Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

A little late and out of order, but Tuesday was full of powerful ministry. We went to Avivamiento school. This school is a lot like Trinity, more affluent families, extremely high academics, and a high majority of students are walking out their faith.
I started in a tenth grade class. They start teaching English very early and most are close to fluent by 10th and 11th grade. We introduced ourselves, gave a bit of our testimony, and opened it up for questions. We listened to music on my iPod, talked about what we like to do, and discussed our futures. These kids have a bright future. When I asked who was planning on attending a university, every single one raised their hand. You don't see that in the US, much less in a developing country like Colombia. After last year's visit, some of our administrators began to discuss starting an exchange program. Colombia only goes through 11th grade. So they could graduate in Colombia, then experience a year in the US before going to college.
One of the first questions asked was if and when we would have an exchange program. I got to speak with the student, Francisco, after the class. He is absolutely brilliant. Great English. Superior academics. A supportive family. He so wants to study in America. But he has no idea what he wants to do. I was able to encourage him to trust God for direction.
While we were talking, spontaneous worship broke out among some of our students and the graduating class. It was powerful to watch two countries, two languages, two cultures blend to worship the same God.
Later I went to the 11th grade English class. One thing I learned is how difficult English is. The other American students and I could hardly answer some of the questions. At the end, la maestra gave me a moment to speak to the graduating seniors. I'm so grateful for everything I've learned these first 2 years of college. After a few pictures we headed home to clean up for church.
When we arrived at Pastor Samuel's church, we gathered to pray. I noticed during prayer how far the group had come since we first started. The service started with amazing worship led by a team all under the age of 25. A truly anointed group. Pastor Cody gave a word on the power of prayer. Then we put it to practice as much of the congregation came forward for prayer. It was amazing to see how the our kids unashamedly ministered to people.
At the end, Pastor Samuel took a minute to minister to us. He asked how many of us wanted to serve Christ. As we all answered yes, he pointed out that it at times requires us to do strange things. He told of the time that Jesus spit in the mud and rubbed it in a man's eyes to heal him. He prayed then said, one, two, three, and blew into the mic. I fell immediately. I heard him do it again and by the time I got up everyone had fallen. After this powerful time of ministry, they fed us hamburgers and then we had a little dance party with the worship team that turned into musical chairs.
Thursday was the school's tour and shopping day. We exchanged some money, had lunch, and headed to the market. As I was looking in a shop, man asked in Spanish if I was from the US. I told him yes, Texas. He told me his sons were living in Texas. I asked where an he said something I couldn't understand and made a hand motion. I asked again and he said in a heavy accent, buffalo. Ah, Buffalo Springs. I told him that was near where I live. His son is a teacher and missionary in that area. When I told him I was also a missionary, I got a God Bless You, hug, and kiss on the cheek. He was such a sweet man I was happy to buy his product. After shopping we went to Monserrate, a church on a mountain that overlooks the entire city. After some great pictures and more shopping, we went to an authentic Colombian restaurant.
Since the team had to be up at 4 to get ready to leave, about half decided not to go to bed. Of course, I wasn't going to be left out on the fun. We talked for hours and played many games. When they finally left at 530, I went to bed and slept until the sun woke me at 730. One of our contacts here, Angie, came to get me around 10.
Since there are so many people and cars in Bogota, you can only drive on assigned days. So Angie picked me up and we took the public transportation system called the TransMilenio. It was a complicated bus system with many stops and changes. We later found out that riots and protests had broken out on the very line we had taken. Thank you for your prayers. They are obviously working.
We got to the apartment and went for a bike ride with her son, Andres. I was a little hesitant at first since I don't ride bikes often and the streets of Bogotá are crazy. But we took a route that has a special lane for bikes and walkers completely separate from the street. It was amazing. I enjoyed every minute of it. We went for about an hour and covered 12 miles there and back.
We came home and she told me she would teach me how to make lunch. I was expecting a recipe that I would have to write down, with spices, quantities and times. But as we got started I realized it was definitely traditional Colombian food which is a plate full of different cooked items. We boiled broccoli and plantains separately, cooked white rice, and boiled tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and a cut of beef together. I find it funny that in English they call pollo chicken but beef they call meat. So I was given the option of chicken or meat. Their corn is quite different from ours. The kernels are huge, like the size of your thumb nail. It also much more starchy and less juicy or sweet. We also made fresh blackberry juice. Lunch was delicious and for dessert she poured sweetened condensed milk over a piece of cake with a couple strawberries.
After lunch, she let me take a nap since I was practically falling asleep at the table. A couple hours later, I woke up and we all played Tile Rummy. Angie mentioned we would make a special snack for dinner, corndogs. Most people do not know what corndogs are on Colombia. They had made them for Andres' class one day and they have been a family favorite ever since. Angie got a recipe off of the Internet. The batter was a little strange and the hotdog tasted very different, but had so much fun making them with her. I also introduced the idea of eating them with ketchup. We made a quick trip to the store for eggs and bread. We went home and watched the beginning of a movie until the traffic would slow down enough for her to take me home.
The college team got in around 245am because of delays. We went straight to bed. Today we tour again and tomorrow is Avivamiento.


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Location:Calle 128,Bogotá,Colombia