Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Back in Saskatoon
What a journey! I arrived home from Bogota this morning. It was an all night flight and I did not sleep much on the plane - I am still reeling from what I saw and experienced in Colombia.
Even though I started this journey to Colombia knowing only Him, I trusted him to protect and guide me. He has been a faithful companion and has helped me to connect with so many others. He was with us every step of the way and continues to be there for each of us if we ask Him.
Over the past 10 days, we have seen the power of prayer over and over - from asking God to provide enough paint to finish painting a ceiling (we prayed and managed to find enough to complete the task), to asking for His protection on the missions trips - He has provided. He could not have sent any better protectors (policio) for protection during our trips!
I have met so many good people in Colombia and feel truly blessed to serve Children's Vision. Planning has already begun to gather the first official Canadian team from Saskatoon to head to CV in Bogota early next year. If you would are interested in serving, send me a message or email reynoldscarole@yahoo.ca . We would like to have at least 10-15 to serve in whatever capacity is needed (cooking, pastoral care, children's ministry, construction - we can use whatever gifts God has given you!). "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10
I'll be posting more photos from this journey over the next few days and will share my revelations of how God has worked in me personally to shape me - we are all works in progress and with the God as the potter, we know the results will be spectacular!
Blessings and thanks to all again who donated shoes and prayed for me, the
Northern Ireland team and everyone at Children's Vision - we certainly could not
have accomplised so much without your help, God's faithfulness and grace! All
glory goes to Him!
- Carol
"We, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one
another." Romans 12:5
Even though I started this journey to Colombia knowing only Him, I trusted him to protect and guide me. He has been a faithful companion and has helped me to connect with so many others. He was with us every step of the way and continues to be there for each of us if we ask Him.
Over the past 10 days, we have seen the power of prayer over and over - from asking God to provide enough paint to finish painting a ceiling (we prayed and managed to find enough to complete the task), to asking for His protection on the missions trips - He has provided. He could not have sent any better protectors (policio) for protection during our trips!
I have met so many good people in Colombia and feel truly blessed to serve Children's Vision. Planning has already begun to gather the first official Canadian team from Saskatoon to head to CV in Bogota early next year. If you would are interested in serving, send me a message or email reynoldscarole@yahoo.ca . We would like to have at least 10-15 to serve in whatever capacity is needed (cooking, pastoral care, children's ministry, construction - we can use whatever gifts God has given you!). "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10
I'll be posting more photos from this journey over the next few days and will share my revelations of how God has worked in me personally to shape me - we are all works in progress and with the God as the potter, we know the results will be spectacular!
Blessings and thanks to all again who donated shoes and prayed for me, the
Northern Ireland team and everyone at Children's Vision - we certainly could not
have accomplised so much without your help, God's faithfulness and grace! All
glory goes to Him!
- Carol
"We, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one
another." Romans 12:5
Piedad and me.jpg
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
Heading home
We spent last night in a resort hotel 4 hours from Bogota. We heard there was a bomb in Bogota this morning that killed 9. It happened at a radio station owned by the country's new president who took power last Saturday.
With all of the road construction, our trip took longer than expected and we were exhausted when we returned to Bogota - but it was a good tired - we accomplished so much in His name!
I am boarding the plane to Toronto now and look forward to being in Saskatoon tomorrow morning!
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Guardian angels
As I am writing this, we are on our way to a hotel for the night, en route to Bogota from Granada. We served more than 200 families today who had been run out of ther homes by agressive soldiers. They were forced to leave with only things they could carry and now live is makeshift shanties. One elderly woman told us she had been praying for food for days and was overjoyed when she heard we were coming - she hugged and kissed many of us.
It has been another very long day and we have decided to break up the long drive with another hotel stay tonight. The policio major we are travelling with just had us all stop at a little shop alongside the highway for some guava-filled cheese wrapped in a banana plant leaf - absolutely delicious!
We are so blessed to be travelling with this group of policio who are literally going ahead of us (lights flashing) on the highway and making sure we don't encounter any danger. I am convinced that God has sent them as His angels to go ahead of us and stand guard around us (literally) when we are at the missions sites.
Thank you to everyone back home who has been praying for our team's safety - it's working!
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It has been another very long day and we have decided to break up the long drive with another hotel stay tonight. The policio major we are travelling with just had us all stop at a little shop alongside the highway for some guava-filled cheese wrapped in a banana plant leaf - absolutely delicious!
We are so blessed to be travelling with this group of policio who are literally going ahead of us (lights flashing) on the highway and making sure we don't encounter any danger. I am convinced that God has sent them as His angels to go ahead of us and stand guard around us (literally) when we are at the missions sites.
Thank you to everyone back home who has been praying for our team's safety - it's working!
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Unloading truck for the evening mission stop.jpg
Mountain mini-missions
We drove for 4 hours yesterday to get to Villavaencia where we did our first mission stop - provided food, clothing and medicines for 75 families. Then we had supper and went on to another stop where we provided for nearly 200. It was dark for this stop and there were many lurking in the shadows so it was a little unsettling.God was so gracious yesterday- he provided policio escorts for us all the way! We had the local police also stand guard while we gave out items at both locations.
The people were so grateful for everything they received. It was very inspirational to see their smiling faces despite all they have been through. We met a man who had lost four fingers from a grenade and Jeanene is planning to get her medical team to help him.
Last night we stayed in a very clean hotel. We had a lovely sleep but there was no water for a shower. The weather is so humid here and I really could have used one! 35+ yesterday!
Today we will serve another 200+ families and then drive the 6 hours back to Bogota. It will be another long day and the shower tonight will feel extra good!
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 (from today's Daily Bread)
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The people were so grateful for everything they received. It was very inspirational to see their smiling faces despite all they have been through. We met a man who had lost four fingers from a grenade and Jeanene is planning to get her medical team to help him.
Last night we stayed in a very clean hotel. We had a lovely sleep but there was no water for a shower. The weather is so humid here and I really could have used one! 35+ yesterday!
Today we will serve another 200+ families and then drive the 6 hours back to Bogota. It will be another long day and the shower tonight will feel extra good!
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 (from today's Daily Bread)
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Gathering shoes for the mountain mission.jpg
We achieved so much today! Much painting was completed and carpet laid in the children's rooms. We oversaw another kids club session and had so much fun. We also sorted shoes and clothes for the 2-day mountain mission we leave for tomorrow.
Many Colombian families have been displaced from their mountain homes by gurilla (sp?)soldiers and some have had their homes washed away by the recent rains. Our team will travel 6 hours to 2 remote sites over the next two days to provide food and clothing for these families. I expect it will be a time of testing and opportunity.
Many Colombian families have been displaced from their mountain homes by gurilla (sp?)soldiers and some have had their homes washed away by the recent rains. Our team will travel 6 hours to 2 remote sites over the next two days to provide food and clothing for these families. I expect it will be a time of testing and opportunity.
God continues to mold and work here - I see it in the children's eyes and hear it when 6-yr olds pray aloud for our team. These little people have much hope and it's a blessing to serve them.
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
Another inspiring day in Colombia! Each team member was "chosen" by a child to take them to church and on our afternoon outing today.
I was blessed to be chosen by 13-yr old Juan David Gil, (an avid skateboarder!). We took the children to church with us, lunch and then then an outing to a village approx. 1 hr outside of Bogota. Narrow, winding mountain roads and cars driving so fast made some of us a little nervous but God got us through military roadstops and the unpredictable traffic.
The church service was quite different than the one last night in the south...more men in the crowd, visibly more affluent and no translator. It was a good experience and the children enjoyed it.
After church we went for lunch at the "creamery" - aka La Cabana. It's a very picturesque dairy products-deli nestled in a village called Alpina. We then drove 45 minutes to another village Guatavita to shop for souveniers and gifts. The older children like Juan David were very helpful with translating.
We had a great day enjoying God's splendor in this beautiful country!
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I was blessed to be chosen by 13-yr old Juan David Gil, (an avid skateboarder!). We took the children to church with us, lunch and then then an outing to a village approx. 1 hr outside of Bogota. Narrow, winding mountain roads and cars driving so fast made some of us a little nervous but God got us through military roadstops and the unpredictable traffic.
The church service was quite different than the one last night in the south...more men in the crowd, visibly more affluent and no translator. It was a good experience and the children enjoyed it.
After church we went for lunch at the "creamery" - aka La Cabana. It's a very picturesque dairy products-deli nestled in a village called Alpina. We then drove 45 minutes to another village Guatavita to shop for souveniers and gifts. The older children like Juan David were very helpful with translating.
We had a great day enjoying God's splendor in this beautiful country!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Rainbows in Bogota
God continues to amaze me over and over on this trip. There were helicopters patrolling the skies all day and obvious military and police prescence everywhere we went. Many people flew the Colombian flag to celebrate the swearing in of the new president. We did not hear of any violence occuring.
This evening I attended a church service at the Four Corners church in south Bogota. The service was very interactive and lively and I was surprised to see the audience made up almost entirely of women and children.
There are many single parent (mother) families here but tonight's message about the book of Esther (delivered by Pastor Esther, coincidentally!) taught us that our focus needs to be only on God - the most loyal provider and protector of all.
I just met Pastor Esther today and she invited me to the service and translated for me. During her portion of the sermon, I was very blessed to have another woman translate the Spanish service. I met many new friends tonight and was a little embarassed at how they all commented on my blue eyes (brown is the most common color here). Again, thank goodness hugs are universal because I couldn't survive on my Spanish skills alone!
Tomorrow we go to a church service in the south (wealthier part of city). I am told that I will notice a distinct difference in services.
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This evening I attended a church service at the Four Corners church in south Bogota. The service was very interactive and lively and I was surprised to see the audience made up almost entirely of women and children.
There are many single parent (mother) families here but tonight's message about the book of Esther (delivered by Pastor Esther, coincidentally!) taught us that our focus needs to be only on God - the most loyal provider and protector of all.
I just met Pastor Esther today and she invited me to the service and translated for me. During her portion of the sermon, I was very blessed to have another woman translate the Spanish service. I met many new friends tonight and was a little embarassed at how they all commented on my blue eyes (brown is the most common color here). Again, thank goodness hugs are universal because I couldn't survive on my Spanish skills alone!
Tomorrow we go to a church service in the south (wealthier part of city). I am told that I will notice a distinct difference in services.
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Friday, August 6, 2010
Painting
Today was a very productive day. Approximately 80 older girls went "shopping" at the donations "store" and we got 2 bedrooms and a long hallway painted in the boys' dorm. The oil-based paint is all they have here in Cololmbia so it was a challenge to paint in confined rooms (we took many frequent breaks)....but they look great so far! My son Kris and I shopped for sports-themed wall decals before I left Canada and I can't wait to see them up on the walls...I hope the children like them!
One of the rooms really reminded me of home ---we painted it Rider green and white...wish I had brought some Rider stickers and flags!!
Tomorrow will be a big day here. Colombia's new president will be sworn in and we have been advised that there may be some unrest in the streets. Citizens here are used to this - all of the doors here have 4-5 deadbolts on each, plus many house-apartments are gated (including Bethel House where we are staying). God is our almighty protector and he will look after us.
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One of the rooms really reminded me of home ---we painted it Rider green and white...wish I had brought some Rider stickers and flags!!
Tomorrow will be a big day here. Colombia's new president will be sworn in and we have been advised that there may be some unrest in the streets. Citizens here are used to this - all of the doors here have 4-5 deadbolts on each, plus many house-apartments are gated (including Bethel House where we are staying). God is our almighty protector and he will look after us.
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Thursday, August 5, 2010
new clothes day with Valentina.jpg
We led a kids club class today and was overwhelmed (literally!) with the children...I had at least 3 crawling on me or sitting on my lap throughout! They crave love so much and thank goodness hugs are universal! God is at work here indeed and I am so blessed to be helping out.
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Exodus House
What a blessed day! We sorted through hundreds and hundreds of kids pieces of clothing and shoes today...can't wait to see the children's smiling faces when they receive them tomorrow!
We took part in the morning worship service with the entire school...our team led worship in English and a bit of Spanish. I even tried my hand at introducing myself in Spanish...managed to have it translated to "My man's name is Carol"...it was great comic relief for the entire school!!
This evening, we went to the boys house for supper - Exodus -ages 10-17. Met a wonderful young man who I had heard so much about - Luis, 17, speaks excellent English, is very intelligent, and is determined to be a doctor but universities in Colombia are very expensive. I also met some boys who love skateboarding (you should have seen their eyes light up when I said "pop-shove-its" and "kick-flips"!) I miss my own children very much.
God at work and I am honored that He has placed me here. We have had so many children come up to us and wrap their little arms around our legs...these little ones so desperately crave love. What an opportunity for us to be like Jesus by provide hugs and affirming words to them.
Tomorrow we teach at kids club with the 3-9yr olds. Should be a wonderful time!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
We took part in the morning worship service with the entire school...our team led worship in English and a bit of Spanish. I even tried my hand at introducing myself in Spanish...managed to have it translated to "My man's name is Carol"...it was great comic relief for the entire school!!
This evening, we went to the boys house for supper - Exodus -ages 10-17. Met a wonderful young man who I had heard so much about - Luis, 17, speaks excellent English, is very intelligent, and is determined to be a doctor but universities in Colombia are very expensive. I also met some boys who love skateboarding (you should have seen their eyes light up when I said "pop-shove-its" and "kick-flips"!) I miss my own children very much.
God at work and I am honored that He has placed me here. We have had so many children come up to us and wrap their little arms around our legs...these little ones so desperately crave love. What an opportunity for us to be like Jesus by provide hugs and affirming words to them.
Tomorrow we teach at kids club with the 3-9yr olds. Should be a wonderful time!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Early in the morning...Psalm 63:1
"Seek to do less and to accomplish more, to achieve more." This, I am finally beginning to understand.
Time here in Colombia is less structured than back home. There are clocks, but are mainly used for guidelines only. When I see the smiling faces of the children, time seems to stand still....and all is well :) More later...
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What a day! We started off with a Team meeting with Jeanene giving us the history of the foundation - very inspiring. She indicated that they get international teams serving approximately 17 times per year and that I am the first Canadian to serve on a mission here - what an honour! It would be wonderful to return here early next year...after I study Spanish a little!
We sorted childrens clothes and prepped walls for painting today. Had a wild time during supper with the younger children (ages 4-6) at Genesis House. They were entralled with our cameras and loved posing with us! I have not had this many hugs in one day for a very long day :)
A bit of sad news....
We were very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of a 28-year old staff member who was struck by a car on Sunday. The older children are taking it very hard, as this man was so highly regarded as a role model by both the boys and girls. There is an air of sadness especially in the boys' home (Exodus).
I am so blessed by the welcome of this Irish team and look forward to sharing more time with them and the children.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
We sorted childrens clothes and prepped walls for painting today. Had a wild time during supper with the younger children (ages 4-6) at Genesis House. They were entralled with our cameras and loved posing with us! I have not had this many hugs in one day for a very long day :)
A bit of sad news....
We were very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of a 28-year old staff member who was struck by a car on Sunday. The older children are taking it very hard, as this man was so highly regarded as a role model by both the boys and girls. There is an air of sadness especially in the boys' home (Exodus).
I am so blessed by the welcome of this Irish team and look forward to sharing more time with them and the children.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Arrived in Bogota
Arrived in Bogota last night to a wonderful welcome! Jeanene, Richard (Children's Home organizers) and some of their boys and staff were there to welcome me and the team from Northern Ireland. Off to paint and sort clothes now. Ciao!
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Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
What a trip!
I stand in complete awe at how this journey has been planned. From my employer's support to my paperwork and flight bookings, to being teamed with a Baptist group from Northern Ireland -- wow God has been busy! Being in control is over rated; I am blessed to have the opportunity to sit back and let Him pave the way.
Sharing...
What an honor to share about my trip to Colombia and be prayed for at my home church - Ebenezer Baptist in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada - this morning! It's a long weekend here in Canada and we were blessed with many out-of-town guests at both services.
Sharing...
What an honor to share about my trip to Colombia and be prayed for at my home church - Ebenezer Baptist in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada - this morning! It's a long weekend here in Canada and we were blessed with many out-of-town guests at both services.
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