I've already been in Bogotá for 2 weeks and so much has happend! So far I've had new teacher orientation and then this past week has been just teacher orientation. Understanding the curriculum, how the school works, preparing for my classroom, etc. However, I'd like to key you in on some of the adventures that have happend these past two weeks:
My first ride on the public bus by myself
The second full day that I was here we went to school and there was some miscommunication that I needed to bring lunch. I figured I could just take a public bus back to my apartment. I asked if it was safe to do that and they said yeah just be careful because I guess bad things can happen on the bus such as people robbing you and threatening you and stuff.... Anyway, I was up for the adventure. got $1,400 ready ($1,750 Colombian pesos = $1), and was on my way! I got on a bus, went until centro comercial santafé (the giant mall along the autopista a.k.a. highway, walked over the bridge and made it back to my apartment safe and sound! :D Thank you, Jesus.
Nico!
My friend Brittney back in the states knows a guy, Nicolás, from Colombia that used to live in Bogotá. He had to come to Bogotá for a few days for school the first week I was here so I got his contact information and we met up at Santafé, the mall, and got some coffee at Juan Valdez Café. He was welcoming and friendly. It was great actually talking with a Colombian and someone who has lived in Bogotá to give me tips on how to live here. He has been super helpful and I'm so thankful for him!
El Jungle
The first Saturday that I was here a bunch of us teachers went to The Jungle which is a ministry that the school is connected with. It is located in the part of town where there is tolerated prostitution and these kids are caught up in it. The Jungle is a place of refuge for kids to go and be kids, play around, and be loved in a healthy way. There's also time set apart for singing songs and hearing a Bible story. We sang "Abre mis ojos O Cristo" (open the eyes of my heart) AND "ERES TODOPODEROSO!" This song isn't an english tranlsated song BUT we sang it all the time while I was in Nicaragua and so I knew all the words and was able to sing along with the kids. It was awesome. :) I'm so encouraged at what God is doing through this ministry and how He is touching and changing the lives of these precious kids.
Here's a link to read more about the ministry: El Jungle
Running path!
This is a small blessing...but a blessing nonetheless! There's a bike/running path right behind my apartment complex and it's safe enough for me to run it by myself in the daylight. I've been able to run almost everyday (whenever I have the free time) but only before 6:30 because everynight it starts getting dark at that time unforutnately. There's quite a few people who enjoy running on staff this year so we've gone out a few times together which is ALWAYS a blessing to be able to run with other people. The mountains are to the east of the path and it's a beautiful view.
RAIN
It rains almost every day here. I've learned that you should always take an umbrella with you wherever you go. The sun might be shining when you go outside but 10 minutes later it could be raining hard.
la fruta
There are SO many different types of fruits here. I think I heard someone say at least 200 kinds. I've been blending a lot of juices with it. :D
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| Jugo de Curuba! There's no english word for it but I guess it's a kind of passion fruit...maybe? |
Almuerzo (lunch)
Here's a picture at what a typical lunch looks like that I'll be getting at school everyday:
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| Soup, rice, potatoes, meat, vegetables, fruit, juice, & dessert |
Iglesia (church)
I went to a Spanish Speaking church on Sunday with my roommates Megan & Kelli. It was all in Spanish. I really need to brush up on my Spanish. I've been able to sort of communicate with people. I know it'll take time though. My favorite part was singing praise in Spanish. It was also a bunch of songs I knew from in English like "Our God" & "You Never Let Go" but of course all in Spanish.
Sickness
Last Saturday my throat was feeling scratchy, then on Sunday I felt awful at church, Monday I was back at school with everyone (including returning teachers) and I still felt pretty rotten. I took some meds, people prayed for me, & then Nyquil at night and got 9 hours of sleep every night this week and throughout the week I got progressively better. However, now other people are starting to get sick so PLEASE pray for them that they would be ready before the students come on Tuesday!
Cédula y turista (ID & tourist)
Everyone is required to have a Colombian I.D. so we had to go downtown yesterday to get "Cédulas" (ID's) it was a little less than smooth but thankfully we all were able to get it! Then the Spanish teachers took us to a popular park and then a district called Usaquén where there's a mall and market.
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| The girls just chillin' after we got our cédulas |
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| They had this giant screen set up in the park with bean bags for people to sit on so that they can watch The Olympics! Chévere. :) |
Like I said...so much has happend! Amongst ALL these wonderful adventures this weekend I NEEEEEED to tackle the curriculum and understand what I'm teaching and put a plan into action. I'm super overwhelmed with this. I know it'll get done somehow but PLEASE pray for focus and diligence. I think I can get it done in one day if I focus on it ALL day and ALL night.
My plan for Sunday is to go to church and then Bogotá Gospel which is a Christian concert in a big park in Bogotá. That will last all afternoon until the night though. I would really love to go to this but I guess we'll just see how much I get done on Saturday.
Doesn't this look chévere?!?!
This is what next week looks like (8/6-8/10) so that you can be praying for me, my fellow teachers, and my students:
Monday: last day of teacher orientation
Tuesday: Half day with kids getting to know them, talking to the parents, and having a BBQ
Wednesday: Half day of classes
Thursday: First full day
Friday: Full day again
p.s. Be sure to stop by my photos page to see more photos that I've taken while in Colombia!
Dios Los Bendiga! (God bless you!)
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