Colombia Diaries

 February 8th (Wednesday):
 I don't even know what to think right now. It's been so long since I've been overseas and I'm a little worried that it might remind me of having to leave Cameroon. But I know that You are waiting to do some amazing things in my heart and view of You, my future and life in general. Push past all of my self-imposed boundaries and help me to become attached even though I'm going to have to leave. Help me to be humble, putting others first even when they annoy me. Help me to jump out of my comfort zone and build a bond with this team.
I can't wait for the bustle of the airport, the whine of airplane engines, the landing and the beginning of an adventure that I won't forget for years to come. Thank You for this amazing opportunity - may my heart be broken by what breaks Yours.



February 9th (Thursday):
We're in Toronto right now and our flight has been delayed by almost two hours. It's amazing how comfortable I feel around this group of people already. Those of us who are in His Singers went and sang a few songs in the steel dome that sits in the middle of the airport, and got a few weird looks, but it was a lot of fun. Then, in preparation for helping out with the Spiritual Emphasis day at ECA, we broke into three teams, two that interchangeably do crafts and sports, and one that will do a skit. Together with others who volunteered, I sat on the pumas and went over how we're going to go about presenting the story of David and Goliath in an interactive way.
Thank You for going ahead and behind me and for giving me this verse: "The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." Isaiah 6:11
I feel that I am going to be doing that a lot the next week or so, but it won't be by my strength. It'll be by Yours.
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We're only hours away from landing in Colombia and my life seems like a whirlwind of security, passports, sleeping on the floor, moving sidewalks and boarding passes. It's crazy to think that yesterday around this time, I was just packing up to come. And it's so easy to sidetracked by the amazing bond growing within our team, or the places that we've gone and the things that we've done. Although we're here to serve You, I find it's way easier to be caught up in the details of service instead of with You.
Yes, change and break so much about me, but through it all, give me more of You. I've gained absolutely nothing by going to Colombia if I come back thinking the same way about You. You are so awesomely mighty, I know that You are waiting eagerly to show me more of Yourself - help me to seek it diligently. Thank You so much for the fact that I need never be ashamed of You and Your work.
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For minutes after stepping out of the airport all that I could think of was how much it smelt, looked, and felt like home. I felt like crying, dancing and shouting all at the once - I didn't do any of it but instead stared out of the window and drank it all in. Please give me a passion for this country (for being itself and not for being like Cameroon), its people and its language. Help me to be okay with looking like a fool and putting others first. I know that You are willing to do great things - help me to let go.

February 10th (Friday):
You've taught me so much already about myself and what a team means.
We left at around 8:45ish and stayed at ECA all day. My group went from classroom to classroom in the Elementary part of the school doing the skit for their Spiritual Emphasis day. Although I've never really thought of myself as an improv person, I felt really comfortable doing some improv (it helps that it's with children!) and swinging with a changing schedule. Thank You for my love for kids and for the courage to speak to them and get involved in their lives. It was really neat that I was able to start a conversation with this random girl and that through just talking, I got to see a little slice of the person that she is.
We met C (who organized our itinerary) and S (the school nurse) and it was really cool how S blessed us by encouraging us in our mission. She shines Your light, confident of what You have promised and the way that You work. This afternoon was very a very humbling time for me. We presented Chapel and I felt like I let down our team when my part didn't go so well. It was hard for me to see the kids latching onto me and my failing instead of listening to the message that was being told. It hurt to see myself as the incapable, unworthy servant of You that I really am. And even though I've struggled in the past and struggled today to see myself apart from my perceived talents and wonder what others see me as, I look outside and see the green trees and the smell of pollution fill my senses and I cling to who You are.
Thank You for this amazing adventure, a supporting and funny team and this thought-cleaning country of Colombia.
At end of the day, we went to a mall, split up into groups, got cones from Crepes and Waffles (I had brownie and mora), timed the escalators, elevators and stairs (I'm sure that the girl that was with us thought that we absolutely crazy) and teased each other with mind games over pizza at Archie's (the first time we got to hang out with R).

February 11th (Saturday):
 Today was hard. We went to a lot of places desperately in need of You, and I wished once again that I could cry it out instead of holing it up inside to some extent. I care so much but sometimes it doesn't show.
This morning, we had breakfast (some others didn't like the papaya juice - yum!) and my teaching team was on clean-up. It's great to see how our individual teaching team has so many different personalities in it and how we're already starting to get along.
Then, we headed out to the Recyclers. Pictures and the real thing really don't compare. Today was the first time that I took lots of pictures, because before I just wanted the experiences to matter, but today we went to a wide variety of places.
It was encouraging to see how kids are the same around the world and how much fun they had with simple things like jumping ropes. These people have so little and it was sad to know that although we had lots of fun playing with them today, most of their days are filled with starvation, pain, uncertainty, tears, and anything but You. It was also amazing, though, to see the dedication of the teacher from ECA who has been doing this for a long time. Throughout all of today, Your amazing power shone through so strongly in all of these ministries.
Next, we headed to a home for teenage moms and their babies. This place hit me hard because I am strongly drawn to children and desire passionately to have some of my own someday, as You well know. The youngest girl there was twelve years old and we met another young girl who was sixteen and had a newborn baby.
To think about having a baby at my age was heart-wrenching, but it also feels great to know that things will get better through this ministry. They place more experienced girl with newer ones and provide physical and psychological help for these girls who are from the streets.
This ministry is run by an amazing woman named I who became a widow nine years ago and has a burning passion for these girls and You. I find it so amazing how she cares so much for each individual girl and how she calls each one of them "Precious", "Princess", etc.
Anything concerning young children and girls who need help really connects with me and I feel a strong desire to help out. I was so encouraged by how You've provided her with workers and government support all the way along. She's just started up a new ministry next door for girls who are drug seller and addicts, murderers, thieves, etc. and there have been multiple problems along the way. What's amazing to me is her steadfastness because of her belief in what You've called her to do.
We girls taught the moms how to make butterflies while the boys held babies. It was so sad to see how much fear these girls have towards men in general, but it was cool to see all of the guys loosen up and get sort-of comfortable. I snuck away from doing crafts near the end and went to hold some of the babies. It makes me sad to wonder where they will end up in the future. I held one baby named D and prayed over his future, knowing that You love him so much more than I do, or could. It's so comforting to know that You know what each one of these girls is going through. You work powerfully through prayer and I'm so glad, because it's the one way in which I can continue to help even when I'm not physically present.
Lunch was a blast! We went to La Mazorca, ate lots of good foot (including plantains!), and spent a long time making a spectacle of ourselves by taking pictures and fooling around. It's so great to see our team draw together and I know that You have a hand in that. It's really nice to get to know everyone in a small, personal environment, and to be able to share the same experiences with everyone. Today was B's birthday - 18!
In the afternoon, we went to the YWAM compound. E B was there and we spent time playing with the kids, hearing some of their stories and knowing that any trouble that I go through is so much less than theirs, and eating hamburgers for supper. When S got home, we all gathered around and he told us about their street kids' rehabilitation program. What shone through was his willingness to do everything and anything You told him to do (and he continues to do so today).
The thing that really challenged me was how the whole purpose of his life changed after he was willing to give everything up. I've tried to do that again and again, but I always hang on so tightly to some small part. Honestly, I'm scared to think of what You could and would do in my life if I let You have full control. My ideas and knowledge are so limited to my personal knowledge sphere.
Help me to lay down everything, knowing that You want everything for my good and that You will multiply my wildest dreams into something I can't even imagine. Help me to daily lay down myself and to let go, knowing that You are unchanging and good.

February 12th (Sunday):
Father, today You broke my heart. I was hoping that it would come, and that Your compassion would break though, that I would be able to feel deeply - to cry. Throughout this trip, I have longed to have more emotions, that I would get attached and not want to leave a place. So far, I've just gone throughout each day terribly touched but not to the point of breaking.
Church this morning was great. Although it wasn't really a typical Colombian service, I was so glad that I was able to worship You because I knew the English words to the songs that we sang. The sermon hit me hard. The topic was about asking for wisdom, and after doing so, to wait patiently for an answer, and after receiving it, to not doubt it but to simply obey. I have a hard time surrendering when I want to go my own way, even when I'm longing for wisdom. Help me to surrender my plans all the way, never doubting or faltering in Your perfect plan.
I knew that today that we were heading to the handicapped foundation and I was dreading it. Since I've grown up surrounded with people like my cousin who has cerebral palsy, my sister when she was sick with Lyme and then working with a mentally and physically disabled girl, I find my heart a captive of their innocence and purity.
It was hard to jump  into playing with them, to get past the physical differences (I was ashamed that it took me so long), but it eventually got to the point where I saw their souls. That point wherein my only goal is to make them smile, to find their personality and to cater to it.
My heart became so happy when I saw a boy named P who was signing. It seems as if signing is my territory and even though he had a totally different vocabulary and way of signing, I was gladdened to see the way that he communicated and how others helped him out.
Although these children have a supporting staff and a pretty amazing facility, they have no way to advance, to show what jewels they are when shined up. These kids have been either rejected by their families, or society, or by both. It makes me so sad that there isn't anyone here to work one-on-one with them and that they really have no future. We were able to give them only one afternoon of laughter and as I left, it was painful to realize that tomorrow would be very different most likely.
But through it all, You spoke. I am so glad that You are the Father of the fatherless, Comforter to the broken, life to the dead - that You care even when others don't. And as many of them surrounded me, I saw once again how their hearts must be among the most precious in Your sight.
Through it all, my heart stayed intact, even when I saw others crying and felt a deep tug on my heart for their plight. During our team meeting, however, I saw others cry, shed a few tears before my turn and spoke tremulously during my turn. After, however, while S was talking, the full impact of what they face and how blessed I am, and how great it is that places like the one here in Canada exist, hit me.
You broke through and I heaved, shuddering, feeling so good once the tears fell. I want my heart to be wise in the ways of unnecessary pain, and yet be open to compassion and breaking. I don't want to let a callus reform over this open rawness, but only You can do that.
As I headed over here, I prayed for You to break my heart for what breaks Yours - and now You're starting to do that. Yes, I may not be "emotional", but I still want to feel deeply about what troubles Your heart. I wonder where You and this passion will lead me. Please keep on breaking! I love You and the things that break Your heart.

February 13th (Monday):
Today was exhausting! We woke up at the earliest time yet (5:45!) and headed to Golden Rule. Once we got there, we split into our teaching teams and taught until around 2:00 in the afternoon. My team taught from Grades 1-5 and it was really cool to see how all of our personalities complemented each other and how even when we didn't know what we should do, it all worked out. I think my favourite part of every teaching day is going to be seeing C put on a skirt and listening to the giggles, chortles and full out laughter of students.
These kids were so glad to see us and they were excited to learn things. It was really fun to learn new ways to control a crowd or to get a concept across. I really enjoy getting to know students on a personal and collective level. Today was one of many days during which I wished that I knew more Spanish. It's amazing how many more words and phrases I can respond to, much less recognize and understand.
After teaching, we drove to a place where we expected to have to play with around 100 kids who were revved up and ready to play hard. Instead, we arrived and did a small presentation for a group of about 20 kids aged 3-6. Then, we spent the rest of the time playing with the kids. We started off with Pato, Pato, Gonzo (Duck, Duck, Goose). In my circle, there was a little girl who looked half asleep and when her mother walked her around the circle for the second time, she started whimpering.
Knowing that I was wiped and didn't really want to be active, and because she was cuter than a button (where does that saying come from, anyway?), I picked her up and sat on the sidelines. It took a while, but after some soothing and a heart-shaped sucker, she calmed down.
It's an amazing feeling to have a small body nestled on your lap and I love the feelings of motherhood and protectiveness that come over me whenever I do. Whenever I would readjust her, she would lean right back in - effectively making my heart melt.
She loved it when I would bounce my finger on the end of her lollipop and then ruffle her hair or squeeze her nose or tickle her. I prayed over her, my little K, and begged You to watch over her. Most likely, she'll grow up in the same situation her mother's in and that makes me wish that I could help her escape from this endless, vicious cycle.
When I told her that I had to leave, she shook her head and flung her hands around my neck. It felt so good to be needed, wanted, and loved back. She kept on clinging and I had to set her down and convince her to let go. It was hard - but thank You for such a wonderful opportunity.
We ate a wonderful supper cooked by B and L (her granddaughter), I met M, J and S (another couple who were staying in the rest house) got their daughter's visa which was a huge answer to prayer (she's newly adopted!), and it's an early-ish night.
Help me not to depend on myself when I find myself at my wits end but to pull on You, knowing that You will carry me through.

February 14th (Tuesday):
I was really scared and tired starting out this morning. Yesterday was really great because we were teaching elementary children and I had heard at the end of the day that the highschoolers were a tough crowd to please. It was a bad attitude to start off with, but I really enjoyed being able to correlate with people my age. The Grade 9s were great, but the Grade 10s were the best! There was this one boy with a monkey pencil case who was cheeky and cheated, but was a lot of fun.
It was hard letting go when I couldn't control, but You came through just as You say that You will (Isaiah 40:31). I gained more and more energy as the morning went on and was feeling great all afternoon. It was really sad to say good-bye. This was the first place that we had ever been at for more than one day and so I had gotten to know some kids, making it all the harder to leave.
Next, we picked up C and R (his son) and travelled to Zipaquira where there is a famous salt cathedral. The sights and background were pretty cool and it was nice to be immersed in Colombian culture.
We visited an ECA family's house in Chia for supper (pork on a tortilla) and had fun. Not an altogether eventful day, but You're teaching me nonetheless. Help me to see You in the small and ordinary.

February 15th (Wednesday):
Well, You definitely showed me a lot of things today. We taught at the YWAM school which was cool because it catered to street kids and so had a different teaching style. The class sizes were from 3-6, and it was fun working more one-on-one than ever before.
These kids have amazing potential and I'm so glad that You're working in that way to bring kids to You to break the generational cycle. After eating lunch, we headed out to a Barrio where we were led by a guy named E. He runs a project where children at risk go for help with homework, playing and being taught the Gospel. We had to stay close to him because the area was notorious for gangs, thieves, etc. Since he's spent so much time there and because they respect what he is doing, the area gang protects him from other gangs.
It was so cool to see the languages of playing and laughter being expressed and to see life in the eyes of children who experience things that I don't even want to think about. First, we waited in the courtyard while they ate a snack and then we all trekked up the hill to the playground space that they use. Once there, we sang the Banana song and played Flying Dutchmen. After playing a few games, we left, spurred on by a group of boys who had been threatening Sheila and trying to steal her stuff (and also whistling back to older people in the shacks behind us).
They have an amazing ministry here in a really tough place to serve - and the people there respect him and the work that he does. He has proven himself to be a true servant of Yours. They're trying to buy another lot of land so that they can expand their ministry, and once again, I'm so glad that I can continue to help through prayers.
Next, we went to another foundation where we played and coloured pictures with kids. They had a lot of fun with the sidewalk chalk that we brought. This place also helps them with homework, and gives them free food. After a while, all of the kids were sent outside to the couryard, where they continued to coloru and jump rope, while S and D taught a seminar, using M as a translator.
Then, we headed to Cafe and Crepes (aka Creepy Cafe) for some dessert, after having eaten spaghetti and meat sauce at the Foundation. On the way, B told us about some of the other things that the Foundation does. Their goal is to evangelize Colombia. period. It was really cool to listen to all her stories of churches banding together to host huge conferences and of speakers like Steve Green and Nick Vujicic. Sometimes I think I put Your plan for me into a box - but it's not in there. In reality, You have so many opportunities ahead of me if I could only grasp onto them. Help me to see You as the big God that You truly are.
Getting to know M has really challenged me to see You in a different way. In everything that he says, he brings you up without sounding "super religious". You're already in everything that goes around me, but I don't notice You. During these last few days of the trip, I've let myself slip into the haze of "just another day" instead of thinking about the amazing opportunities I'm being given right now and about how You're going to show me new things each day. And as I realize this, I also realize how it's true of my everyday life in Canada. Would you shift my view in a dramatic way and show me more of You?
I heard a song with the words "I want to know You more, more than I have before - King of Majesty, You are my one desire, just to be with you, my Lord, just to be with you, my Lord..." Would You make that the goal of my life? I want to search You for everything that You are with all of my heart.
Although this trip has been teaching me a lot about You, I really need to make an effort and carve out time for You each morning in order to get me ready for the day... so that's starting today! Thanks for returning my camera case and for the fact that You're amazing beyond belief and description.

February 16th (Thursday):
Today was pretty amazing and once again you blow to bits my perception of You, what You can do and are willing to do in my life. I was really tired this morning, but teaching at Bethel was a blast. All of the classes were very attentive and the staff was really nice. After lunch, we called Mr. Wood and talked on speakerphone during Chapel. It's crazy to think that normal life is going on without us.
Then, our team split up, with the boys returning to the foundation from yesterday and the girls returning to the foundation for teen moms and their babies. When we showed up, we found out that they weren't expecting us (this had been a change in our original schedule). We didn't have as many craft supplies as there were women and so it seemed like we weren't really giving them anything - more like a handout instead of showing love. After a while, I started playing with a little boy named J, who was coming into the craft room and disturbing everyone. I took him out into the hallway and found out that he was two years old. It made me sad to think that he probably doesn't get much one-on-one time playing things like peek-a-boo and counting to ten and getting tickled. But I also know that You have a plan for his life and that's incredibly encouraging.
Then, after finishing up the crafts, all the girls were gathered and we had a prayer and sharing time. Two of the girls in our group spoke to the girls, telling them about how much we admire their strength and how the same God who made us made them, and that they are beautiful and perfect in His eyes. It was inspiring to see the lights come on inside of their eyes, and it struck me that these girls don't often encounter hope. So we shared with them how You hold hope for a better future and we listened to their prayer requests and prayed for them. Even though they didn't know that we were coming and although so many little kinks had to be worked out, You showed me once again how You take what we perceive to be the wrong timing or bad circumstances and turn it into something beautiful.
These girls love their babies so much and it breaks my heart to think that these kids could end up in the same place without further support.
Super was delicious and afterwards, S B came and shared some stories from what's happened during his life. It's amazing how often I put You and Your abilities to work in my life into a box. You work miracles when we wait on You with complete trust. Help me to see You as the God You really are. Thank You that Your Word never returns void and that it contains the power to change lives.

February 17th (Friday):
Today we taught at Acoinprev. From S and D's descriptions, I was expecting mass chaos. Instead, it was still a very crowded (730 students) and small school, but it was very organized and friendly. our classes were shorter, only about 15 minutes long, but I was glad because I am getting tired of our material and the Spanish phrases we had to constantly use.
It was also C's birthday and when the school assembled, D told the principal and the whole school san to him in both Spanish and English. After school, we headed to Exito where I bought some things to bring home (Arequipe, Mora sauce, coffee, Yucca chips, Milo nuggets, etc.).
Then, we headed home to pack up everything we wouldn't need to use the next day. To even think about packing was really strange - to think about leaving is awful and I'm afraid that leaving tomorrow will dredge up memories of leaving Cameroon. You know what's ahead, though, and I'm sure that You are in it all.
For supper, we split up into groups of two or three and went to an ECA family's house. C and I ended up going to a pastor's family's house and sitting in on a Spanish youth group, which was a lot of fun. The ECA kids translated the main points for us, and the rest of the time, we just tried to follow along.
The topic was honour. Honouring You, our parents, our teachers and authority in general. Honouring You is kind of the basis for everything I do, but I don't do it very well. Help me to do what's right even when it's hard or others aren't watching
I don't know how or if things were miscommunicated but C and I arrived back at the guesthouse without any supper and were very glad that there was food to scavenge from.
After telling our highs and lows, S started talking about what would happen after we got home. Technically, after we arrive back, we aren't a team, and S isn't our leader, but if nothing changes in our actions and outlook, this trip has been a waste. We've grown closer to each other and formed a special kind of bond and I really want to stay close and attached without being exclusive.
I want to exhibit all the amazing things that I have learned here in Colombia about calling on You with expectation, seeing beyond appearances, going on even when it hurts, of doing whatever You call me to do because I trust You, and seeing You in everything.
But I also know that I am weak and that my resolve is worth absolutely nothing if You are not the main factor in my actions and motives. I also need specific goals because we both know that I excel in the areas of procrastination and generalization.
All of the things that I have learned need to be more than stories and feelings. They need to translate into action and change in my personal life. I know that You are waiting to work through me, but I tend to get in the way. Would You please give me the courage, wisdom, boldness and insight to implement change around me and inside of me? I know that it won't be pretty, but in order to accomplish anything long-lasting or worthwhile, it will have to be. Make me weak so that You can show Yourself strong.
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I went to bed early and listened to Dame Tu Ojos and Esperame. I was really worried about leaving the next day because there's a very large change that I'll never return. But at least I get to say good-bye this time, and as I was thinking about that, a seeming reel of memories from Cameroon went through my head over and over again. And I sobbed, actually bawling, stifling my tears in my sheets. I think it's just another bit of healing that's been waiting to happen for four years. Thank You for the amazing thing that You've been teaching me about being "emotional" and finding healing. Help me to know that You are in control of everything.

February 18th (Saturday):
Today was the day of handing out blankets. I was really mad at myself when I realized that I had left my blanket back on the floor in Canada. But even there, Your all-knowing plan worked its way. Because D "gave" his blanket to S, I was able to use the blanket he brought to give to L, B's granddaughter. She was always so willing to help out and translated a little so that we could communicate with B easier. There were a few tears shed this morning as we said good-bye to B and L - they've served You through serving us. M and R were with us all day and we picked up N on our way to the YWAM play place. It is an amazing place! Although the different stations are set up from whatever they have, it looks like something any little kid would enjoy. I volunteered to stay at the foosball tables along with whoever else wasn't busy at another station. These kids had never been there before and the joy in their eyes as they went through all the different stations and played to their heart's content, was gladdening to see. It's sad to think that these kids haven't been able to come before because their area is controlled by a guy who says what they can or cannot do.
After a while of playing, everyone sat down and we helped to serve their snack. Then, with the help of some laminated pictures, some of the kids told the story of blood, sacrifice, and sin that started at Genesis and led up to the death of Jesus. Although there's so much that has gone on in their lives, it amazed me to see how much truth can be put into one child's life. Even though it's hard, there is a pastor working among these children, planting seeds that could very well cause a large harvest to be reaped later on. I need to determine to do that in my own life - to do what may seem little, praying that it may grow large in Your hands.
While the kids played for a few more minutes, we hopped into S B's van and toured the region nearby to give us an idea of where the usual kids who come to play come from. Just a few streets up, there was a region that was testament to how much Your love is needed in this city.
I don't know that it must have felt like to be a guy at that moment, because to be a girl was hard enough. To think of these girls, who are being shown daily that "love" can be bought and that they are only useful as toys, makes me cringe. They have no idea of Your love for them, no idea of the beautiful soul that You created within them to be realized, no idea of a Hope beyond what they see every day. What did I do that I am privileged enough to have been born into a Christian family, to live in Canada, to go to the school that I do, and every other thing that I have been blessed with. Why them in this predicament and not me? I am once again glad that You promise them a future and a hope.
For lunch, we went to a place that provided you with gloves so that your fingers wouldn't get greasy while eating their chicken. Seeing some of the things during the morning had hit us all hard, and I am so glad that You do answer prayers, even ones like "Break my heart for what breaks Yours."
Next, we went shopping for souvenirs, ate churros and went to a mall to use a bathroom before supper.
For supper, we drove to the bottom of Monserrate and met up with S+E B who had brought along one of their young girls. Together, we went up the hill on a cable car, and admired the lush greenery that envelops the sides of the mountain. On top, we got a few glimpses of the city, although most of it was covered with fog and I still find it hard to believe how big it is!
While up there S told us another story that happened to the street children that he ministers to and then we entered the Church of the Black Christ which depicted Jesus suffering. It makes me so sad that this is the Jesus people see when they think of You - not the glorious, almighty God that You really are. We walked through an avenue of shops and restaurants and then walked through some uprooted trees.
Then, we ate our last meal together at Casa Santa Clara, which was a fancy restaurant up on top of Monserrate. It was a huge switch from the morning to eating to in a fancy restaurant. A few of us went out to the balcony and took some pictures of the twinkling mass of stars that is Bogota at night. The meal was delicious, with each dish arranged artfully, the company was excellent and everyone that we had come to know well was there. Then, we handed out even more blankets and headed back down the mountain where we said good-bye to the B's.
Then, we went back to the guesthouse and it felt strange to know that we wouldn't be sleep any more nights in those beds. We arranged stuff quickly, got our luggage and headed to the airport. There, we exchanged gifts, hugs and tears. I had been afraid that I would be tearless after last night, but I managed to shed a few. After praying together, we headed into customs, still waving wildly. We got onto our plane, sat for a few hours and then were informed that due to the fog, we would be unable to take off.
I was glad to get back on Colombian soil, but I also knew that this would mess up our connecting flight and everything else that was scheduled. We waited in line for another hour in order to get our passports stamped with "Cancelado" and then collapsed back in the airport with our arms looped through our luggage. Even though this trip isn't going the way I would've done it, there must be some reason for the delay. I wonder if I'll know what it was before I see Your face... You do not change and You have a purpose for my life. Help me to stand strong in Your love.

February 19th (Sunday):
After five hours of sleep, we woke up, called C and waited for her to arrive. When she did, R and N accompanied her and we had breakfast together for one last time at Crepes and Waffles, as well as a scoop of ice cream (I ordered mora again!). This good-bye wasn't as tearful, but still was sad.
We went through customs, I got my bag searched thoroughly, we sat in in the terminal, boarded, got on a bus and drove to where our airplane was, sat down and waited for around three hours. It was a good thing that M had brought a colouring book and crayons because they kept us occupied during that time. Finally, we took off, and my entire row's screens weren't working, so I had to find other ways to entertain myself until I could switch with someone who wasn't using theirs.
We arrived late at night in Toronto, got our bags off the carousel, got on a bus to a hotel, waited to get checked in, each got our own rooms with double beds and warm baths (aaaahhh!) and promptly went to sleep.

February 20th (Monday):
After around three hours of sleep, we were awake and waiting for the bus back to the airport. D almost didn't make it because he didn't wake up when his alarm went off, but we all arrived safe and sound.
When having our bags checked, we had to do some on-the-move shifting around because of weight issues and finally were back on an airplane.
It seems so normal to have delays now that it was a nice surprise to actually board and take off at the right time. I slept for half of the trip and entertained myself the other half, until we arrived in Calgary at midday and were met by our families. It felt so weird to have our team bond take second to family bonds and to realize that things would now have to change. I rode home with J and we spent the time looking through our pictures and reminiscing.
So far, it's been really hard to adjust, but I also find myself slipping into my old thought patterns and routines. You know what this feels like and probably have a solution for me, but right now I'm either fiercely focusing or vegging I want to live a life that shines with You and shows the different lessons that I learned over there in Colombia. Thank You for the AMAZING trip and experience that this was. Help me to act in such a way as to show that it was not a waste.