Better late than never :)

So, today is my fourth day in Bogota, Colombia and I'm loving it! For the next 11 weeks I'm living with my second family, the Roncancio's.  Israel Roncancio pastors Grace Missionary Bible Church in West Bogota, and he and his wife Adrianna graciously opened his home to me as I, with several others from the church, will be teaching english to children every Friday.  We are teaching english and using this opportunity to also teach them about the Bible.  I don't have a crazy amount of experience with teaching, but I will be surrounded with a solid team of believers that will encourage me through the whole process.  Isn't that great?!?!  

The Roncancio's have two children, Lina Maria and Santiago, whom I love dearly! Lina and Santi lived with my family for a year while attending school in the States about two years ago.  Lina just graduated from High School and Santiago is preparing to begin his sophomore year of high school.  The Roncancios live in a home directly attached to the church in West Bogota.

The houses here are so different from the states.  Every house has a huge gate in front and when you enter through the front door, you immediately step into a courtyard.  Because the weather is so nice all year round, most people like to leave windows and doors open to get fresh air.  I love it! 

On Monday, the Roncancio's took me to their church's sister church in Tunal, Bogota, for a Bible conference.  Pastor Roncancio taught out of Genesis chapter 3.  I don't know much spanish, so Lina and Santi took turns translating for me.  I met a couple girls my age that spoke a little english and were interested in meeting up with me so we could practice both english and spanish together :P  I would love that! 


Culturally, it is normal for people to kiss each other on the cheek and hug, so I think I was hugged and kissed by every person that was there that day (about 200!).  
After the conference, we were then invited over to a family's house for an amazing meal :) Once again, no one could speak english, so we just laughed and tried to communicate through sign language as much as we 
could.  The people at the church are so friendly and generous; I can already tell that I'm going to love getting to know the women here! I can definitely tell that God is and has been at work here in Bogota! 
Pastor Roncancio gave me a workbook to work through that will help me learn spanish faster.  I'm sure my spanish gets better each day, but I'm trying not to get discouraged by how little I know.  Monday, when I was a church, I meant to say that I was embarrassed, but I loudly said, "Estoy embarassada," which means, "I'm pregnant."  That was one awkward moment! Haha, all those around me knew what I meant to say, and we laughed as I pieced together what I meant to say.  I'm sure there will be many more awkward moments as I feel my way into a speaking a new language.  


So, some cultural differences that I have noticed so far are: Colombians prefer to buy their milk in bags and not in jugs.  We went to the grocery store the other day and I was amazed to see a isle completely stacked with bags of milk! 

Also, fruit is huge part of daily life.  I don't think I've ever eaten so much fruit ever!! Yesterday, the Roncancios had me try 7 different types of fruit.  When thinking about yesterday, I can only think of two words, "Estoy llena" (I'm full!).  
Today, the whole family got up bright and early and went for a run at a nearby park.  It's so refreshing to get out and run.  I got to spend a little time talking with Adriana, Mrs. Roncancio, and loved every second of it!  She is such a solid woman and is filled with God given wisdom... we just have to cross that language barrier :) Patience and persistence is key!
I am so glad that God has brought me here, and I'm excited to see what I'll learn as time goes by.  Although I've only been here a few days, I've been learning one thing in particular: patience.  Not being able to effectively communicate with many people can definitely be trying, but I know that God is with me through the whole process.  It amazes me to think that God knows my every thought and word and cares deeply about every part of our lives.  Even when I may feel lonely or isolated due to the language and cultural barriers, God is my ultimate comfort and friend.  Two verses in particular have been ministering to me in this area: Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," and Isaiah 41:13, "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” 
Although some days will be trying, I look forward to learning more of what it means to depend on God and look to Jesus in all circumstances (Hebrews 12:1-3).