Sometimes I forget that God wants us to have fun. I forget that He actually wants us to enjoy the life and blessings that He gave us. There are so many incredible things to do and beautiful moments to soak up during our short lives here on earth. God’s been opening my eyes to how He loves me through these little gifts. Again and again, He’s blessed me with moments of pure joy that will become incredible memories to look back on.
He has been so sweet and gentle to me this month. I’m absolutely in love with Colombia and Ciudad Refugio. After a really challenging month in Nicaragua, God has allowed me to participate in ministries that really touch my heart, take time to process what He taught me over the past two months, and just have a whole lot of fun.
Two weeks ago, the Squash Sisters decided to pack up and spend their two free days in Guatape, the “most colorful town in Colombia.” We took off on Sunday after helping with kid’s ministry during church. We were all surprised by how smoothly everything went with buying bus tickets and getting to the bus station. It was a two-hour drive along a beautiful winding road. Unfortunately, I had a real big pastry before leaving so I spent most of the drive praying that I wouldn’t throw up and eyeing the window to calculate how quickly I could dive over Claudia, yank it open, and hurl. That didn’t end up being necessary (thanks God!).
After getting off the bus, we walked to our hostel, which was cozy, cute, and, most importantly, equipped with hot showers. The six of us went out for dinner together and then Anna-Stewart, Claire, Bre, and Shelby headed off to bed while Claudia and I got drinks at an adorable, tiny bar in the town square.
I had this traditional Colombian dish called Ajiaco and it was incredible! I found an adorable postcard of it the next day, which I had to buy.
The next day was our Sabbath and it was the best one I’ve had on the Race! Claudia and I got up early to read our Bibles at a café. We shared the most incredible pound cake and afterwards hopped over to another café for a traditional Colombian breakfast.
As you can see, the pound cake is almost gone already!
The rest of our day consisted of checking out every store in the town, trying more cafes and drinks, eating way too much, and periodically meeting up with the rest of the girls to hang out, shop together, and of course, do a fabulous photo shoot.
This umbrella street is one of the main attractions in Guatape! We learned the hard way, however, that it doesn’t actually keep out the rain.*
Claudia’s camera, Tanya, really pulled her weight during this trip!*
On Tuesday morning, Claudia, Shelby, and I checked out yet another cafe for our daily Bible study. After that, all six of us jumped into two tuk-tuks and drove up to La Piedra del Penon. This is where someone saw a big rock and decided to carve some stairs into it (649 steps to be exact). We made it to the top, rewarded ourselves with ice cream, and checked out some more shops.
That’s a lot of stairs!*
Lunch with a view! Isn’t God incredible?
After our little adventure, we jumped on the bus and headed back to Medellin just in time for a delicious dinner. That weekend was so incredibly peaceful and memorable. I did a bunch, but still felt truly rested and connected with God. We had so much fun as a team and bonded in a whole new way. God showed me just how much life and excitement is out there for me to enjoy. He made this beautiful world, and He wants to show it off!
Remember: Adventure is out there!
Please be praying for us during our last week in Colombia! The Squash Sisters are spending it with a church a little way out of the city and our first day here has already been so wonderful and restful. I know that we’re all going to miss Medellin a lot, so be praying that we can prepare our hearts to leave.
*Photo Credit: Claudia Gruett
God is so good! Can’t wait to see you in a month!
Great balance of enjoying where you at and serving at your ministry. Love hearing the stories. See you soon.
Sounds like such a memorable and fun day …. at the pictures are awesome!
“He made this beautiful world, and He wants to show it off!” Yes! I used to think the command to go into all the world and preach the gospel unto everyone Mark 16:15 was just for others. When I actually went into the world I realized it was just as much for me to get to see God’s creation!