Bogotá so far…

A park near my house.

A lot of people have been asking for pictures and wanting to know about my life here. And now that I’m a bit more settled, well at least 2 weeks in kind of settled, let me share with you a bit about my life In Bogotá so far.

I’m living with a couple from a local Mennonite Church. They’re both university professors, and they both have 2 jobs at 2 universities. They’re a really nice couple and great at explaining things in language I can understand, and don’t mind all my questions. The house is a 20ish minute walk from the office where I’m working and also a 20 minute walk from their church.

In Bogotá I’ve been walking everywhere. I walk every day, and sometimes also use buses, or maybe a taxi. I don’t understand how to use the buses too well yet, or give directions to a taxi driver, so I’ve been walking and walking! Good exercise, right?

My street

The food here is also pretty good! I’m living with this couple, but responsible for my own food. So I’ve learned a few places I can go to buy food, and I’ve cooked a few meals. So far all have been edible and some even really tasty! I wouldn’t say that cooking is one of my strong points, so I’m glad that so far it’s going ok. Another great thing about Bogotá is that there are many little restaurants where you can go and get cheap meals, for like $3-4. I mostly do that for lunches at work. It’s nice not having to cook every meal.

During the week I’m at the office, and starting to do some work (i.e. web communications) and still having some orientation things happening. It's a really cool place. MCC and Mennonite World Conference are sharing the office, which is part of an old house that has been divided into 3 units and all rented. Our office has 3 floors, starting on the second floor. So you walk in the door and right away go up one flight of stairs. On that floor is a tiny kitchen, an eating room, and a shared office for the MCC Colombia admin. Go up another flight of stairs and you will find the MWC floor. There we have 2 rooms of offices, one for Cesar the General Secretary, and one that 3 of us share. There is also a meeting room and a “library” which are some bookshelves in a hallway. Plus there are 2 guest rooms on this floor. And on the top floor (which is yes, up the stairs again) there is a big room where about 5 people have desks, and a patio on the roof.

The wall behind me is the National Museum, it used to be a jail. And the mountains are on the East of Bogota.

I’m really enjoying being a part of the MCC and MWC community here. Everyone has been very welcoming and helping me get to know Bogotá. I’m excited to be working and serving here for the next 3 years. In our office, we laugh a lot. I mean a lot! It’s great!

Bathrooms can be expensive ;) haha

I am very thankful that my first two weeks here have been so good. There are so many new things, and it does feel overwhelming at times. I’m grateful that there are people here helping me with these adjustments and I am slowly getting more used to life here. I really appreciate all the prayers and support from my family and friends back home. It makes a world of a difference, so thank you! And if you have any questions for me about my life here, let me know… maybe I’ll blog about it! ;)