Newsletters

Date: January 23rd 2008

Saludos de Colombia! The first week for me has been one of welcoming, settling in, adjusting to the warm climate, and a realization that I'm actually here. The people are so friendly and helpful.

The day after we arrived, we were very fortunate to be here for the 64th Synod meeting. They meet once every two years, so our timing was perfect. I saw many friends from previous visits, and met many new ones. What a blessing.

Over the week-end we visited a camp of 120 displaced families. Their town and land had been burned and they had to flee. Reading about the conditions and actually seeing them are two different things. It's impossible to feel as they are feeling, but one can know the effect of such trauma by the reflection in their faces. Shock, fear and disbelief are seen in their silent expressions. Yet there is a caring among them that holds them together. Within their group, they have organized a plan of hope and help, and this is what we, as a church, can support by our presence and actions. Their human rights and dignity are their future. I still remain focused on the good things that are happening with hope and faith for and with them.

Sunday morning we attended church on the campus of Colegio Americano, a school founded by the Presbyterians. I didn't know what to expect, but felt I was at home in my own church. Children and babies wandering about, joyful and prayerful. I liked the message that it is God who seeks us, not us seeking him. How appropriate and reassuring. Bendiciones, Carol