Colombia 2009

As our bus drove down the beach, just 50 feet from the ocean's waves lapping on the shore, I was baffled at where we were. I knew we were on our way to spend the day at a school called Villa Gloria, but as we neared little shacks and houses on the beach, right near the water, I could not understand why their village was situated there. By then we were not quite as close to the water as we had been, but as we got off the bus I realized that the ground was still a muddy sand, big puddles of water filled with garbage were all over.

Not only did the Spanish conquerors bring with them their architecture influence, but they also brought their religion, Catholicism. Before the big Spaniard movement, there were many Spaniards that came to Cartagena attracted by the gold. These were all different kinds of people, so at first many different religious orders settled in Colombia wanting to spread their religion. One conqueror, Pedro de Heredia Fernández arrived with a group of Franciscans and Dominicans. It was the Franciscan monk in this group that held the first Christian mass.

The Spanish colonization of Cartagena is reflected in so much of their culture, but especially their art and architecture. When the Spaniards colonized the city, they wanted to exert their influence in all ways possible. They thought that their wealth and power gave them the right to do everything their way, and this is definitely shown all throughout the city. The arches in this photo remind me so much of arches I have seen in my travels of Spain. The green wooden rail along the balcony above the arches is also very traditional of Spanish architecture.

Our afternoon arrival in Cartagena on Saturday was perfect because as we were welcomed by all the Colombian people at the airport, the sun was low on the horizon and would be setting in the next few hours. Excitement as well as exhaustion from a long day of traveling took over, and on the ten minute drive to the hotel, I did not take much in of the city. My first realization of the beauty of Cartagena was Sunday morning as our little bus approached the historic district.

Sunday was our first full day in Cartagena and the sunny day was spent touring the beautiful city that we were all so excited to be in. At first I thought it was probably just a fluke that we toured the city that day. I thought that because it was a Sunday, there probably was not much service opportunities or much else for us to do at all. However, looking back on the day-long introduction we got to the city we would become so passionate about over the next few days, I knew that J.R. meant for it to be that way. There was no doubt in my mind that J.R.

Well, we've all been back for a week now. It's still pretty weird to think about all that we experienced during our time in Colombia. Having seen how so many families and children live in some of the areas we visited, I am seriously reevaluating my own purchasing habits. $4 for a cup of coffee seems even sillier now. At least I brought back some Colombian coffee to make at home!

I arrived home late Saturday evening. I thought I was happy to be home, but all I wanted to do was go back! It really hit me how the conditions in Colombia are soooo different than the ones Americans are exposed to. I know that they have been their and are "used" to those conditions, but why can't they deserve better than what is in front of them. I felt in daze all day on Sunday, i felt like I wasn't really where I was. I am so happy to have witnessed how people can be happy with nothing, but family and friends. It has made me appreciate my education and my roof over my head.

After 3 long days of visiting schools, hospitals and local businesses, we had a day on the water to relax and enjoy the Carribbean. We took a boat ride for an hour to an island off the coast of Cartegena to enjoy a beach resort, aquarium tour and dolphin show and snorkeling. We enjoyed the scenery, the sun and water and a chance to relax. The days of visiting with the children have been lots of fun. Despite the fact that most of these families are very poor, they are very happy and so excited to share their time with us.

Yesterday, we spent our last day at 2 organizations: Semillas de Esperanza and Fundacion de Jesus.

We painted the mural in the picture alongside the children at Semillas de Esperanza. It reads: Boys and girls have the right to: health, education, etc. It was great to see that the mural was both a bright and friendly addition to the space as well as a meaningful message.

Wednesday:

La Boquilla
This fishing village by the sea is the home of the descendants of the slaves who built this city and then escaped. We met Gloria Sanchez, the dynamic urban leader of the people who is creating the preschool and community center. We assisted by donating cement, concrete blocks, and more to build a room- the computer lab.