Too funny!

So, I cannot stop laughing every time I look at this picture. My friend took it when she was watching Samuel one morning. I think the expression means, "Help, I'm stuck under the couch."

Colombia Trip - Part 2

After an awesome week with the team, Julio and I headed to the small town of Caucasia to visit his family. We took a very small plane from Medellin, which was a little scary but the flight was only 30 minutes. We arrived to the warmth of Caucasia (hot and humid) and took a taxi to Julio's parents' house, where Samuel met his Colombian grandparents for the first time.

Grandpa Julio

Grandma Abersia

Outside the family's home

We stayed a total of 3 1/2 days, and enjoyed visiting with Julio's parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Samuel got a lot of attention during those days. Julio enjoyed the time with his family and was even able to visit his dad's farm with one of his brothers.

Julio with his dad in front of the farm house

Julio and his brother Luis

Hanging out with my sister-in-law's family

With cousins, Maria and Daniel

It was sad to leave the family, as we probably won't be back to see them for another year. After leaving Caucasia, we spent another two days in Medellin where we were able to spend time with friends. The time in Colombia went too fast. We would have loved more time to spend with more friends and visit other places dear to our hearts. We thank God for the time we did have.

Good friend, Luz Adriana

Samuel with friends Maria Jose and Manuel

Colombia Trip - Part I

Wow, after a whirlwind two weeks in Colombia, we are back in Chicago. There's so much to tell about our time in Colombia, I don't even know where to begin. We arrived on Aug. 2nd with a group of 14 people from our church in Chicago, New Community Covenant. We spent the first week in Medellin, working with the local churches in the areas of children's and youth ministry. The first two days we visited various ministry sites, such as an elementary school and a project that helps support children in their nutritional, emotional, physical, spiritual and educational needs. In the afternoons we went to different churches and led vacation bible school programs for children. At one of the churches we had over 100 kids, ages 2-12. We taught songs, shared Bible stories, made crafts, and played games. The children learned that Jesus wants to be their friend.

Our team with some Colombian pastors and leaders

The beautiful city of Medellin

Alexandria helping to welcome the children to VBS

Children during VBS at the church in the Santo Domingo neighborhood
Having fun with crafts

Watching the Bible story told through a drama

We also had the opportunity to visit two different sites that offer recreational programs for children, who live in high-risk neighborhoods. The program is called "Seamos Parces" and it was started by Julio and other youth more than 4 years ago. We had "Olympic" type games for the kids and enjoyed watching them laugh and play.

Trying to undo the human knot

Talking with the boys about soccer

Leaders from Seamos Parces with Samuel

Julio leading a game

One of the other highlights of the trip was spending time with youth leaders from the different Covenant Churches in Medellin. Some of our closest friends are part of this group of leaders that meets bi-monthly for encouragement, spiritual growth, and ministry planning. We had an overnight retreat where we led times of small group discussion, worship, and recreation.

Our friend - Johnatan

Angela and Evelyn leading worship with Steven and Johnatan

Small group discussion and Bible study

I was most touched by how our group from New Community connected with the children, youth, and adults in Colombia. They really poured themselves into the ministry at hand. It was awesome to watch these two worlds come together...truly a dream come true for Julio and I.


Sam did great, considering we had him with us the whole time. For one of the vbs times, I had him strapped to me in a front pack as I led songs and helped with puppets. It was a little overwhelming as every person who saw him wanted to touch him (even random strangers on the street). We are so thankful that he is so easy going, and didn't go crazy because of the change of schedule and environment.

First plane ride - he did awesome!!!

With mom during vbs

Kids going crazy at the elementary school - he loved the attention.

So, thank you to everyone who supported us and made this trip possible. We are looking at ways to develop a long-term partnership between our church and the Covenant church in Colombia. Stay tuned for more photos and stories from our trip.