Honestly, words cannot describe my three weeks spent partnering with Ciudad Refugio in Medellín, Colombia. Instead of trying to find the words, I have decided to share with you twenty-two photos of what my life looked like in Colombia!
Ministry this past month was busy! We served in a variety of roles, so each day looked very different! My team and I orange picked (top left), helped with Sunday School (top middle, top right, bottom middle), helped prep meals (bottom left), performed a skit (bottom right), and so much more!
Ciudad Refugio is located in a five story building in Medillin! The views from the roof were so gorgeous— I spent many hours gazing at the city. Here is the view during the day and at night from my favorite spot on the roof!
One of the highlights this past month was being able to use my music education degree! I taught a lesson on healing to youth (left), rehearsed and created music for a church service (middle), and played my recorder at a nursing home (right)!
On one of our off days, my team and I traveled to Guatapé, Colombia. We had so much fun wandering around this SUPER colorful town and we hiked La Piedra (top left and bottom right)! The views from the top were breathtaking (bottom left).
Once a week Ciudad Refugio travels to the Bronx to hand out sugar water, bread, and pamphlets. The Bronx is a hot spot for drug trafficking, homelessness, and prostitution. Every Wednesday night, Ciudad Refugio travels to the Bronx to love, listen, pray, and help the men and women that call the Bronx their home. This past month, I learned that I have a heart for at risk people groups because I had such powerful experiences in the Bronx. Above you can see a picture I took of the line of homeless men and women waiting to receive their sugar water and bread.
Also, you can read more about the Bronx on Janine’s blog.
On one of my adventure days this past month Janine, Kayla, and I went to Jardín Botánico and Parque Explora. Jardín Botánico (top right/bottom left) is a massive free botanical garden located in the center of Medellín! We saw lots of beautiful wildlife and plants. Parque Explora is an interactive science museum. I learned about everything from dinosaurs, movies production, bird migration patterns, physics, and much more!
Once a month Ciudad Refugio hands out packs of food to the community. Ciudad Refugio is located in a high impoverished area where a lot of Venezuelan refugees currently reside. This is one of the many ways they reach out to the community!
Me with Medellín!!
It was so hard to say good bye to this ministry. I made so many friends and found a home within the walls of Ciudad Refugio. I am hoping and praying that I find my way back to Colombia, but until then I will continue to serve the Lord wherever He takes me.
I hope you enjoyed seeing a little more of my last month!
xoxo
claudzilla
So much packed in – What a great experience! Love and miss you!
What an amazing month! As always, I love seeing your beautiful smile helping others. Keep being you! Praying for you every day.
I love the pictures, it helps me get a feel for what you experienced, though I’m sure it’s only the tip of the iceberg! I can tell that you and your whole Squad were deeply impacted by that ministry. All of you have learned so much that you will be able to apply wherever the Lord takes you next!