What a Fabulous Monday! - February 16, 2026

 Hudson tells all about it...

Today started out with the team going to two ministries called Hogar de Paz.  At the first place, we were met by the teachers and kids.  There were 17 kids there.  After introductions, we grabbed some chairs and sat down to do a Bible story workbook with the kids.  

I sat down with a boy whose name in English is Matthew.  I knew a couple of phrases and was able to introduce myself and ask him what his name was.  For the majority of the time I hung out with Matthew, he talked away in Spanish about everything - even Mario.  Occasionally someone would come by and translate a bit of what he was saying but most of the time I had to make guesses from the limited Spanish vocabulary I have at my disposal.  Even though we couldn't communicate verbally very well we were still able to understand one another to create a real friendship.  He and I stuck together during the games and had a lot of fun playing "Four Corners".

When it was time to go, I found a Canadian loony in my pocket.  I decided it would be cool for him to have something from me, so I gave it to him.  He thought it was the coolest thing in the world.  I hugged him and we said goodbye.  I pray that Hogar de Paz will continue to help him grow in his faith in God and that one day I will see him again.

Afterwards, we hopped back on our bus and headed out to another Hogar de Paz centre.  This one was higher up on the mountain, and the weather was rainy.  We got there and there were a bunch of kids waiting for us at the door.  It was awesome.  The team went in and sat with kids and played with them for about half an hours while other kids continued to come.  I played Barbies with some of the girls... I played with Iron Man.

This experience has been so fun and very humbling.

My turn... (Sheila)

Considering that this is trip number 18 to Bogota, you would think that I would be used to and prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with it.  Well, it doesn't.  These 10 days of ministry get me in the feels every time - sometimes harder than others.  

The orphanage for disabled children gives me an ache in my soul that is more profound with each visit as I see the same kids get older and move from the nursery to the kids room to the room of adults, sitting there day after day.  I'm thankful that there is a safe and caring place for them to survive in a country that has nearly no social supports for these precious children and adults, but it's not an easy place for me to walk away from.  

But... not all is sad.  Today was one of those days.  As Hudson told so well above, we went to Hogar de Paz.  We have been going to this ministry since the very beginning, so the staff have become so familiar and we are able to talk about our families and pick up where we left off the year before.

I LOVE this ministry.  What they do for kids in VERY vulnerable home situations is incredible.  They provide not only educational help with homework, and food - which many don't get - but they also give support for those that are emotionally or physically abused.  I can't imagine the burdens those workers bear as they listen and counsel these dear little children.  

A few years ago I gave an update in my church about Hogar de Paz, and one particular story about a little boy named Juan David.  A dear woman in the congregation heard that story and set out to do something truly remarkable.  She and her team of daughters started sewing backpacks and fill them with school supplies, toys, toothbrushes, and candies.  Each one stitched with a patch that says "Handmade with Love".  No truer words could ever be spoken!  

I get the opportunity to put these treasures into the hands of these very excited little ones.  Today was that day.  One by one I see their eyes light up and I get the hugs that I really wish could transport to my generous friends back home.  One little boy - Santiago - took a peek inside and completely freaked out.  Even the toothbrush made him squeal with delight.  

Pictures do not do justice to the joy these kids displayed, but this is the best I can do for now.  Enjoy them and please pray for them.  They need it.

(The first picture is of Juan David - the child whose story started it all)