A Golden Day - February 19, 2026

 Hey everyone!! It’s me, Luke Dau.

Today, we went to teach at Golden Rule, a school the Colombia team has helped at since 2008. Unfortunately, Eva was unable to join us due to a stomach bug that was going around the previous day. She’s doing better now, as I’m writing this, but she was sentenced to staying home for the day.

If I’m being honest, I wasn’t really looking forward to today. I wasn’t feeling 100% and a full day of teaching did NOT sound enjoyable. Once we got there and actually started teaching though, it really clicked for me.  

We were there from about 8:30 to 2:30 and it honestly felt like the shortest day of this trip. My group, (me, Ben, and Amiyah) taught the younger grades English words for opposites, emotions, and school supplies. For the older grades we just had basic English conversations. Between the early morning and afternoon, we had about a 50 minute recess to just hang out with the kids. Personally, this was the highlight for me. Even just talking to the highschoolers during lessons briefly, I really got the impression that they genuinely wanted to learn and improve. I really connected with one of the 6th graders that we taught. We were able to connect over and talk about shared music taste, movies we both watch, and a shared hobby of drawing. While we were teaching for 30 minutes she was able to draw 2 legitimately good sketches of me and Amiyah (she apologized for not having time for Ben). For pretty much the whole recess period, we just sat and talked while she drew. Just a really positive experience all around.

I really have to emphasize just how nice everyone was because as we were leaving, they brought down gifts from the people at the school to each of us. We all took pictures and said our goodbyes. 

Afterwards, we went shopping for snacks and then got ice cream. Not much noteworthy happened. The music at the store was unusually good. The ice cream was also very good. From there, we went back to the guest house and had yet another delicious supper.

This was a really, really good day. We appreciate the continued prayer, and ask that you continue to pray for the health and safety of the team. Ezra just drank a full 3 litre bottle of cream soda in about 3 hours so please consider him especially.

Thank you!!

Hola from Colombia!!!  This is Mr. Yeo writing or as the Colombian kids call me Mr. Jo!!!  

Today started a little rough as we were ecstatic that Casendra was feeling able to join us but really saddened that Eva was not able to come.  We had to leave her but we were very thankful for our wonder Colombian Cook Luz Angela who took amazing care of her.

We hopped on the bus and went to Golden Rule, a wonderful Christian School run by the most wonderful family.  From the moment we stepped in the school to the moment we left we were blessed beyond belief!  Many of the students wore Colombia soccer jerseys and the school was decorated with things to welcome us.  It felt like every student wanted to spend time with each of us.  

Our students did a great job teaching English and interacting with their students.  We also played volleyball against their students and teachers, I believe I was named MVP verified by Ezra and Tucky.  As we were leaving we were all given gifts and hugs!  It truly felt like we were leaving old friends, not just people we had met that morning.  We came to be a blessing but were blessed far more than we gave.  It was truly humbling.  If you are willing I would like to ask you to add Golden Rule to your prayer lists.  If their numbers continue to drop they may have to close their doors.  That would be a terrible thing.  

After Golden Rule we did a quick shopping trip followed by ice cream.  It was truly an amazing day!  My cup overflowed!  Please continue to pray for health as we wind down our time in Colombia.  God is good and He continues to teach us sooo many new and wonderful things!!!