We made it. Here we are. Ok, now what do we do? The overwhelming task of learning Spanish, setting up house and making Colombia feel like home lies ahead of us. Our first couple of days here have been full of highs and lows. Meeting all the missionaries and getting familiar with our neighborhood has kept us busy. Everyone we have met is so friendly, warm and helpful. So far we have not had to buy anything ourselves, which is great because we are both a bit intimidated with our lack of Spanish skills.
Eli has been loving life in Colombia! The place we are staying in is VERY close to the airport so we are constantly hearing planes fly overhead and he gets excited every time. Also there are a ton of dogs around and he loves hearing them bark and hearing lots of big truck noises too! He is busy looking out the windows for planes, dogs and people passing by. The neighborhood we are in is also known for its parks. Today at the park we even heard some live music. It was the most accordions I have ever seen in my life.
Jonah has not been doing quite as well. He is one who doesn’t like change and he also has been sick, so this transition has been hard on him. We are still praying that as we unpack our stuff and settle into the guest house that he would start to feel more at home.
Which brings me to another topic; our guest house. We will most likely be here for about a month while we find an apartment and get all that sorted out. I had the opportunity last night to go with my new friend to check out a house for rent. It was different that’s for sure. No hot water, fuzzy toilet covers, the works! But it was so great knowing that soon enough we will be moving into our own space. It is becoming very real that we are actually staying here and not just here for a visit. The house that we are in right now has 6 bedrooms, one kitchen, a conference room (empty room with a long table and plastic chairs, which is also the only place we get internet when we get it) terrace and one bathroom for men and one for women. We have electric water heaters in the showers (super fun and safe right?) and a scares-me-so-I-don’t- think-about-it stove.
There have been a couple different missionaries that have passed through and stayed here as well and there are 3 more people coming tonight. This is a great spot to meet people, that’s for sure, but we also get nervous that Jonah will keep everyone up at night! Guess that’s the downside of being in a common living space, but there’s not much we can do other than hope everyone that comes through are good sleepers.
I will try to blog a bit more frequently these first few months, but I make no guarantees . There are so many things that I’d love to share about, but don’t want to bore the living daylights out of you!
Mark says
Love you guys so much! It’s so exciting seeing ya’ll making it. Seems like only yesterday we were making loud noises while building our JC houses. Miss you so much and hope Spanish comes quickly and easily. Via con dios! (I think that’s how it’s said :P)
Sharon Crawford says
My heart nearly bursts with joy that Jesus lovers are sharing his love in Columbia! We were there 36 years ago on our honey moon and have had a love for the Latino people in our hearts ever since! Maybe one day we will meet you there- until such a time we pray for mighty Holy Spirit winds and anointing in you and on all you do- love Sharon
Eileen says
Glad Eli is doing so well & you & your stuff are there safely! Praying that you will take time to lean on the Prince of peace & he pours out peace & joy on you. Praying that everyone sharing the guest house will encourage one another & that Jonah gets better & adjusts.
Jim Maziarka says
Glad you made it safely. Your blogs are very interesting. Thanks for taking the time to post them.
Spring says
Great to hear about your new beginnings. Praying for you all. Praying Jonah sleeps well & begins to adapt. Peace that surpasses all understanding.
Electric showers – yup, welcome to South America :). You should be fine! Just don’t touch it ;).