books so I am excited to relive everything in the movies! I can't wait for the next one!
I also splurged and got a big popcorn, which I may or may not have eaten all of... and a grape soda, it was spectacular!
I am happy that I now know what my spare time will be spent doing! Also, who doesn't love some good food court food. This may not have been the best discovery...
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