Arrival

Lots of things have happened the past few days- here are some of the highlights!

HOUSING

The day before we left, we received an email that the apartment we had expected to rent was no longer available and had to be vacated in 2 days. Since we had not even arrived yet, it was unsettling to not know where we would rest our head the next day.

While in transit, we got word that the apartment was available until the end of August- not just the following day. Our coordinators assured us that they would be quickly looking for a new place, but in the meantime we had a home. Upon arrival we received word that the apartment directly below us is now available for rent- which would be a great solution. The only problem is renting apartments in Bogota is extremely complicated, so we just need to pray. Please join us in asking God to allow us to live in this apartment or show us another house quickly.

While unpacking we did enjoy some coffee- it’s Colombia of course!

MISSION PILOT

On our final flight out to Houston, we boarded the plane around midnight. After everyone had gotten settled, the plane did not seem to be in a rush. About 30 minutes later the co-pilot got on the intercom to let us know that the captain was not to be found and the airline was doing everything they could to find us another pilot. The passengers, Ed and I included, just started laughing at the fact that a captain just didn’t show up. Thankfully, at 1am they were able to find a pilot willing to make the red eye flight to Bogota and we took off. Never had that happen before!

NEW SCHOOL

Today was the first day of new teacher orientation. Besides the fact that we were all a little sleep deprived, it went well. I think the fact that coffee was served helped! I was also able to access my classroom and learn a little more about my responsibilities at the PreK teacher. Here is a picture of my classroom at this point. I should warn you that everything was painted over the summer so they left the rest for me to sort :)

 

Thank you everyone for your prayers. We are excited to be starting school and are gracious for your support. Bogota is cool- so we have been rocking warm jackets! So far my Spanish has come back to me- except for when I tried to order ground beef in French… oh, well it’s only my second day!

Counting the cost

The past month was the first time I realized how much I am giving up by moving to Bogota. Since high school I knew I wanted to live overseas as a missionary. I knew that I loved the struggle of crossing cultures, trying new languages, and most of all serving a God who is amidst every person. I went forward and have never looked back.

That was until I have been in the States for a while. I see friends getting married, have “big kid” jobs, buying houses, having kids, and living without the struggles of new places. And for the first time I want that.

Being in the States longer than planned has allowed me to meet new people, visit places and see wonderful things. But there has been a sense of detachment. I don't want to get to know someone too deep because leaving in a few weeks is hard. I don’t want to unpack my bag too much, because I have to pack it again. I don’t want to get involved to heavily because then it’s harder to back out. I live in transition and shallowness- and I hate it.

Last night Ed and I were talking and almost at the same time we said “Wow- I want to know so-and-so more. I want to be a part of their lives”. And then we paused. We looked at each other and sighed.

Life in the States is easy. We know where to buy things, we know how to get around, we already have friends that live nearby, and family within shouting distance. It’s wonderful.

But I have to remind myself it’s not what God has called us too. When asking his disciples to follow him he told them to give up everything. Leave your families. Leave your friends. Leave the occupations you know and love. AND FOLLOW ME.

God has asked me to be obedient without the promise of ease. Everyone is different and what He asks others to give up is different than ours. In my mind I am ok with that. In my heart I want to give up and live the “easy” life.

Please pray for me and Ed to continue to listen to what God has called us to. Pray He gives us strength to plant roots in Bogota and make it home. Pray we have the mental energy to invest into our students and not be distracted by the world. And most of all pray that our lives are a reflection of God’s glory.

8 days remaining

Tickets are purchased and all of our start-up funds have arrived! We are ready to FLY!

Usually I am not one for countdowns. I like to enjoy each day and when I have a countdown I tend to focus on the future rather than the present. This time is different. I am ready to go!

I am ready to have my own apartment and claim it as a “Trussell Sanctuary”.

I am ready to go into my new classroom, set up and prepare for all my students.

I am ready to unpack my suitcase.

I am ready to meet a new community of teachers and staff that are working towards the same goals.

I am ready to have a routine and schedule.

I am ready to be in a Spanish-speaking country and learn all sorts of new things.

I am ready to meet my students and see their adorable faces.

I am ready to see what  God is going to do this year and how He is going to shape us.

Although I am ready to leave, there are many fun things going on as well. I am in the middle of a week of 4 weddings- one of which I am a bridesmaid. I also am going to get together with family, and hopefully finish all our shopping. Time will fly- but I am blessed to leave on such a good note.

God knew what he was doing bringing us to Oregon early. We were able to make good connections with our churches. We have been able to visit with a lot of family and friends that would have been overlooked. We were able to travel to our missions orientation and connect with the new wave of TeachBeyond workers. And most of all we were given time to grieve, grow and transition. Because of this extra time I know we are READY for Colombia and what God has planned next!

During our trip to Chicago we were able to visit our Mali friend Hilary (and her fiance and sister)! We went to 6 flags as part of the festivities.

Then my dear friend Elise got married! It was a fun wedding!