Lord, Teach us to Pray

Luke 11:1- Lord, teach us to pray.

Today at ECA in both middle and elementary we were able to gather with our students to lift up Colombia. There is a very important vote taking place on Sunday, and the Colombian Evangelical church has claimed today, Sept. 30, a day of prayer. ECA students and teachers decided to take part during school hours and together we lifted up voters, political leaders and asked God to bring Biblical peace to this beautiful country.

Students in elementary met with small group leaders praying for about an hour this morning. We spent time reading and meditating on verses, praying for political leaders by name, asking for God to give wisdom to voters and expressing through art our dreams for Colombia.

My prayer for students as they move forward is as follows: "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Kinder students drawing pictures of their dream for their country

Art work from Elementary and Middle school was hung in the stairs

Praying together and drawing dreams of Colombia

Kinder students praying together for Colombia

More kinder students praying

PK students also got to pray together

Copying and meditating on verses about prayer

4th graders drawing dreams for Colombia

1st graders praying together

More 1st graders praying together for the election

Third graders praying and writing verses

Writing verses and praying for peace

Now let's talk a little about this election. For 56 years, the socialist group, the FARC has terrorized many parts of Colombia, pushing the military into a brutal battle. For the past 4 years leaders of the FARC and Colombia have met with international peacemakers to draft a treaty between the two organizations.

Because of the many implications of this treaty, the ultimate decision of whether it is signed will be left to the people of Colombia. This Sunday a vote will take place of "yes" or "no".

Peace sounds so good, but what makes this controversial is the fine print of this almost 300 page document. Many people worry that the treaty is too nice; FARC leaders are not given the justice they deserve. They also worry that through this treaty FARC leaders will be guaranteed positions in both the senate and the house of representatives. By allowing leaders from a different political ideology it will influence the political direction Colombia will take in the future.

On the other hand, there is promise of rehabilitation for those in the drug trade, restoration of farm land, and rebuilding of communities destroyed by the conflict.

In the end, there is no easy answer. Regardless of the outcome there will be many long-term implications for Colombia and international relations. It is interesting to be in the midst of such an important time in Colombian history.

If you are interested in learning more here are some articles with information on the vote and conflict in Colombia:

Explaining Colombia's Peace Plebecite

Colombia's Peace Talks Fact Sheet

What is at Stake in the Colombian Peace Process

Celebrating Colombia

This week our school celebrated the country we all call home: Colombia. This year our annual celebration's theme was: From Colombia to Latin America. Through presentations, skits and dances we learned about many the many different cultures and traditions from Latin America.

Pre-Kinder celebrated Colombia and learned "contradanza". They have spent the past two months practicing the choreography and preformed in front of the entire student body and many parents. I was so proud of my students and you can't beat their cuteness.

Check out their cuteness!

In the week leading up to the celebration we had school-wide Spirit week. It's always hard to get pictures will all 24 wiggling bodies moving, but check out the fun themes:

THURSDAY: THROW BACK!

Our 80's gear was a little missing in the "groupie"

WEDNESDAY: PAJAMA DAY

TUESDAY: Topsy- TuRvY (No pictures that day...oops!)

MONDAY: PROFESSIONAL DAY 

Things on my mind...

1. We started classes again on Wednesday and it was so great to be back with the kiddos! After a season of  working with a student teacher, visitors, lots of 3 day weekends due to holidays and just the general craziness of the Christmas season it was nice to be back with my kiddos in our normal routine.

2. Burkina Faso. Although we no longer live in West Africa, the events happening in that area of the world impact our hearts. This weekend there was a terrorist attack in Ouagadougou (try saying that 3 times fast) where at least one foreign missionary was killed along with many others. Although we personally do not know the family, we understand how an event like this can lead to fear, Spiritual attacks and lots of pain. Our hearts and prayers are with the missionary community as well as the Christian and Muslim population. Also, an Australian couple has been kidnapped. They live and work in the northern part of the country near Mali and are some of the only medial staff in the area.

3. The school is prayerfully considering starting a process of growth. Right now we are exploring options of how to make it happen in a organized and feasible way. Please pray with us as we seek God's plan for ECA's future.

4. Recently Colombian was named the happiest place on earth. It's pretty great to be living in a country where people are really happy. Although I have no "proof", this comes at no surprise as the Gospel continues to reach more and more Colombians and the Christian church continues to grow each year. The fact that I get to be a small part of bring God's joy and peace to this country makes me very, well, happy! Also, dont believe me? Come visit and we can show you first-hand.

5. New projects. I have been working with a church on the coast who is wanting to start a Christian school. This is in the very beginning stages, and it is still unclear how deeply I will be involved in the project, but it is exciting to see what God is doing and be a part of His work.

Visiting with leaders of a potential new school on the coast of Colombia.

All in all- there are moments of being overwhelmed and I feel a little of all emotions at the same time. I know that God is working and all I need to do is obey Him- day by day and minute by minute. God is doing awesome things in Colombia and around the world. Times may seem crazy, overwhelming, sad and joyful- but our hope can only be found in the Lord. Trust and obey.

A new normal to a festive normal

After three years of living in Bogota, life has a sense of normalcy. I know where to shop, how to get around, I can speak easily with my neighbors and people at church, and sometimes I forget I am living in a "foreign country". Then every once in a while I step back and realize... somethings here in Bogota are just strange.

For example- grocery shopping. When we go to the bigger supermarkets, I sometimes forget that I'm not in the States. There are aisles with orderly rows of food and household items. I push a shopping cart and can scan barcodes at handy little price checking machines. But then, as I go down an aisle it becomes a real life game of frogger. One family has decided to stop mid-aisle to contemplate the price of rice while another mom is chasing her child away from the candy. Defensive cart pushing is real and incredibly funny when you step back and watch the chaos.

Now lining up to pay for groceries is also a "normal" experience. Many stores have adopted the one line system where everyone stands in one line and the first person always goes to the empty check stand. It takes away the guessing game of the "fast line" and really is more efficient. Until you are in line and realize the person behind you is RIGHT behind you. Like if you take a breath in you are going to bump them behind you. There is no way any person is going to cut between you and the person behind you! When this happens I have to take a deep breath (and hope not to bump them) and remember that personal space is clearly defined differently here in Bogota.

In the same time that life seems normal, I realize that living and working in a missionary community allows me to live a life that is different. Conversations about student's hearts are a daily occurrence. Prayer is the go-to medium for solving problems (most of the time). Grace is extended when mistakes are made and communication becomes cloudy. I feel so blessed to live and work with a group of people that don't mind cultural differences and embrace God's cultural similarities.

As we move onward towards the Christmas season (which started the day after Halloween here) I am excited to celebrated with family- both literally and figuratively (my parents will be here in 10 days!!!). I am excited to share the warmness of Jesus coming to earth with my PKers and help them see that God has an amazing plan for this world. I am excited for the various parties and celebrations with co-workers and church family. And I am eager to dive into the word of God and be in awe of His work.

So as normal life turns into festive life I am looking forward to a worshipful life.

On a slightly different note... here are some pictures of Christmas entering Colombia...

Welcome tree at our school

Christmas is arriving in Cartagena too!

A PK sized tree

Fall Festivities

Growing up in Oregon, I can argue that fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The leaves change colors to brilliant oranges, yellows and reds. Rain has not yet set in so the air feels crisp and fresh. Everyone takes trips to farms to find the perfect pumpkin to decorate the house. It's a refreshing, fun time of year.

Living in Colombia- one of the most naturally beautiful countries I have seen- means that there are no seasons. As part of our school curriculum to teach USA culture, kinder introduces the concept of seasons to students growing up in a season-less climate. This year the kinder teacher asked if my PKers would like to join her class for a fall celebration to help students really understand the fun and beauty of fall. Missing the States more than usual I quickly agreed!

We contacted parents and planned a fun afternoon of all things fall! Hay rides (in a wagon), a pumpkin patch, bobbing for apples, photo booth, and the classic donut on a string activity. We also had parents make traditional fall treats: pumpkin bread, apple crisp, and pumpkin pie. Students got to see, fell and taste the fall season from many parts of the USA and I got to abate my homesickness!

Reflections on being a teacher

I can't believe that I just finished my fifth year of being a teacher. Especially because I never thought teaching was where God would lead me in the world of missions. I have been so blessed to grow each year, not only as a professional, but as a person and in my relationship with the Lord. For every group of students God has given me, I have learned from them how to love more, discipline with care, and really build relationships with students and their families. So thank you to all my former students and thank you to their families for teaching me!

Year 1- BCA, Bamako, Mali

I loved being your "auntie". You taught me how to love my students as well as help you love each other, especially in times of need. You taught me we don't all need to know English to understand each other. And you taught me that learning can be so much fun. You allowed me to make mistakes and you put up with my horrible drawing skills. You will always be my first class and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful, challenging, growing year.

How abundant are the good things

that you have stored up for those who fear you,

that you bestow in the sight of all,

on those who take refuge in you

Psalm 39:19

Year 2- BCA, Bamako, Mali

You have been my only all girl class and I thank you for the fun we had together. Every day I looked forward to your passion, your love for each other and the giggle parties (I mean you were seven 3rd and 4th grade girls). Through your love for each other you taught me that challenges can be overcome if you are willing to work together. Each of you have a special story of how God is working in your life and I was so blessed to see His hand give you strength in the times of difficulties.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

All BCA at our soccer tournament

Year 3- ECA, Bogota, Colombia

Dear wonderful sweet students. Thank you for teaching about the joys of being a child. From your enthusiasm to explore to the wonderful art projects you created, God used you to teach me how to be a pre-kinder teacher. You also taught me how important family is in education and in growing your hearts to love God more. You guys are the reason I chose to come to Colombia and you are the reason Colombia will always be in my heart!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Year 4- ECA, Bogota, Colombia

Thank you for being children of God's word. You showed me what it means to have faith like a child. From your desire to know God's word to your passion to live it's truth, you have taught me that God is at work in deep, profound ways in the lives of His Children. Thank you for allowing me to build in you a foundation of God's truth and to embrace His word with me. 

And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

Year 5- ECA, Bogota, Colombia

Only today I said goodbye and I know with confidence that God is at work in each of your hearts. You have taught me this year why we love others and need love God more each day. From your honest conversations about doing the right thing to the wonderful friendships you have with one another, I can see God is obviously at work in your lives. Thank you for your love of English. Thank you for your love of Jesus. It has been a blessing and a joy to be your teacher this year!

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Luke 10:27