DAY 1 - In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle

Hey ya'll! This is Corbynne! (or, as some may call me, bean)

Today was our first day in Colombia and honestly it was a whirlwind. We all were down for breakfast at the bright and early hour of 6:30 am (4:30 for all of us internally), and were out of the house by 7:30. We took along a couple of students from our host school El Camino Academy, named Isa and Juanes, and it was so fun to hear their facts and tidbits about their home here in Bogota.

Our first stop was The Jungle, a day camp for kids who live in the tolerance zone - an area of Bogota that covers multiple city blocks where open prostitution is allowed.   These kids come from some pretty rough backgrounds, and it really pulled at my heart to see them all playing and joking around like any other child, while knowing that what they would leave to go home to was a place that might not always be one of safety.  We played with them, did face painting, and made sure that, if only for a few hours, these children would know that there was a God and group of wonderful people who loved them dearly. Those working there are full of so much love and patience for often a rambunctious group of children, and it further inspires me to pursue missions in my own life as often as possible.

The rest of our day was filled with little moments of fun; from ice cream to eating ants (unfortunately, many of the others were much too afraid to join me), and seeing the beautiful architecture that makes up Bogota, Colombia. I can't wait for tomorrow, and heavily anticipate the very intense deep sleep/coma I will be in tonight.