5-14-15 Day One: Bogotá, Colombia

Today I woke up early and got ready to have breakfast across the streets from Hotel Andino Real. The small breakfast shop looked inviting and colorful—there were fresh fruits and vegetables everywhere. After enjoying a delicious hot chocolate, the entire group walked with all of their luggage to JustaPaz, our host organization. Approximately an eight minute walk across various busy streets in Bogotá. Upon arriving at JustaPaz, we met with many leaders from NGO’s working for social justice and human rights in Colombia. These people are incredible. Today we were also introduced to the activities for the month and the syllabus. The agenda looks full and intensive.

Then, right after eating a delicious combination of traditional dishes from the state/department of Medellin—"Bandeja Paisa", we walked to the Bogotá International Downtown to exchange currency.

Afterwards, the team walked to the offices of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and Mennonite World Congress. The walk was incredible; the surrounding environment that Colombians experience daily. The diversity of people: light, brown and black skins. The diversity of local businesses. The view, the smog, the skyscrapers, it was a whole different atmosphere.

We returned to JustaPaz where we met with more NGO's and a local seminary staff. In the evening, Marlene and I stepped outside to take a break from our busy day, we took a moment of peace to just watch the city go by, we enjoyed each others company by sitting out front on Avenida Carrera 14 and Diagonal 33 Bis A. The city's transportation buses "Transmilenio" were packed, the streets were busy not only occupied by automobiles, but by endless movement of pedestrians.

Once inside of JustaPaz we met a lady name Vilma, who insisted to be called "Negrita" as her nickname. I helped her set-up for dinner in the patio. I soon learned that Vilma was from the state/department of "El Choco". The FPU team will be traveling there next week. At dinner we were finally able to meet the director of JustaPaz, Jenny. After talking and getting to know her, I realized that she happens to be our host mother. She is an amazing person and I’m sure she is very influential and well known for her work. I also learned that her husband, Ricardo was a professor at a nearby university and the director of JustaPaz sister organization Mencoldes. At around 8:30pm Jenny drove us home, on our way there we stopped to drop off Ricardo at the university where he teaches night class. We received a great mini-tour of part of the city. After arriving at Jenny’s house, we walked, which was unusual for us, to the local super market. It was a great adventure. What a day!