A Sorrowful Day

"Bar-ba-row" that is what they called him, but his name is Elias David. He was 18 years old and lived with his aunt. His parents haven't cared for him since he was young, his dad is a drug addict and his mother works in another country. He worked with us here at the house on a number of occasions, and we talked with a lot about life and what he should do with it. He didn't go to school because he was kicked out two years ago for stabbing someone.
 Today his life was cut short as a result of revenge from the family of the person he stabbed.

 It is sad that the violence of revenge doesn't solve the problem, now, of course, the other family wants revenge. To stop the cycle someone will have to forgive. Pray the Lord can work in the lives of these people to reconcile them to each other.

 When we woke this morning we didn't expect Elias to be dead, we thought there would be more time. He was young and so there would be time for him to get his life straightened out. If you have people in your life that need your help, or you need to reconcile with- don't wait! We don't know the number of our days.

courtesy of Anne Allweier

The influence of the past

courtesy Amos Archer

We work with African descendants from the Spanish colonization of Latin America. I wanted to share further the connection of reality and the way it can form how we spiritually see the world. Our worldview is formed by our physical reality in some cases. The physical slavery of the Africans here formed the culture that still thrives today. Not because they are still enslaved, but because they still are viewed as inferior and not fully accepted into society. The result is, in general, in most African communities in Colombia is to live life for the day. They work enough to make it for the day, many that come here notice and are concerned about their lack of concern for the future. Americans especially are taught to know where you want to be in five years. Have a retirement plan.
 The view of a slave is that this life is a punishment, so get through the day and get what you can get. This is the view of the culture of the African communities. Considering that most of the communities are separated from the main public square they haven't changed in 200 years.
 You may say that seems to be a stretch, but if you ever are here in Bocachica when there is a death you will see the tradition still alive. Death here is sorrowful for the old people, but the young people here sit outside the houses and have a party for about a week. They get benches and tables , play cards and dominoes, and have snacks. Why do they party, because the one who died is free. He has gone to a better place. Life is seen as something you have to bear until you can get out. A friend of mine asked a boy if he was Christian and going to heaven and he said - of course. My friend asked how he knew. The boy said that every funeral he has been to they always say he (the dead person) is in a better place now. So of course he will be there to. Actually, although not practiced anymore, they used to cry and mourn when a baby was born because of it's destiny.
 As a result of slavery and the isolation from society, the reality of life has informed the culture, and now in dealing with the problems of the culture it is hard to change the what they have been familiar with for so long. It has penetrated even to the politics of the island so that they are easily pleased through corrupt government. If they have enough for today, it's OK. The big corporations here are destroying the environment for the fish and as a result the fishermen here don't have enough fish to make a living. The government has a contract with the corporations to train and work with affected communities so that they will have other options of employment when the fish are gone. When the business comes to "work" they pay off the community and its leaders with cheap gifts like bikes, canoes, food, and other things that are short lived. The people, however, love the gifts and are satisfied and demand nothing more. The people here don't know what they want for the future of the community, so the opportunity is being wasted.
 Being satisfied for the day is good, but at the same time they need responsible dialogue with the powers that be (Government or Corporations) to be able to have something for tomorrow. The gospel message speaks about being content, but it is also concerned with justice. If the gospel can renew their minds, perhaps Bocachicians will be able to demand what is right despite the history of injustice to them.

Reality impacts our spiritually

I want to do a few short blog posts about the development of culture and the affect it has on communities. These are simple observations, but have an impact on approaching other people. Knowledge of another person is important when trying to get to know them, not the history only, but the context. There are generalities that are seen when dealing with people groups, they are not absolute truths about the person, but could be the lens they see through.
 There is a Catholic article that shared an experience of a local priest trying to get the people of his Latin American congregation centered on God. They were involved in saint worship to the point of idolatry, even having alters set up to the saints to worship at. I don't want to discuss the nuances of the Catholic theology, but the cultural indications that were discovered. The priests eventually realized that they were not fighting the idol worship but a political mentality. To put it simply, the people were responding to God in the same way they respond to the reality they lived in. The way the people viewed the government influenced the way they viewed God. For example, they understood that God was sovereign, and this equates in reality to the governments claim to sovereignty.
 The governments of many Latin American countries have a history of corruption and elusiveness. Here in Bocachica it is very true. If you need the government to do something, good luck. Here they say that you need a contact. So to get what you need from the Sovereign you need good contacts. That is the reason for such a strong focus on Padrino programs, they are your connection to get the necessary items, sometimes even food and clothes. If you borrow money, you ask your boss not the bank. Not because the sovereign (the government or municipality) is bad, but it is too far away, takes too long, really it is unreachable even if the sovereign has your best interest in mind. You can see how this translates spiritually, God is good but unreachable in most cases, so you need good contacts, padrinos, an intermediary. When approaching this worldview (versus for example the American worldview), to change the culture for the better may involve redirecting these cultural norms that have existed for a long time, generations.

 This brings up the idea of the influence of powers and principalities. Sometimes the brokenness of society isn't answered with telling them to work hard, get a good education, or become like the worldview that I exist in. It would require restructuring the whole political system of a country to be like your country. The authorities have to be restructured to make the sovereign more approachable, and this may be the powers we struggle against to help the poor. The answer isn't making all countries the same per say, but changing the problems to allow the growth of a new culture that doesn't degrade or take advantage of the weaker part of society. If you are going on a short term mission trip, it is hard to learn the depth of the culture in a week. Helping is important, but for long term changes, it will take greater time and possibly confronting the powers and principalities that exist in the form of political injustice. Once there is room for change, the people have to be retrained to follow a direction they have never experienced. Next time we encounter a group that is different then our people group, we may need to take into account the context of their political history to know why they don't see things the same way we do. When we share, we need to be sure to give truth, and not our cultural preference attached that could become an additional burden to them even though it would make us feel more comfortable.

Churches- Eeny meeny miney moe

The other day my family was getting ready for church. While they walked off down the hill and I guarded the house, I thought about views on what church is. Do you ever think why or what made you go to the church you are at? How did you come to the conclusion this church was right for you and your family? Nate and I were talking this week about an article he had read, summarized, it said that maybe the reason why so many youth walk away from the church is because after their time in church from going to children's church and youth group is over, there is no other adult program for them. Most of the church and service activities are geared for the older majority of the church. So returning from college or just getting married, there is no program for them as a young adult. The author of the article said that perhaps there shouldn't be any programs so that expectation isn't there from the congregants that don't fit into a program, a commentator replied that their church thought the answer would be more young adult programs so that they would be included. In North Carolina there are so many churches that if you don't like your church, you can drive down the next block and you have another one to choose from. But, what if you only had one or two to chose from? What would your thoughts be about church? I certainly want to worship the Lord, and church is a public witness to those around us that we are Christians. With only a few to choose from here on the island I learned to look at church in a whole new light. What happens if we take what the church can do for me out of the picture and thought only about worshiping Him. Not what the church can offer our family, but how we can serve with the community in Bocachica. I have grown to love the church here on the island. I have seen the love the pastor has for the people of the church. I am in awe of how much the members spend time in church weekly. I notice the leaders have a strong desire to make this island better. I have noticed with only having limited choices for church I am more active in my desire to be part of the change. By the way this picture is not our church...it just shows the contrast. .

To the young in love....it gets better!

This month there are 2 young couples from our church in North Carolina who are getting married. I also just heard that a young man from our church got engaged recently. At times I feel like time stands still back home with us living here, but this is proof that time indeed goes on. I am thankful for the love these couples have for their mates. I am thankful for the blessing they will be to the ones after them as they walk through marriage and become the next generation to be looked up to.

To you young folks: Your enthusiasm for the next stage of life is refreshing. The butterflies you feel when your loved one brushes past you; when he holds your hand and makes you feel as if you are the only one in the world who matters to him; I love those feelings! The newness...the desire to do everything possible together. The joy of looking forward to spending days and nights with your loved one is exciting. That love, I remember: but the best thing about that love is that it only gets better. I have been blessed with 15 years of marriage and I can say with an honest heart that my husband has never been more attractive or more amazing in my eyes. I catch myself staring at him and thank the Lord that there is a man who I know better than anyone with whom I get to grow old. I look back over the 15 years we have spent together and I know my love for him tomorrow will be more. I love the fact that Nate knows how to make me feel loved and secure; how I can make him laugh over the silliest things; but it's that familiarity which is the best part of our relationship. The desire we both have to share our every thought with each other...it's not getting duller as the years goes on, it's getting more rich! So my dear friends who are entering into this season, enjoy every moment! Know that this excitement and love will turn into appreciation, zeal, respect, and dedication. It is a bond that will keep your love growing. I am thankful for that!

Top photo: David and Elisa Cobb Wed 11/16/2013 Bottom photo: Jordan Southern and Sarah Costello to be wed 11/30/2013

2 years have come and gone...(poof)

October 30th marked two years since our family moved to Bocachica. I can remember that day like it was yesterday: leaving the house my kids grew up in; the living room full of friends who would accompany us to the airport to say their goodbyes. It is a day I will not forget. I think back over these two years and can see how much the Lord has shown me; how much I have had to call on Him. I can see how my family has grown, how much my children have learned, and how many more people we now have a love for as a result of working here. We are blessed to be here, and thankful for your role in our lives here. With out your love, prayers, and support this work we are doing here would not be possible. Thank you all for all that you do!

So I was thinking of all the things I miss from the United States and what things I love about Colombia. I thought I would share my list with you all. (They are not in any order) :) 

Things I miss from the States:

1) My church! Antioch has a special place in my heart!

2) Green grass.

3) Grocery stores--ones that have strict rules on how your meat is handled. You would be scared to eat meat here...not all stores have sneeze guards over their meat...anyone can touch it with bare hands....I won't go on!!! :) I miss that and also the variety of products you have in America!

4) The seasons! The weather is normally in the 90's daily...don't get me wrong; it's better than the cold...but at times every day feels like Groundhog's Day!

5) The City Park- What a treasure you guys have in Burlington. Once the ability to visit often is gone, you realize what a gift it is.

6) Hot water! Yes...it has been 2 years since I have had a hot shower.

7) Driving...The views you see while driving, and getting lost in your thoughts. I miss it!

8) The dishwasher....With 9 people in my family we seem to always be doing dishes. 

9) My kitchen table. I remember 4 or so years ago Nate bought me a nice, solid, wood table; one large enough to seat 9 people...no crack in middle, where, if the kids dumped their milk it would collect and spoil in the crack. We saved up for that table. I think my heart enjoyed it that much more because we waited for the perfect one. Well, I again am waiting and saving... I miss not having a table where we can all sit as a family and eat a meal. I know when I get another one it will be that much richer to me due to waiting on it. :)

10) Quietness. There are days I miss the still calm days in NC. where the only noise in my neighborhood was the squeals of my kids playing in the back yard.

Good things to miss. It is good to leave things you are familiar with to give you that extra appreciation of what was once there.

Now...on to the things I love about Colombia. (once again in no specific order)

1) The fruit! Americans: you are missing out on some good tropical fruits. 

2) Our church here! I have been blessed to see how our church calls those who live here to live for Him. The longer I am here the more I see the hearts of the people in our church and their desire for this island to be all that it CAN be!

3) Patacones and Queso...(fried plantains and cheese)  This is my favorite food in the city. I love them!!..and I am very thankful they are cheap! :)

4) For all of you who have visited me here...you will agree Colombia has awesome Coke-a-Cola! Oh yes...given to you in an ice cold bottle and made with cane sugar...it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

5) Arroyo! I think it is the prettiest beach I have ever seen and it is only a 15-minute walk from my house. The best part is normally when we go we are the only ones there; just our family. Our get away on the island!

6) The people. I have been blessed to meet some special people here! I could not imagine them not in my life. I will forever thank the Lord for these friendships!

7) Not having to wear socks or tie-up shoes. Yup; flip-flops are the way to go!

8) Luis and Adriana and family. They are missionaries from Bogota who live right behind us. They are a family of four. Their kids, Juan and Paula, get along so well with our children, and Luis and Adriana have been such good friends to us: ones we can look up to, have mature conversations about the Lord with, and work with together in this community.

9) Pan de Bono: It is a roll made out of yuka flour and grated inside is a salty, olive-like cheese that my taste buds love. And it's gluten free so my husband can enjoy bread once again.

10) Colombia has a laid back approach to things...not the same hustle and bustle as we once had living in the States. Living on an island not having any place to go makes you relax a bit...I must say I kind of like that.

So you see, while I have things I miss from back home, God gave us different things to enjoy. 

Please, if you could take time to pray for us for our next two years living here on the island we would be grateful:

That all we do here in Bocachica would glorify the Lord.

For our water filter project. That as we help those with the need for clean water, we can share the Word with the families, and that seed would be planted.

For our English classes: That the children would come with the desire to learn and the dedication to practice. 

Pray for our kids, that they would continue to stay in good health and that their schooling would continue to go well. 

For our projects around the house: That the honey-do-list would get smaller...vs. longer! :)

Information on how to support us: We are thankful to all who have supported us! If you would like to help our family and the work we do here in Bocachica, please send support checks to Antioch Community Church.  All giving is tax deducible. Giving can be mailed to Antioch Community Church, 1600 Power Line Rd. Elon, NC. 27244. Please write COLOMBIA in the memo line.

To all of our friends, thank you for you love, support and prayers for us. We of course miss you all so much! We think of you and pray for you often.

Love,
The Ariels

My thoughts on Bogota

This past month our family needed to travel to Bogota to renew our visas. However, before I even left the house my mind was preoccupied with how cold the temperatures would be. Once there I realized  there is more to Bogota than just the cold.

So here are my thoughts on Bogota:

1. Oh yes....it is VERY cold. I have lived in 90+ degrees for two years now. When I explain this to friends and family members I wonder if they think my body adjusting to the heat is an exaggeration, But when I say we live in 90+ degrees, that is all day everyday without air conditioning. My body has definitely gotten acclimated to the heat.  I went from 90 degrees to 66! Yikes. We wore on average 4 shirts, pants and 2 pairs of socks daily. I realized that flip flops with 3 young boys is the only way to go...I forgot the work that is involved for a mom when your kids wear sneakers. Oh, the amounts of times I had to stop and tie shoes. :)

2. With the cold weather I along with my girls enjoyed singing a Christmas carol or two...It felt like December to us.

3. I found out that my kids who have walked everywhere for the past two years have land legs.The buses are very full and travel very fast and with it's jerkiness and many stops my kids cried with sea sickness. Needless to say we seemed to have adequate room....I think my kids hanging their heads out the windows gave the other passengers an idea of what was to come.

4. I learned that having a passport for your 7 kids, with which we can leave the U.S.A with all 7 kids and live in another country with a visas issued from the Colombian government to all 7 kids...there can still be doubt with the Colombian government that these 7 kids in fact are all ours. This leaves Nate traveling back to Bogota this week with 7 birth certificates that will be translated by the government and legalized to say that yes in fact we do have 7 kids.

5. People here in South America are just like Americans; they become preoccupied when a large family walks by, they use their finger and mouth the numbers to count our kids. Their actions are so obvious they could just ask the number...

6. I have realized when you live on an island with out vehicles you notice big city traffic at night.

7. Having grown up in Vermont for 22 years I find myself always enjoying the mountains. The beauty is breathe taking. It was a treat for our family to see green grass and clean streets!

8. We were blessed from the church in Bogota named Tu Presencia. They were more than hospitable; every aspect they could think to help us with they did. I am reminded over and over how if I did not listen to the call of being a missionary I would miss out on these wonderful relationships, these gifts with which the Lord has blessed our family with.

9. I have come to the conclusion that a time away does the family good. Now this wasn't really a vacation. We were always on the go, but at night sleeping in one room as a family sharing stories and enjoying one another's company was refreshing. Not having to cook, do chores, and entertain visitors was needed even if it was just for a short time.

With love,

The Ariels