We are HERE!!! Day 1 - Thursday, Feb 12

 Hi from Colombia!!

Our day was eventful, to say the least, with several hiccups at the airport but eventually we got to Bogota ok!  

We were able to serve at a new ministry that will be opening soon, called Hogar de Paz.  We helped some of the teachers and decorate, clean and organize for them.  

The Lord has shown His faithfulness in getting us here safely and is already working through our team here!  Please pray that we all recover from our lack of sleep...hahah...it's been a crazy but good day!

From Beth

Hello to everyone!  This is Ali on day one officially in South America!

So basically, none of us really actually slept that much on either flight, I don't think.  I think we arrived in Bogota at like 5 am local time - which was weird because it just felt like a fever dream because the concept of time really went out of the window for all of us after the Calgary-Toronto flight.  

We waited in a long line at customs for a LONG time (so long that it was daylight by the time we finally got out).  Bethany had to go to a separate line because she is American.  Once we got past customs we had to get our bags and we found out that Raquel's bag was missing (still in Calgary!)  and apparently there were a lot of important things in there - including M&Ms :)  - so if you are all out there reading this, it would be really appreciated if you could please pray that the bag gets safely returned.

We thought that all of our airport troubles would be over, but no.  We had to go through the final check point - of x-raying our bag.  At this point, we got separated from the rest of the group and this security guy who looked like Pedro Pascal made me and Levi (the two who can't speak a lick of Spanish) stop to inspect our big suitcases.  He was trying to talk to us and be like - "what's in your bag" but I don't even freaking know any Spanish.  

But then Amiyah Mal - bless her heart - she saved us.  She starts talking to this guy in Spanish - even though she doesn't speak Spanish.  Then Ben - bless his heart - sees us struggling and comes over to talk to the guy in Spanish.  They finally let us go without confiscating our bags full of school supplies.

Finally we made it out of all the evil parts of the airport and got to the house where a lot of us took a fat nap.  We had this awesome soup (Ajiaco) with so much chicken in it and the most amazing avocado I have ever had in my life. 

After lunch our bus driver took us to a place called Hogar de Paz, where they are just setting up a place to help vulnerable kids in the neighborhood.  We cleaned and made decorations for the walls.

Thank you for coming to my blog entry.  We appreciate your support and prayers a lot!  Peace out and don't forget to pray for Raquel's bag with the M&Ms.  Period

(editor's note... there are other important things in the bag too... maybe just as important as M&Ms)