BOGOTA, take 1

Where to start? That’s always the question when we return from a big trip and I face the computer screen, wanting to document it enough to remember, in future years, what our time was like.

I have categorized our pictures, so I will post accordingly.

First of all, let me explain to those of you who don’t know, why we would take a trip to Bogota, Colombia, and why now. Last summer, my sister’s family moved there to begin a 3-year term with Mennonite Central Committee. We feel very close to this family, and could not imagine going 3 years without seeing them, or without knowing the place that holds them for this time. Since this year is a full one for us, with Mark finishing up school and starting his practice, it may seem like an inopportune time. However, we realized that once Mark does start his practice, he will not be able to leave for any length of time that will allow an international trip like this! So, we decided to join the Spirit Air $9 club and start watching for those incredibly cheap tickets to show up. They did, and we snagged them. So, we just returned after spending 10 days there. It was a wonderful time. We just loved being with all of them, meeting their support system, and seeing their home and work lives.

The first category of pictures I have chosen is around their house. They moved to this pleasant little place 3 weeks before we arrived. Before this, they were living in downtown Bogota, with the constant hum and stress of the city in their face. After we went into the city for one day, I realized what a respite this place is in comparison. It is quiet and safe and beautiful. It reminded us a little of cohousing, in that the kids were in and out freely, and there was nearly always a group of kids waiting to play outside.