A Historic Moment

Celebrating the signing of the Bilateral cease fire between the
FARC and the Colombian government in June 2016.

As a kid I always thought historic moments happened in the past or very far away. I’ve would learn about them in school or see them on the news from around the world. But never have I felt that I am in a historic moment. Never in my life have I felt like the earth is moving, that history is happening, really, truly happening before my eyes.

Tomorrow, Santos, the president of Colombia, and Timochenko, the leader of the FARC guerilla group, will sign the historic peace accords, ending a 52-year armed conflict. Then, in exactly one week from today, Oct. 2, Colombians will vote in a plebiscite to accept these accords or not.

The violence has been caused by many armed groups, the FARC, the military, paramilitary groups, other guerilla groups. This is a complex situation and these accords are not a magic solution to all the challenges that face Colombia. But these accords will demobilize the largest armed group in the country (not including the military). In the media we have heard many versions of the phrase, “an imperfect peace is better than perpetual war,” or “better to have dialogue than to have deaths.”

All around Bogotá, and Colombia, people are campaigning, “¡Sí a la paz!” “Yes for peace!” And in the news and on the radio every day we hear someone saying, “No,” these accords will not bring peace. This is a complicated subject and I know people who will vote yes, and some who will vote no. 

I am foreigner. I have chosen to live here now, but I will never be able to understand the depth of the impact the armed conflict has had on the Colombian people. So I listen (or try to).

Today in church the theme was peace, “Pan y Paz” (bread and peace), a theme continued from last week in honour of the International Day of Peace (Sep. 21). During the sharing time several people gave testimonies of the impact of the violence in their lives. There was a testimony of thanking God for years ago, when the armed men didn’t kill an uncle or his family, just an associate in front of them. Another testimony was of growing up living in constant fear of violence, of seeing it around them every day, of a neighbour being shot. A gentleman shared the story of the intense persecution his father faced when he joined the Mennonite church over 60 years ago. Through my husband’s family I’ve heard stories of people being killed in front of children. The stories of violence and suffering that have happened over the past 60+ years are overwhelming, and the truth is I am sheltered from most of them.

But what most impacts me are not the stories of suffering, but of resilience. In church I am surrounded by people pouring out their hearts in worship, by people who pray and hope for peace year after year. In spite of the years of trauma and hurt, their trust in God has given them a joy and a faith that moves them forward. It’s a community that uses their hands and feet to work for peace and justice in the name of Christ. Through connections with churches and Mennonite organizations I have met so many Colombians who haven’t stopped working for peace for decades. They keep on striving for peace, with faith that peace is gospel.

Justapaz marching for peace. 

I am married to a Colombian. His future, the future of his country, is now bound with mine. Isaías was born into a time when the FARC was fighting against the Colombian state. His entire life he has only known this armed conflict; his mother was just a child when it started. He told me that the effects of war, death and killing, have been so common that sometimes he’s become numb as a way to cope. It moves me to tears to think that he, his family, the new generation of his niece and nephew, could know peace in their country.

So we join with so many Colombians who say, “¡Sí a la paz! ¡Obvio que sí!” and we ask that you join us in prayer. Pray that the people of Colombia choose to take this step. This is not the final step, but it is a huge one. It’s historic. 

These acts were driven by hatred, but also designed to drive us to hate. They will not.

Yesterday I listened to news, to CBC News livestream from Canada. Breaking news all day, told in a calm factual way, an attack in Ottawa, my nation’s capital. Nothing like this has ever happened in my country in my lifetime. It’s tragic, horrifying, and will greatly affect my country. The question that faces us is, how will it affect us?

I went on twitter. I saw the latest information from various news agencies and a myriad of comments from regular people. It saddened me to see many hateful comments against Islam, against Muslims, before the identity of the shooter had even been released. Before any information on motive had been given (still hasn’t) so many people assumed they knew what it was, and used these assumptions as reason to write hateful things.

My heart is sad. I am sorrowful at what has passed. I grieve for the lost, for all the people who were and continue to be affected by this horrific violence, as the effects are ongoing. Yet I hope and pray that these awful events do not lead us to hate.

Three days ago in my Colombian church, the sermon was about reconciliation, reconciliation in Colombia.

In a country that has tried unsuccessfully for over 50 years to end violence with violence there is a lot of pain, a lot of hurt, a lot of wounds. Thinking about reconciliation is clearly a biblical call (we discussed the example found in the book of Philemon), and it’s hard. To work for reconciliation, for right relationships, where there is such hurt and pain is incredibly difficult.

The point from Sunday’s sermon that really stuck with me most, was that if the church in Colombia wants to be able to work for reconciliation, they need to love everyone involved in the conflict. Everyone. Yes, that includes the victims, but it also includes the perpetrators. That includes the army, the guerillas, the para-militaries, all of whom are responsible for countless deaths, destruction and ruining lives. How can you love everyone?

Jesus called his followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:43). He doesn’t say that this will be easy, but this is his command.

And now today, I can’t help but think of the church in Canada. What will our actions be? As many respond in fear, anger and hate, what will we do? Will we go along with whatever is suggested? Or will we love everyone involved? Can we love the victim and the shooter? Can we pray for both families that lost sons yesterday? If our government moves forward with increased violence is other parts of the world, will we support violence to end violence? Or is there another way to confront evil?

Last night I listened to our Prime Minister Harper give a short speech, calling to redouble our efforts, saying that Canada will not be intimidated. And then I heard the leader of the opposition, Thomas Mulcair speak. His speech had a different tone; he has a different role in our country’s government. His speech resonated much more with me. The line that stood out the most was, “These acts were driven by hatred, but also designed to drive us to hate. They will not.”

This is my prayer, that these horrible acts do not drive us to hatred, but that the church can stand up, can stand together, with love for everyone.

Looking back...

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.

Worship service at Berna Mennonite church

• 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.

Once I start going I can write a lot, and this post is already longer than I planned. So let me finish by saying thanks be to God for all these blessings. I have much to be grateful for and thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on this journey. Hoping you all have a blessed 2014!

One of the beautiful views in Boyacá

Pan y Paz, Truth and Reconciliation

Some of the pan at church

Last weekend a lot was going on in my world. Here in Colombia the Mennonite Churches were celebrating Pan y Paz, Bread and Peace. In the MWC world, it was Peace Sunday. And In BC it was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event in Vancouver. Three different events, for most people completely separate, but for me they share many links.

Let me start with the TRC. If you haven’t heard about the TRC in Canada, here’s an introduction. I’d heard about this event coming to BC years ago. MCBC, my provincial church, has been preparing for it for quite some time, and I know numerous people who participated. I really wanted to participate, but plans changed and being in Bogotá does not lend itself to participating in Vancouver events.

I found a live stream online, and I thought I could watch some of it while working, but that was not a good plan. The small part I watched was so impactful, hearing people share of such deep and profound pain, I couldn’t listen to it while being in that setting. I’m glad the public record of everything that was shared is available online, so that I and anyone else who wasn’t able to be there can still see it.

Truth and Reconciliation. Hearing the painful truth of what has happened, so that we can work for reconciliation. Building relationships that acknowledge the hurt that has gone before, yet still have hope for the future.

This was going on in BC, and it was heavy on my mind, my heart and in my prayers here in Colombia. I’ve heard several people hear express that perhaps something similar to the TRC could help work for healing in the conflicts that have and continue to go on in Colombia. I still have much to learn about the complex context of Colombia, but it is clear that truth and reconciliation are needed in many ways.

Yet I am continually amazed at the Anabaptist churches, that I have come to know here, and the way they live out their faith in the Lord by sharing a holistic gospel. A gospel, a good news, that has its foundation in Christ alone, but doesn’t stay as only head knowledge, as only something felt personally. No, it is expressed by the hands and feet of the church, the people who are the church.

In the past year the MWC Peace Commission created a poster that says “Peace is gospel.” Peace is good news. I believe that peace is central, foundational, and integral to the gospel message of Jesus Christ, not an added-on theology that you can take or leave, but inseparable from who Jesus is. 

Heading to the concert.

And I’ve seen that lived out here in the Anabaptist churches, and got to experience it again with Pan y Paz. On Saturday, September 21, I spent the morning with two other MCCers in Soacha, the municipality just South of Bogotá. There we joined a Mennonite program called Creciendo Juntos (Growing Together) and their Pan y Paz celebrations. Creciendo Juntos is one of several Anabaptist programs and churches in Soacha. It is in a marginalized neighbourhood, with houses built on unstable hillsides because there is nowhere else to go, and displacement being the main cause most live there.

Creciendo Juntos works with the children of this community, and there are a lot. We saw many smiling faces. To celebrate Pan y Paz there were workshops, games, picking up garbage together, lunch, and a concert of local teens presenting their own rap songs. The reality these kids face every day is unlike any I have ever experienced. The stories and realities the staff of Creciendo Juntos encounter is challenging to say the least. Yet their smiles and joy show the presence of hope.

Group activity in Soacha

Getting ready for the concert.

The paper cranes for each person

Hope was also brought home to me in the worship service on Sunday morning at the Berna Mennonite Church. The sanctuary was filled with paper cranes, symbols of peace. In the middle of the sanctuary stood two tables, one filled with a paper crane for each person, and the other filled with bread we had brought with us.

Pan y Paz. Bread and Peace. Jesus is the source of our peace, and to have peace among each other, everyone needs to have enough to live, everyone needs bread. This is justice; that everyone has enough.

Worship Service at Berna

In the worship service we shared this bread with each other, making sure that everyone received bread. And after the service was done, in small groups people took the rest of bread out to the community around the church, and shared it with whoever they met.

Pan y Paz. Bread and Peace. Truth and Reconciliation. These were very different events, occurring in completely different parts of the world, in different languages. Yet to me the threads that tie them together are strong.

I see people coming together, listening and sharing from the heart, from the core of who they are. I see people living out the call to peace that is the gospel. Not just knowing and believing it, but living and walking with others. Humbling themselves to listen and walk the path of reconciliation and healing. Humbling themselves to share from what they have until we all have enough.

Problems and pain still abound, but there is hope. Our God is a great God. I am continually filled with awe at the ways the Holy Spirit is at work in the church and that gives me hope for pan y paz and truth and reconciliation.

Worshipping with the congregation

Messages and prayers of peace the congregation wrote.

With my paper crane

Worshipping together on the Sunday of Pan y Paz

The best and the worst

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” –Charles Dickens

So it may seem rather exaggerated to begin a post with a Dickens quote, a very well know Dickens quote (though I have read that entire book!). But it sums up for me rather well how the month of August has gone.

I may not be the most consistent blogger, but I have blogged at least once a month, every month in 2013, but not in August. I didn't forget; I chose not to.

August was a month of highs and of lows. Several good friends from the MCC/MWC team were traveling, I was alone in my apartment and I was feeling rather more homesick than normal.

In my family, August is a big birthday month, first my brother’s and then mine 15 days later. We always celebrate each person’s birthday. Not extravagantly, but by being together and doing something special for that person.

This was my first birthday in Colombia, and I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I knew it would be different, and that’s ok, but part of me worried that it would be lonely. I didn't want it to be a big deal, but I wanted to celebrate somehow. But I wasn't sure how to share that with others.

So let’s just say that I had some very low days. I knew they would pass, and they did, but it was a very hard time.

One of the beautiful views in Boyacá

But August was also the best of times! There were good moments throughout, and the second half of the month was a lot better. I got to go with another MCCer to visit a Colombian MCCer’s home and family farm in the department of Boyacá. It was a wonderful weekend where I took far too many photos. I just loved walking and hiking in the mountains so much!

Then my birthday came, and it was great. The weekend before some of my friends from church planned something for me, which was stupendous! I enjoyed myself so much with them, and can’t describe how much I appreciated that they celebrated with me. On the day of my birthday (a Monday) we celebrated at the office too, with lunch and a cake. I got to spend time with friends in the evening and got several phone calls.

Feeling more at home in this beautiful city of Bogotá

This description makes the month seem rather normal, and in many ways it was. And that’s part of the beauty of it. I feel more and more like my life here is normal. There are still countless ways that I’m adjusting and will continue to adjust, but it feels so good to have normalcy; to have found a church community where I feel at home; to have made Colombian friends I can share and do things with; to feel comfortable in my neighbourhood and my home.

I wanted to share honestly, about how my life is going, and that includes that some days last month, I just can’t describe how incredibly sad and low I felt. And that’s part of life, here or anywhere. Life is the hard and the good, the best and the worst. And so I give thanks that life is also full of joys and happiness. I give thanks for the community I have found here, through MCC and MWC, and also beyond in the church and in Bogotá. Words fail me to express how touched and blessed I feel for this gift of community, for the gift of all these relationships that I have.