New Horizons.

                 Wow! It’s been a while! It is hard to think that it has been three months already. The switch over to middle school has been made, for a while now actually. The classes I am in charge of are 7^th Life Science, 7^th English, 8^th US History, and 6^th Math. There is quite a contrast between subjects and class personality. Many of you would be impressed with Science. It is my favorite class to teach actually. Crazy. In one day I became a slug and a clam. We are learning to draw pictures in our notes to help ourselves. I told the students, after they laughed at my picture of a clam’s gills, that there was no room for pride as a teacher when it comes to drawing on the board. They laughed.

                  Last week we had a church conference! The conference speaker was Mr. Rogers, a former missionary to Argentina. The focus was on the family. No pun intended. It was wonderful. Sunday one of the elders invited the speaker’s family and me to lunch. It was a good time of fellowship and Spanish practice. On Monday there was a meeting on sexual purity for the young people. The great thing about it was, everyone came. Then we broke into groups and discussed lies that the world tries to make us believe. We then looked to scripture to find the truth. The whole time was meant for the more mature Christians to help counsel and discuss the issues with the younger ones! The set up was very impacting.

Cultural Tidbits –

1.      Did I tell you that I saw a Colombian put on chapstick? It rocked my world.

2.      I have been counting how many seconds people wait to sit down in seat that was previously occupied on the buses. It ranges from 4-15 seconds.

3.      We don’t really eat dinner here. I am used to it. It will be odd to go back to large dinners.

4.      Crapes and Waffles is a phenomena here. Look it up. In my opinion, it is up there with Country Style (all you Quad Citians).

I would appreciate prayer for wisdom in coming back this fall.

Thanks to all!

ps. Was that a cheesy title or what?

What do you see?

Things I see every day…almost.

1.       Horses pulling a trailer of veggies, or something of that sort. It is so out of place in the middle of a city with 9,000,000 people. Odd.

2.       A goat on the side of the road in the canal on the way to school.  I named him, but forgot it. I think it was something Frederico… Maybe Reginald?

3.       Buses, buses, and more buses…I take a least two a day. I seriously love public transportation. It is only about $.60 do travel and hour on the Transmilenio. Can you believe that? It is glorious not having a car.

4.       The beautiful mountains. Every day. It is astonishing, especially at night.

5.       There is this one puffy brown dog that I look for on a farm on the way to school every day. I think the zoning laws here are extremely lax.

6.       Cows….all over the place. This is also odd.

 

7.       Little shops, called tiendas, selling almost everything you could want.

8. This is behind my apartment building.

9. Last, but not least. Traffic and taxis and motorcycles.

This is a little piece of what I see everyday. Hope you enjoy it.

It’s crazy. It’s wonderful. It’s a learning experience.

Alas, I have not disappeared!

I shall make you a timeline or perhaps a chronicle….Going backwards.

Yesterday – I got my visa renewed. It turns out that there are in fact people of other cultures living in Colombia. Although people have been telling me this, it was not confirmed until yesterday. Of course, the only people who need their visas renewed are non-Colombian! I am going to give you a speedy version of the process. 1- Go to the photo place to get photos taken. 2-Go to the visa place to find out the exact amount of money that it costs, as well as the account number. …. 3 – Get lost. 4 – Go to the bank to deposit the exact amount of money into the account of the government. I’m assuming. 5- Go back the visa place . . . 6 –Stand in line. 7 – Turn everything in. 8 – Get fingerprinted….Yes, I do have fingerprints in Colombia (Suz, Victor, and Alyssa). 9 – Wait. . . .  10 – Someone calls out your name (Karen Elizabeth). This is extremely hard to understand in Spanish when you have heard it in English your whole life. They hand back your passport and say “Listo!” (Ready). Of course I stood there just staring until she shooed me away.

                This all took place from 9:30 to 2:45. Talk about a long day. Great thing is, I got an extended visa without having to haggle or pay extra. The Lord is faithful in the small things.

Last Friday – This was the last day in First Grade. They had a little party for me, and they gave me a book with a card from each student with their picture. BEST PRESENT EVER! I miss them already. Although, every time they see in the school they come running to give me a hug screaming, “Miss Carter!!! Miss Carter!!!” I told my mom that somehow, I think my departure from middle school will slightly different.

Last Monday and Tuesday – Sick....Need I say more?

Dia del Idioma was a long time ago……..HOWEVER…….We must travel back! It was AMAZING. (I am using the Caps appropriately here people!) Close your eyes and imagine fabricated national parks with a plethora of wild animals running around, right in the school building! There was face painting and forest sounds and parents and cameras and rain (real) and oceans, ect. In all my years (21), I have never seen a celebration quite so spectacular. Honestly, the Colombians know how to do something up.

I am in middle school officially now. It’s crazy. It’s wonderful. It’s a learning experience.

Cultural Tidbit:

1. Everyone in Colombia knows their blood type. When they ask you yours, and you tell them you don't know it, they give you a look like you are a complete idiot.

2. Water here is often sold with gas in it (con gas).

Movin' on Out...

Today I officially moved into another apartment with a Colombian family! This means…I get my own room. I am going to get really spoiled. You have no idea how nice it is to have a room to yourself…until you don’t. It is unbelievable how much I can spread my stuff out in 7 weeks. I still have not located my tennis shoes. Who knows? Maybe the borrowers have made a trip to Colombia. Wouldn’t surprise me.

            Tomorrow is Dia del Idioma! For those of you who don’t know (which is probably almost everyone), this is a humongous deal! From the descriptions that I have gotten, it is a day of celebrating the Colombian culture. Anyways, many of the rooms in the school have been transformed into national parks. Models off of the real thing, of course. However, I have never seen anything so amazing! I really might get lost in the wilderness. It almost reminds me of winterfest (all you Emmaus folk). Colombians know how to decorate….It’s uncanny. There is no holding back.

Cultural Tidbits (or just things that are different from America):

1.      Milk is in a bag, and they don’t refrigerate it until it’s needed. It is so odd to get milk out of the cupboard.

2.      I can’t remember if I have said this one yet. KETCHUP is totally different here. . and this is not in a good way. I actually ate some of my fries without ketchup. For those of you who know me, this is unheard of.

3.      Ranch is hardly ever seen. I actually have NEVER seen or tasted it here. . .Now you know how to pray for me..lol.

Why not?

Dearest friends and Family!

These last couple of weeks have been crazy per usual.

Last Friday night we had six friends over for dinner. The funny thing is, we didn’t plan it until the morning of! Does that sound like me? We told everyone to be there by 6, but to honor the Colombian culture, did not eat until 7.

On Sunday I want back to the church in Cazuca! This was the second time, and just a lovely (and long) as the last. We went with the intention of leaving right after church. FALSE.  Right after mentioning that we were going to get home early, we were invited to a birthday party. Who can pass up a birthday party right? Apparently not me.

We then took a bus into Soacha (sp?) for the party. Of course, being an American, I thought we would play a game, have some lunch, sing a song, and then leave. Two hours right? Needless to say, I arrived home around 7 or 7.30. Totally worth it. Plus, I got to have some quality time with Colombians my own age, which really is invaluable. Why? Because I can now walk up to them at church and say hi without it being totally awkward. Plus, they will help me learn spanish. Ah! It really was such a blessing.

Teaching has been great, even with all the minor melt downs my students have every day. We have fun…or at least I do.

Achievement of the day:

Almost all of my 23 1^st graders made a three slide powerpoint with: a word, picture, and animation on each page. Beat that…I mean really, there is no way someone could beat that.  They are 7! I know college students who still don’t know how to make a proper powerpoint!

Cultural Tidbits:

1.       I have now seen 2 Colombians use some form of chap stick. I know you were all waiting for this update. However, one of them was one of my students, and I think he only had it because I did (and of course he thought it was cool).

2.       When you leave the North end of Bogota, people start to look more normal and less like they walked out of fashion magazine.

3.       Honking doesn’t mean you’re angry…It just everyone else know where you are.

4.       They use the phrase, “A week without meat…” as we would use a week without food. That’s how important chicken and beef is here.

Minor Adjustments:  I will be moving in with a Colombian family tonight! The place I am in right now is a bit cramped. Praise the Lord that this opportunity opened up for me to stay in the same apartment building! That means I do not have to learn a new bus route, neighborhood or anything. Plus, I will have my own room! Talk about spoiled. The Lord really has provided above and beyond what I could have imagined.

Things I took for granted -

1. a dryer

2. the comforts of my own language

Haps and Mishaps...

Friends and Family,

Again, my apologies for the long wait. The good news is…It’s for a reason. This was my first week having full control of the classroom for student teaching. Being officially in charge of twenty-three, six and seven year olds – it turns out- IS…. pretty hilarious, intimidating, scary, fun, challenging, and crazy. Seriously.  I’m loving it.

The Account of School Haps and Mishaps:

1.       Last week –

There was a bee in the classroom. All sorts of chaos ensued. However, the bee left rather quickly. Problem quickly averted and forgotten…It was only a honey bee. Mind you it was the one and only that I have seen in Colombia. Of course, it would come into a 1^st grade classroom.

Yesterday –

 A significantly larger DRAGON FLY flew into the classroom. Let’s just say that my eardrums are still recovering. However, it is my own fault because I did not have them practice how we act when a bug comes in. Right after the LARGE dragon fly flew out of the classroom, I told them the story of when a bee landed right on my shirt during lunch in elementary. I was so afraid of talking in front of the lunch lady that I sat as still as a statue. The bee left. They seemed to gain comfort from that.

 Immediately after I finished my story, the LARGE dragon fly comes back into the room. Simultaneously, I say loudly, “PRACTICE!” They all sat like statues. I was shocked out of my mind, and enormously proud.

Today –

 We read a story about a fly on a nose….and we practiced our statue pose yet again.

2.       The regular music teacher is not here yet. I have never met her. So, for elementary music we get special groups to come in.

Last Friday –

        The special group was some Native Colombian Indians. From what I could tell they did not speak Spanish very well, and I couldn’t understand a thing. Now, this is a bit terrifying when you are the leader of 23. I smile and nod A LOT. Anyways, they did some music for us…and then came the tribal dances. Well, they wanted a teacher to come and dance with them. At this point, I really have no idea what anyone is saying…but all of the sudden every single 1^st grader turns to me and screaming my name. Again, I have no idea what is going on. I look hopelessly at my Teacher Aid and she points to the stage. Now, every teacher knows that there are things that you give up for your students. For me, dignity is now one of them. . . . I even had to wear a headdress.

Today –

        We had a group of rappers come. Colombian rappers. Seriously.  I spent most of the time shuttling students in out due to ear aches it was so loud. But, the boys are all on cloud nine. The look on their faces when it started was priceless. Deer in the headlights mixed with scrunched eyebrows. . . The best part was they all tried to dance. . . Key word = TRIED. It was hilarious.

All in all, teaching has been an enormous learning experience. Plus, I love it.

Church in Cazuca….the South.

                This church was quite different from the last two that I have been two. South Bogota generally means poorer, as far as I know. I went with a friend from El Camino. This was probably one of the biggest authentically cultural experiences that I have had so far.

                We took the bus at eight in the morning. We couldn’t sit for a while, but it wasn’t that crowded. It takes about an hour, hour and a half to get there. The Transmilenio (the bus system) is a bit intimidating to me……one, because I don’t know Spanish and two, because it is a totally new experience.   When we arrived (after a couple of bus transfers), I immediately noticed that it was completely different.

This is a google image I found that looks like the town..This is a photo of Southern Bogota. However, I think we were farther up the mountain than this photo shows. 

           We were farther up the mountain, which generally means a rougher area. The farther South we got, the less we spoke in English (which really means no speaking). The people were WONDERFUL. I felt welcome, even being one of two gringos there. The speaker was a wonderful man who is a Colombian missionary to China.
              

           After church, there was a lunch were they serve you enough to last for a lifetime. They make up your plates here; it’s not a buffet line. After that, I thought I was going to be reading while my friend was in a meeting, because there was no way that I could get myself back alone. Well, I ended up going home with some of the elders wives for a hilarious game of Monopoly.

                Now, one of the major differences in this church is that only one Colombian speaks functional English...as far as I know. Needless to say, none of the women did. It was wonderful! We played for about three hours…I lost. My dictionary is always with me now. I wish I could explain better how fun it was, even with the language barrier. We drank coffee and ate bread, and drank coffee...and ate bread..

         One thing you could pray for specifically is my language acquisition. It’s hard and humbling. Also, my usefulness in the church…The two really go hand in hand.

                On the way home, it was rather packed, but I would rather take the bus that drive in a car any day. … at least in Colombia.

I know this is only a snippet, and I would love to tell you all more..So, ask away! I will do my best to answer.

Cultural tidbits:

-I have never seen someone pet a dog here.

-To get the @ symbol, you hold alt..then push 6…then 4. I know I already said the keyboard is weird, but I want you to understand the depth.

-Everyone thinks you are going to freeze to death if you don’t have multiple layers on at all times. You might be thinking this doesn’t count. You are wrong. I have people tell me all the time that I am not wearing enough clothes….and it’s 65 degrees out. I don't need a parka thank you. It’s cultural.

-There are about 45,000 taxis in Bogota…I think that’s right.

 -I only recognize about 2 of the fruits in the grocery story...talk about intimidating. They have this one fruit that looks like an orange on the outside and fish eggs on the inside. To eat it, you kinda slurp it out. Horrible consistency but good flavor...but really horrible consistency.

If you made it this far, much thanks. God Bless.

Church and Public Transportation

Dear friends and family,

            Deepest apologies for the delay, however, I think you all would prefer me to do well at my actual job first. SO many things have happened!

           I will start with the most recent. . . I can’t remember how much has been said about the public transportation here, but it’s wonderful. Unfortunately, we all know that with good usually comes a bit of bad. No pain no gain right? Well, in respect to riding the bus in Colombia, I take that phrase quite literally.              

Sunday:

 I thought that all of my vertebrae were smashed into smithereens. This was due to a pot hole the size of Yemen, just big enough to have you life flash before your eyes. Really, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced (that might be a slight exaggeration).

Today (Tuesday):

We decided to take a bus that you only had to pay 500 Pesos for. This comes at some costs.

1.      You have to walk farther to reach it.

2.      Then, a man practically pulls you onto the bus, screaming in your ear….all this while the bus hardly stops.

3.      Finally, you get packed (standing room only) into a bus full of people wearing entirely too much cologne. .

All in all, it is totally worth it for about $.25. Beats having your own car any day.

CHURCH – As promised.

First Sunday –

            I had just arrived the night before, very late. I cannot remember the name. The message was good, and I understood a surprisingly large amount (due to PowerPoint). To be honest, I was a bit comatose.

 Second Sunday –

            I visited church with Nancy Clark, a lady who works a ECA. She is also Plymouth Brethren (and yes, Mr. Rush, I know that calling myself that defeat itself in general, but for the sake of the blog). She has been doing what she can to help out the church for the past couple of years. I am not positive, but I think that the Flemings were involved in planting this church. It was wonderful. Of course, everything is I Spanish. That week they had the regular services, pot luck, and then a meeting to help define the mission of that particular assembly. It was VERY interesting to watch the culture, and how Colombians handle hard topics.

Last Sunday –

            This church was further up the mountain, in what seemed like a nice neighborhood. This was the first assembly started in Bogota by Brian Killings, there are about 20 now. There was a band….and I mean drums, guitars, keys, and vocals. Talk about shaking things up a bit. I attended with a high school student from ECA. She was gracious enough to interpret for me. We got a few ‘looks.’ The general friendliness was a bit different. It seemed as though me being there was a general annoyance.  

            In generally, church has been a challenge. It is interesting to see the differences and similarities of church culture in Colombian culture. It will gradually get easier with the more Spanish that I learn. It is encouraging meeting with believers to worship the Lord together.

Culture tidbit:

-Directions are always up or down in relation to the mountain, not east/west/north/south.

-I don’t know if this counts, but I have yet to see a Colombian put on chap stick.

-Everyone dances . . . it’s a favorite pastime.

A Plethora of Firsts

           My students... I cannot tell you how adorable they are. The accent is hilarious! I am sure that you would all love them if you were here. I have now been with them for three days, and it is hard to believe that today will be a week in Colombia.

            One of my students asked me how long I would be here. I told her that I would be in Colombia until April! Her mouth dropped open so wide you could have put 10 marshmallows in it (which is rather large for a 6yr old). Not only that, she bent her entire body forward at the waste to emphasize how long this was to her! It was so funny..I know it doesn’t translate well on paper, so just imagine me doing it, as if I am telling the story.

           

            There are three boys named Juan in my class, as well as a Juana and Juanita. In case you didn’t know, it is MUCH harder to remember names of people and things that are not English. All I have to say is praise the Lord for nametags! The students are wonderful. Every day they play Sharks and Minnows at recess, it is the funniest thing. Every day I hear “Miralo! Miralo!” (look at me/this.. not sure I spelled that right) about a thousand times.

           

            This morning I was invited over to my first Colombian home! I will be tutoring one of the son’s in reading. At first I was a bit nervous, because none of us wants to make a fool of ourselves! It was AMAZING. They had my cooperating teacher and me over for breakfast with the family. They don’t speak English well and I don’t speak Spanish well. However, this works to the advantage of both of us, because we will be forced to practice in both. Plus, they live within walking distance.

Major accomplishment of the week:

Grocery shopping on my own! It is only a couple of blocks, but still! There are so many different kinds of fruit here, and I don’t know the half of them. Just imagine a pale American stumbling through the aisles, pretending to understand the labels. That was me. The best thing though…the fresh bread for PENNIES! Oh my goodness, you would love it.

Culture Tidbit:

            The computer keyboards a much different here….I spent a good five minute trying to figure out the @ symbol…no joke, it’s immobilizing.

            Right now I am sitting outside. It’s probably in the 70’s with a light breeze. You don’t need screens here because there are not any bugs! Additionally, the Andes are right outside my window.

Coming soon: Church in Spanish…say what?

Luggage and Arrival!

            Well, as anticipated I will tell you of my arrival in Bogota. Let me tell you, the airport here is NOTHING like the airports in the US. Going through customs for the first time was definitely terrifying, especially since I don’t know Spanish. Once through customs you battle it out getting your luggage. Now, some of you may be thinking that the verb battle is a bit strong for this occasion. You have NO idea. Who knew that getting my luggage would be dog eat dog. Great thing is, I found my luggage and made it through the airport. . .barely.

            Once I walked out of the airport it really got dicey. Someone was supposed to be holding an ECA sign.. and then I would calmly walk over to them…and we would walk into the sunset. FALSE (sorry Abby)! I walk out with my luggage guy (everyone has someone carry their luggage) to a sidewalk full of people yelling in Spanish holding signs of all kinds! I look around….no ECA. I try to communicate with my luggage guy that they are here somewhere here… I just know it. He was a bit vexed and I was freaking out because everyone around me is screaming in Spanish. While I’m here I might as well forget about personal space. Needless to say, I paid to use a cell phone to call someone who was standing 15ft. away. They had gone to the restroom the moment I came out….What are the odds.

            Now I am here. I live you two ladies, sharing a room with one. It’s small but cozy. Everything here is different. First of all, I have not seen any buildings that look like North America. Everyone lives in apartments usually. You walk and take the bus everywhere, which is wonderful and terrifying! It is hard to getting used to  the money (and not getting ripped off).The weather is amazing and rainy (which I don’t mind).

            I spent my whole first day offending people because I did not realize it was expected to say hello and goodbye to EVERYONE you come in contact with. If you make eye contact, you say hello. If you leave without saying goodbye from ANYWHERE (for instance, walking out of a store) they think you are a rude snob. Of course, I did not find this out until I had gone a whole day not talking to many people at all, just like America. Compared to here, North Americans are super rude. Culture is hard to get used to.

           

Tomorrow is my first day with all of my students!!!! I can’t wait. I love it here. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard. But it is so wonderful. I can see the mountains almost everywhere, and it seems like you could reach the clouds they are so close. The people are generally kind and patient. It will be SO much easier once my Spanish improves.

Culture tidbits:

-Slamming a car door is EXTREMELY rude here. My roommate told me to close it so softly you have to close it again because it didn’t latch.

-No one sits down in a seat that was just occupied. They wait a few seconds because they think it’s gross. Funny that in the USA we thank people for warming the seats for us.

-Everyone hugs and kisses. Mom would be at home here.

-Everyone dresses extremely nice, and I mean everyone! It’s rather amazing to tell you the truth.

I know this one is not as funny. As mom would say, I lost my funny. Don’t worry, I will find it again when I get more sleep.

Coming up: The official first day. Wowza!

El Principio -The Beginning

Thanks for all of you out there reading! I am excited to share with everyone the challenges and adventures of my trip to Bogota, Colombia. I would like to start with an explanation of the name. Let’s just say that it evolved with the help of some devoted friends (Abby and Jo). Upon telling them my original name (The Carter Account) they immediately told me that is was rather lame. I knew this, but did not know how to solve the problem. Well, we brainstormed. I will not tell you the duration of time wasted….I mean spent. The end result was Kicking the Proverbial Popsicle Stand, because by going to Bogota I am doing just that. If you are not satisfied with the name, let me tell you….It could be worse. . .Much worse.

The building bock and blunder titles we decided against:

- The Air is Thinning Out…

-Colombia, Here We Come!

-Pondering under the Popsicle Stand

-I’m Feeling Light Headed.

-The Daily Grind

-The Bard of Bogota

-Spinning a Yarn

-The Pondering an Musings

-Musings of a Muse

Now, about the trip…Right now I am sitting at a deserted café in JFK. This will mark the first time I have ever been in New York. It’s uneventful. I might not even count this as a time, because I am sure I would be scoffed at if I did.

Interesting and perhaps funny events of the day:

1.      Forgetting my receipt to get my boarding pass. The only thing I actually need to leave. Worry not; we scanned the passport and credit card. It all worked out. This of course was after getting in the wrong line, or should I say a crowd of people posing as a line. Shame on them.

2.      APPARENTLY, my cream cheese and chive crackers seem like a threat to national security. I go through security (without having to get patted down or doing the body scan, Elliot). They tell me I am going to have to step aside to the table so they may rifle through my bag. I have many different electronics, clothes, books, ect; but the item they have to wipe down with a litmus test is my crackers. To top it off, they even run it through the scanner AGAIN. Let me repeat, this is a pack of those cheese crackers we got in our lunches as children. I was laughing, on the inside…because I did not want to bet arrested.

3.      We all live in fear of sitting next to the wrong person the plane right? You know, the baby that cries, the dog that yips, the MAN that SNORES. I was original next to a young mother with her very happy baby. To give them more room (the effect of coach) I moved to some of the many open rows. I sat in the first seat after first class. Little did I know that the semi-bald man who died his, obviously white at the roots, hair brownish/red(I am not being mean, this was the only visual I got) was going to be a snorer. I cannot sleep on planes, so I don’t actually mind the noise. However, this man snored through entire presentation of the safety instructions. I am not one to really pay attention either, but really? Worry not; he wasn’t in an emergency exit seat.

On a more serious note, doing this is probably one of the scariest things I have ever done. I have never even been to Canada, let alone Colombia. On multiple occasions throughout the last few days I have thought to myself, “What in the world did I get myself into?” However, the Lord has been preparing me for this all my life. It’s going to be good.

Didn’t have time to post it until now, but it was written at about noon yesterday.

Coming up: Who knew getting my luggage would be dog eat dog…no joke.