Colombia 2009

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.

Sunday morning was so busy! Cartegena was a strategic center for Spanish colonization of the new world and UNESCO honored the Historic Old Town as a premier site. The fortifications are immense and extremely well preserved. To protect the gold, silver and other riches that were being sent back to Spain, the Spaniards created walled fortresses to resist attack by land and sea.

We saw many of these historic sites, the gold museum, the Inquisition museum, the monastery that overlooks the city, and several famous statues including Simon Bolivar in Old Town.

After we checked in at the Hotel Costa del Sol, we distributed cell phones, called parents to confirm our safe arrival, and then were warmly welcomed on the roof top pool patio by children from the Semillas de Esperanza Foundation. These children were "street kids" who are now able to be educated thanks to the work of the Foundation.

Such great musicians and dancers! Applause
Dr. M

We've assembled a wonderful MU Ambassadors for Children team! Here are some facts about the team:
Freshmen = 3
Sophomores = 6
Juniors = 6
Seniors = 3

Plus two Miami U. staff members: Scott Irlbacher - Asst Director of Fraternal Life and Megan Kuykendoll who works with the Center for World Cultures and the Office of Community Engagement & Service Learning (a trip facilitator);