A Free Morning, Lunch with the Gomez Family, and Church Ministries

While the guys had an early men's meeting at the church, the ladies had a leisurely morning. A little past noon, we headed for the south section of Bogota, the poorer part of town, and one that is known for its gang activity. Mike's good friend, and former elder of Noroccidente, Sergio Gomez, has moved to this location with his family to begin a church. This has been a vision of Sergio's for many years, but it is only in the last couple of years, that the dream has materialized.
Sergio and his wife Olga, warmly welcomed our families, who, with his own, filled the small living/dining room. They prepared a favorite meal, called arripas, which are small, thick corn tortillas, that are split and filled with ground beef, shredded chicken, chihuahua cheese, and a type of 1,000 island dressing. Muy delicioso! We also had our choice of sweet iced tea, water, Tinto (hot black coffee with sugar) or fresh peppermint tea from their garden!
Sergio shared how he came to know and serve Christ, and then his sons talked about their schooling and future. Later on, I chatted with Elaine and Olga, mostly with hand motions, a few Spanish words, and lots of translated sentences, thanks to Elaine! We were treated royally, and felt extremely welcomed and loved.
Then, it was on to the church for kid's clubs, youth group and couple's class. It's an outreach to the community, and, since it's all held in one afternoon, families can participate together. A slide show of the 3 day children's camp that was held the weekend before, was enjoyed by all.
We took a short trip to a shop in the downtown area that sells only hand made items from Colombia..three floors worth! One small clay sculpture of a bus had a sign on it assuring the buyer that it was NOT made in China! We found that humerous... I was able to find quite a number of souvenirs for others at this "market".
We picked up the kids, and headed home for a simple meal, and a relaxing evening. More mañana...

An Appointment with the President...

Our flight was a non-event, thankfully, from Buenos Aires to Bogota. We arrived a little after noon, and met Mike outside the terminal. After the 20 minute ride to their home, we had a delicious and most welcome home cooked meal, thanks to Elaine's hard work. It was good to see everyone...hugs all around!
Mike had previously arranged a tour of the Presidential Palace in downtown Bogota, the place where Miguel Santos works and lives. The security was tight, and we needed our passports for IDs. No cameras were allowed, so I decided not to bring it, nor my bag or any other item. We were met at the gate by a tall, smartly dressed woman in national police attire, who checked us in. There were military personnel flocking around the palace, and one became our guide for the tour.
We were soon ushered in, and taken first to the cabinet room, where members sat with the president for meetings. Our guide pointed out that Santos sat among the cabinet members, instead of at the head, to show that all were 'equal.' during the remainder of the tour, we visited various rooms where dignitaries met, and one where marriages of government official's children were arranged. This room was very similar in style to those found in the palace of Versailles, but on a smaller scale. We were shown various articles (vases, sculptures, paintings), that were given as gifts to former presidents from Spain, England, Germany and France. The building itself was over 500 years old, and the architectural style looked Parisian.
At one point in our tour, a number of security guards were bustling about with intercoms. One requested that our guide keep his voice down. He told us that the President was having a televised press conference at that very minute in a room just a few yards from us. The media and reporters were everywhere. At that point, we were curiously admiring a painting of a pudgy 'flying nun' by an Colombian artist named Fernando Botero. There was a group passing quickly behind us, and we soon discovered that Santos was being ushered out of the area with our backs turned, so we never saw him! I was so disappointed!

The tour finished, so we headed towards our car. The rain began to pour, so we ducked into a gold coin minting museum, a favorite of Mike's, for about an hour or so. Gold has been mined in Colombia for hundreds of years, so it made sense that the government would dedicate a museum to it.
We also had an eyeful of Botero's works which were rather amusing. Somehow, he painted with a magnifying glass, so every figure looked bloated, in a creative sort of way. Each person had similar facial features of the artist himself. They made us giggle as we moved from room to room viewing his works of art.
We arrive home tired, had a bite to eat, and retired for the night. The four of us had been up since 3:45am, so the pillow looked extremely inviting!

The photo above reflects the typical university protest graffiti, which sometimes seemed socialist, and, at other times, Marxist and anti-American, even though the government is pro-American. We saw it all over Bogota, mostly on buildings, overhead bridges and the main cemetery wall.

Salt Mines and Shopping

This morning Mike and Kristina took their dog, Boomer, to the vet. He developed a large tumor-like growth under his chin three days ago. A biopsy was taken, antibiotics prescribed, and home he came. Not so easy a diagnosis with the lack of Internet connection since Saturday morning here at the Dubberly's home. Looks like a new modem will be delivered after we leave tonight for Buenos Aires!
So, we have a game plan...visit Carrefour, a large, European "SuperK" and then lunch at "Crepes & Waffles" a Colombian chain, known for it's delectable delights that one indulges in only occasionally. Then to visit the Zipaquira Salt Mines which is the #1 tourist attraction in Colombia.
The trip to Carrefour was slow but successful, and our lunch at the crepe place proved to be excellent! The tour through the Salt Mine was fascinating. They had carved a "Salt Cathedral" underground that depicted the stations of the cross, each with a cross carved from the salt walls. Then, they were lit with multicolor lights, that added to the dimensions and beauty of each station. It is also an active mine, but the work is done at night, so as not to disturb the tourists.
These were a few things we learned: 5% of the mined salt (sodium chloride) is used for human consumption. The remainder is used for glass, paper, and medical supplies. Different from sea salt, which has other minerals. When the Colombian Indians collected the salt from the water and evaporated it, they saw it's value. They traded with it, and used it to pay salaries: Sal-dia-rio or "salt for a day's work, became our word for "salary".

Time was of the essence, since our flight to BA left around 10pm. It was necessary to arrive 3 hours before takeoff, so we needed to leave plenty of time at the latter end of the day.
But, as usual, the Lord tested my patience. A number of events stood in the way: long, slow lines at Carrefour (it took the cashier 10 minutes to process three people!), multiple baños stops, losing time on the maze of one-way streets in the small town of Zipaquira, and the van nearly overheating going up steep road to the salt mines. Of course, it began to rain, and the fan belt made a squeaky squawking sounds, threatening our journey forward. And the traffic was stop and go! Whew!
We arrived home in plenty of time to quickly pack, and pile into the van once more. With all the activity, we looked like we were participating in a Chinese fire drill! On the way, it was still raining lightly, and the traffic again was stop and go. I told myself not to worry, the Lord would work it out. Sure enough, we arrived just short of 3 hours before the flight, got through the ticketing area, and had about an hour with Mike, Kristina, and Andrew before heading to emigration. We said our goodbyes, and waited again in lineThank you, Lord, for our friends, the Dubberlys. Bless them and their ministry while we are apart!
Passports, checked...security...baggage checked. Mario, Olivia and I came through with flying colors, but Dan, well, his backpack was thoroughly searched. Everything taken out...ah ha! Found what they were looking for...his favorite pair of small German scissors, which were allowed on American, but, not on Avianca Airlines. Adios! He had to leave them behind. I loved those scissors. I could cut threads, thin plastic, and bandaids and such, and they would still be sharp enough for Dan's hair. He wasn't worried. "I know just where I bought those years ago, and I can get another pair," he said. Nothing ever ruffles Dan!
So, we wait to board the overnight flight to BA...Lord, keep us safe, and help us to make all the right connections. And most importantly, may we be a good witness...

A Full Sunday...

Today was a full day, most of which was spent at the Dubberly's church, Noroccidente, where they minister. It began with teaching time. Dan and I sat in on Mike's class, which covered the basic tenants of the Christian faith. I was impressed with this five part series, which was comprehensive and incremental.

They have many newcomers to the church, and most are plugged into the studies early on. They not only lead to a commitment to Christ, but also to baptism. Today, besides the normal service, a report from a missionary from Ecuador, a baptism and the Lord's Supper, the four of us were giving our testimonies. They were to be translated by Mike.
The brothers and sisters at Noroccidente were very open and friendly, so we chatted in small groups during the break. Although we couldn't understand the language, we felt the love and desire to study God's Word throughout the service.
As we waited for Mike to finish his meeting, Kristina, and the four of us took a walk around the neighborhood, which was safe during the day, but not so at night. The church is about a 45 minute walk from their home, so, on occasion, when they don't have a car, they have an alternative.
Arriving home after 2pm, the ladies worked together to prepare Sunday dinner. Since their Internet has not been working, Dan, Mike and I drove to a friend's home to use the WiFi there. It was so gracious of them! We stayed about an hour, which was sufficient to upload our mail and send off my journal photos and entries. Back at home, we watched, "The Tales of Avonlea" which was a continuation of the "Anne of Green Gables" series. It's one of the Dubberly's favorites, and was given to them by a missionary friend at Christmas and birthdays.
We were all exhausted, so, after the film, we had a small snack, and headed for bed!

All That Glitters...

Today we had a hearty breakfast of tropical fruit, scrambled eggs with tomatoes and onions, breads of all kinds and potatoes. Then we were off to the Museo del Oro or Gold Museum in the downtown area of Bogota. Very well done, we thought, as the introductory film not only showed the history of the discovery and use of gold throughout the world, but also, focused on South America, and in particular, Colombia. There were artifacts galore, and an exhibit dedicated to the creation of gold items, mostly decorative. Some were embossed, others were intricately worked in beeswax, covered in clay, fired, melted wax was then poured out. The space remaining was filled with liquid gold, cooled, the "mold broken", and the unique figure was displayed for all to enjoy.

After perusing the gift shop, we headed back to the parking lot. On the way, we saw a woman dressed in a native costume, who main intent was to draw tourists to the shops and museum complex.
It was good to be back at the Dubberlys. Elaine made another wonderful soup, named 'Ajiaco' similar to yesterday's, with three types of potatoes, rutabagas, peas, carrots, onions, garlic, cilantro, and an herb called, "guascas". It was garnished with shredded chicken, and a plate of rice and avocados were eaten along with the soup.

We then drove to a farm outside the city, called Tenjo, about an hour west, to celebrate a Noroccidente deacon's nephew's 18th birthday with a cookout. As soon as we left the Bogota city limits, we were required to turn on our headlights. The open feeling of the roads, the mountains surrounding us, and the fresh air made up for the bumps along the way. The kids in the back of the van delighted in being thrashed and bumped about!
Elaine told us that the speed bumps were called, "sleeping policemen", and said that many jokes were made about them. It was mentioned that approximately 60% of all flowers purchased in the States come from the farms in this area. We have been informed that Argentinian Spanish can be quite different. In Bogota, "Tinto" is black coffee....in Argentina, it means wine! We will need to be careful...
Tomorrow we spend the morning at the Dubberly's church, Noroccidente. It sounds like a full schedule. Chau!
After taking a wrong road, Mike had to turn around in a very tight space...but he did it! We arrived safely, and were very warmly welcomed. We were offered a plate of cooked bananas, potatoes, salad, and a variety of meats. One we were familiar with, the other two were, we thought, the pancreas and intestines. Dan was a trooper and tried it, only to squirt the insides all over his hand and chin!
The kids played a nice game of soccer, while the adults chatted. We used our very little knowledge of Spanish to communicate, but no one seemed to mind if we messed up! It was soon time to go, so we congratulated Brian Steven, and took off for home. Since the van was at full capacity, and we needed to go up a steep incline, the three adults offered to get out and walk to the top...no worries!
After a light snack when we arrived home, we played a new card game (to us) called, "Phase 10". We all had a great laugh over it...Andrew was at his best, and won both games!

Finally with Friends in Bogota, Colombia!

The kids and I walked with Mike and Kristina to a local bakery and grocery store this morning. I can't believe I forgot my camera! My best friend's father gave me the best advice when I headed to Papua New Guinea as a missionary: take your camera everywhere, and take photos of everything, because soon things will look ordinary to you, and you will never take photos again!

As we walked we could see the mountains in front of us. Mike told us that when we see the mountains up close (Bogota is a plateau in the mountains), we are facing East. Hmmm....much like facing Lake Michigan in Chicago. I always keep my bearings when I know the direction of the lake.
We bought our goodies, and then took a trip on a funicular (wire drawn rail car) up to the top of Montserrate, which held a sanctuary dedicated to the black Virgin. Dan experienced altitude sickness last night (headache and insomnia), but at this altitude (Bogota itself is a mile and a half high!) the three of us were finding it hard to breathe. Not only because the view was breathtaking, but the air was so thin!

After our excursion, we returned to the Dubberlys for a yummy local meal, almost like a stew with meat, three kinds of root veggies and beans. Hearty! There is talk of going to a crepe restaurant for dinner. The boys will love it...Olivia and I will enjoy our refreshing salad. I have already decided that on our way back to Bogota, after our tour to Patagonia, we will have a meal of all the baked goods this area is know for. That way, if we get sick, we will be on our way home anyway!

We Are on Our Way...Far Southern Reaches of the World!

12 January 2012
It's been quite a day of travel...two legs, and four tired travelers are arriving soon in Bogota. The flights have been a non-event, thankfully, and we have appreciated the extra room in first and business class. Although, I wouldn't pay for this out of my own pocket, especially on a short flight, it was, none the less, a treat. For Olivia and I, it was a dietary disappointment. You would think, on an overseas business class flight, that they would accommodate special requests...nada!
Customs in bogota went smoothly. The little Spanish we used with the customs officer made him think we were fluent in the language, so he rattled off a string of words! At one point, he took out a type of jeweler's loupe to examine something on my passport. He took his time, which made me wonder what he was looking at. Was it my photo? The paper it was printed on? My signature? I'll never know...

The entire Dubberly family (except Rachel, who's at college), came out in their Chinese 10-passenger van to pick us up. Well, 10 Chinese, maybe, but more like eight Americans and Colombians! Good thing we only had carry-on luggage. We were stuffed like sardines in a can...and we loved every minute of our 15 or so minute drive.
As we talked about the weather, Elaine said that it was fairly constant all year...rain and no rain. When they have two rainy days in a row, the people say, "What a winter we are having!". If there are two sunny days back to back, they say, "What a summer we are having!" We got a chuckle out of that!