I haven’t blogged in far too long. If I were a person who
made New Year’s resolutions, I would say my resolution is to blog at least once
a month in 2014, but as I don’t make resolutions (since they’re never kept)
this statement may not come true. None-the-less I will try to make a better
start by writing this first blog of 2014!
A lot happened to me in 2013, I mean a lot; a bunch of great
things and new experiences, and also some times of tears and loneliness. Such
is life, highs and lows are an integral part of the human experience.
To start off 2014, I’d like to share a few of the highs from
the past year. This list is not in order of importance, nor is it exhaustive. I
find it impossible to rank and summarize a comprehensive list of the ‘best’ experiences,
and instead offer these few snapshots of some of the many things I’m thankful
for from 2013.
- People. One word with so incredibly much meaning. I really cannot find the right way to describe how thankful I am, how much it means to me, to have relationships with people who share their love and support. My family and friends at home who sent me with their blessing to Colombia. The MCC and MWC community who received me. The new relationships I started in 2013 with so many wonderful people in Colombia. It changes everything to have friends, to have close friendships, people I care about and who care about me.
- Church. Intrinsically tied to people, as the church is people. I want to mention it on its own, because it is such an important part of my life, my faith. God has chosen to work through his people, his church. Being a part of a church community has always been a huge part of my life, and the encouragement and love I get from Eben-Ezer means so much. And finding a church community in Bogotá has been a great change for me. Now I have a church family here, one that I can’t wait to see every week.
- Colombia… the land and its people. I’ve been blessed to have already seen a number of different parts of Colombia. Each region is beautiful in its own way, and has its own cultural differences. Some of my favourite trips have been when people from the area hosted me and showed me around, though being a tourist in other places was fun too!
- MWC and the YABs committee. When I took this position in Colombia, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go to the YABs committee meeting in May 2013, in Pennsylvania, USA. I knew I would have to leave my position on the YABs committee, and I really loved the work we did, and working with that wonderful group of people. That was actually one of the hardest parts of my decision. I never could have imagined that in my new role with MCC and MWC that I would still be able to go to that meeting, and stay on helping the committee as a consultant. Now I’m far more involved in MWC and I love it!
- Being Creative. My life here in Bogotá has a different rhythm than it did in Abbotsford, and because of that I’ve been able to spend times doing things that I hadn’t done in years. I’ve crocheted more than I ever had in my life (warm crocheted things are great in the Bogotá cold!). I’ve done more creative writing (though more does need to find its way to this blog) and I’ve started painting again. I’m also thankful for new skills and experiences, like learning salsa, merengue, and bachata.
- Feeling at home. It took a while, but after many weeks my apartment has turned into a home. I really do love living here. It feels wonderful to come home after a long day, or to invite people over as we have a great space for hosting. The kitchen is amazing and has lots of room to cook whatever ideas I get. And my roommate is pretty awesome too.
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| Worship service at Berna Mennonite church |
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| One of the beautiful views in Boyacá |
