An incredible journey

Meeting new volunteers is one of my favorite things about this trip! Even better than meeting a new volunteer.... making a friendship with one of them.

Sara arrived in Bogota about 2 weeks ago and we formed an instant friendship. We have a lot in common, similar sense of humor, both have amazing best friends that we miss, and obsessed with Grey's Anatomy. I have really enjoyed having Sara here! :)











Everyone volunteers for different reasons, and every picks locations for different reasons. Sara has picked Bogota to not only volunteer and help the people of Colombia, but also to find her birth mother. That's right, 25 years ago Sara was adopted from Colombia and is looking to now give back to her home country.

Sarah speaks so highly of her mom and dad. She has defiantly had a beautiful life and was lucky to end up with parents that gave her more love than she could have ever imagined. But, as wonderful as her life is, there is still a piece of her in Colombia that she needs to find. I respect her so much for coming all the way here, into the unknown, and searching for her birth mother. 

Sara will be here for 5 weeks, and so she started her search ASAP! 

After the first week of being here, she was able to see the hospital she was born at and the neighborhood that her birth mother is registered to vote. She said it was weird being in that neighborhood because its where she would have grown up. Her life would have been different.... for all she knows, she could have become a different person. 

I believe we get certain characteristics from our parents but how much of it is DNA and how much of it is how we are raised. Is Sara a kind, warm person because of her birth mother or because her parents raised her that way? It's an interesting thought. Made me sit back and think about my life. I tried to imagine my life with a different mom; would I still be crazy, would I be loud, would I be open minded, would I have different values? 

Last Saturday, at lunch, Sara received a phone call that would forever change her life. 

She found her birth mother. 

She also found out that she has a younger sister who does not know anything about her. The plan was to meet that night and catch up on everything and anything. 

Sara was able to meet her birth mother, younger sister, her nephew, and learn that she also had an older brother. Unfortunately, the brother passed away about a year and a half ago. 

Crazy huh? Another family. 

Sara's birth mother explained to her that she always felt guilt for giving her up, she even tried to find her 10 years ago but could not afford to continue on with her search. She lost a child almost 2 years ago, and now she has another child back in her life. It really is amazing. 

This story is very touching. It is something that we see on Lifetime! I am so happy for my new friend :) 

She is always wondering "why." 

Why did I end up with amazing parents. Why was I able to find my birth mother? Why did she want to meet me? Why does this family welcome me with open arms? A lot of questions that she has running through her mind and honestly they may never be answered. But the best answer I can give her is that, sometimes we are just lucky. We shouldn't question the good, just go with it! 

I am not a religious person so I cannot sit here and tell her that it was Gods plan. But i can tell her that she is a good person and she deserves good things to happen to her. Plus, most of the time, we cannot explain why things happen... they just do! :) 

Life is not always easy or fair.... but sometimes it does surprise and amaze us :) 

To keep up with sara's journey here is her blog: http://quartercenturyjourney.blogspot.com/

Family in Bogota

It's easy to get homesick. 
- The food is different
- The people are different
- The sun goes away really fast
-  Its cold
- the butter doesn't go in the fridge
- SO MUCH HONKING on the streets

Sometimes I would wonder "why why why am i here for 8 weeks." 

But before I know it, 6 weeks have gone by and I am really sad that I am about to leave.
I am comfortable here. I have a routine. I have friends. I have a volunteer mom. I am set :)













Today was a wonderful day, and it's because of days like these that I'll miss Bogota!

Started off with a free car ride to the Emerald Museum! Volunteers love free rides.
- No scary taxi driver
- No overpriced taxi rides
- No smelly bus
- No packed transmilenio ride that makes you feel violated by strangers.

We then met up with orphans and students that attend a blind school. I went to the school a couple of weeks ago, so I was excited to go on their field trip with them! They had a bunch of sensory activities for the kiddos and they absolutely loved it! :)

Getting out of the school and exploring something new was exciting for them.

After they explored the museum, it was time for lunch. Between prayer, giving thanks for the day they had, and singing, the entire room was in tears. It was beautiful to see these children, who live in darkness, to have such light in their lives. Truly amazing. 

After the museum, I had a great evening, with great people! One of my fellow volunteers, Sara, gave a speech at dinner and it summed up every thought in my brain. It's hard being away from home, away from family and friends. But, being around amazing people with truly great hearts, makes the experience easier. We have created our own family and will never forget the volunteers that have made us better people.

Can't wait for 2 more weeks of fun, friendships, memories, and adventure :) 

Why volunteer?

Today I had an interesting conversation with someone....

Telling someone about my volunteer experience is always exciting. Not gonna to lie, it makes me feel a little better about myself and I also get to try and persuade someone to go out and volunteer!

I usually get a few responses when I tell people what I am doing :

- "that's amazing, I could never do that!"
-  " wow, I have always wanted to do that!"
-  " I wish I had the time to do that!"

Everyone has always been supportive, and even if it isn't their "cup of tea" they still think its great to go away and volunteer. Volunteer in a country that is far less fortunate than we are, might I add. 

I have never had a response like the one I received today.

" I have enough problems of my own, I couldn't imagine helping other people." 

My first reaction = WTF
My second reaction = lost soul
My third reaction = Blog worthy


Rant time: 

We all have problems. Big or small, we all do.
Sometimes I think that running out of Ranch dressing is the biggest problem of my life and I might just die because of it.
Perhaps you get fired from your job.
Maybe money is low this month and you have to cut back a bit.
A close family member passes away and now you have to live life in a different way.

No matter what the situation is, anything can be a problem to someone.
But, just because I might be having a bad day or have problems of my own... I'm not going to stop helping others.

I guess I just don't understand how bad your life has to be that you wouldn't want to help someone else. To me it just seems selfish and a little bit lazy. It's all one big excuse.

I also had an argument with this person about welfare. -_-
Lets just say at the end of this conversation my little social worker brain was just spinning.

It opened my eyes and made me realize that some people really are closed minded to the world.
To think that people on welfare are lazy or people that need a free meal are not worthy of their time... it just blows my mind!
I never thought of myself as a person with a big heart... just a person who has a heart. But I guess not everyone thinks the same way I do. I guess I am one of those few people in the world that believes everyone deserves help and a second chance, no matter their situation.

My message to the person with ignorant words: Want to see real problems? Get outside of your comfort zone and look outside at the real world. Check out people who haven't eaten in days and rely on that one free meal we hand out. Check out 100 + kids who have no parents and crave attention everyday. Check out elderly women who have been left on their street. Or maybe just be scared to walk outside at night because you could get shot. Your problems don't seem so bad now, do they?


rant complete.   



Tomorrow we will be taking the blind children to the Emerald Museum! I am very excited to let them explore and learn all about emeralds :)

ADIOS AMIGOS

Good people.

Only 2 weeks left here in Bogota! 

The time has gone by too fast and I am not sure if I have done enough. 

This country has defiantly tested me! I have been through more than I expected, had moments of weakness, and moments of strength that I didn't see coming. 

Not gonna lie, I am running low on blog material. 

I have found myself in a weekly routine and I like it. Orphanage 3 days a week, feeding the homeless 2 days a week. 

Everything is going great! We are almost done painting the shed at the orphanage and I will have pictures up the day it is complete! The kids are still amazing and working hard. 

The homeless project is slowly becoming my favorite place to be. It's nice helping prepare so much food and know that I am helping feed 100+ people. Every time I volunteer at the homeless project it is a different experience. Sometimes it is calm and everything works out perfectly. Sometimes a fight might break out, or someone might bring a weapon. Twice we have run out of food and had to turn people down. 

I think the homeless project also does a good job at testing my values and beliefs. 

- I like to think that all people are good even if they make bad decisions. 

- I think that everyone deserves a chance

- I think that everyone is capable of doing something great

At this project, sometimes I re-think my beliefs about the human kind. 

Some people can be very sneaky, ungrateful, and angry. We serve free  food, and yet some people still criticize. It does upset me sometimes because I don't understand how people can complain about getting a free meal. I don't understand how someone could lie to my face to get more food, or just an extra cup of juice. 

But then I think, I have never been truly hungry... never had to sit outside for 2-3 hours in a line waiting for my only meal of the day. So who am I to judge why they are telling lies. 

Just when I start to think that not all people are good, and some might just be stuck in a world of hate forever, someone shakes my hand and tells me what a beautiful job we are doing. I had one lady hug me, almost in tears, because she had finally eaten after 3 days. 

It really is a roller coaster of emotions. 

But, for every person who criticizes what we do, there are about 5 people who thank us. 

Even just one person thanking me for volunteering makes my entire day complete :) 

I'm excited for my next two weeks! Can't wait to see what else I can do with the little time I have left. 

Adios for now amigos!!!

Simple and to the point.

20 DAYS LEFT IN BOGOTA!
480 HOURS LEFT IN BOGOTA!
Almost time to drink Dr. PEPPER!
(but, bye bye to juice... yummy yummy juice.) 




Adios Amigos! 

Best day in Bogota

September 17

I have been around kids for a good amount of time: babysitting, day cares, siblings, being a nanny, etc.
I have met many different types of children and I thought I was prepared for anything when coming on this trip.
Being around a child that has a family (no matter how different their family might be) is much different than being around a child that lives in an orphanage. On the surface they seem the same:
- plays
- eats
- sleeps
- likes candy

But when you really think about it, they are not the same because their background is different and they are raised differently.
The orphanage we volunteer at is amazing and they do a great job at giving these kids everything they need. But, they are still left without something pretty significant... parents.

I couldn't imagine having a bad day at school and not telling my mom about it or making jokes with my dad because we share the same sense of humor. 
These kids grow up differently. Some grow up faster and feel the need to take care of themselves. Some children may not be as lucky to be in a fantastic orphanage and do not even get love from outside sources like the teachers or other staff that they are around on a daily basis. Some children shut out the world because they are angry about their situation. Some children become stronger because of their situation. And some kids just simply get by.
It doesn't seem like the easiest life.
It makes me look back on my life and really really appreciate my parents and everything they ever did for me. I feel that I can't ever complain about getting put in the corner or getting grounded (when i was younger of course) because at least that meant I had parents that were, well, parents and only wanted the best for me.

With that said,
Lupe, Carlene, and I  work with about 6 kids that are getting adopted. We teach them English everyday for about an hour. Basic English to help them get by when they start their "new" life in America. There are two special children from that 6 that work EXTREMELY hard everyday!
They always show up to class, they always participate in the games or worksheets we give them, they are always loving and respectful, and we just love them!
We thought it would be nice to recognize all the hard work they have put in and give them a fun day out!

 Tutors and the kids :)  We were ready to start our FUN DAY OUT!

First stop: CANDY FACTORY!

I'm not sure who was more excited, the kids... or the adults :) 

 We filled up buckets of candy! Nerds, gummies, chocolate, gum, ANYTHING! It's safe to say that my body went into a sugar shock, and I will need to brush my teeth about ten times tonight.
But, aside from my sugar problems, the kids had so much fun!  How often do you get to run wild in a candy store and get anything you want! Any kid would be excited to do this!

                                           They deserved loved (and deserved) being spoiled :)

Next stop: BURGER KING. 

Lunch time rolled around and we treated the kids to a proper American mean...burger king :) 

We all put on awesome burger king hats, ordered some burgers, and chowed down like champs. 

                                         Of course, we couldn't end our lunch without being silly :) 

The evil claw machine 

This stupid machine is.... stupid! Here we are, just trying to win a stuffed animal for this sweet little girl and it kept ripping us off! We had an animal three times and it would just drop it out of no where! SO RUDE! 

But putting about $5 into a machine, that is clearly not going to let us win, all worth it for the kiddos :) 

 MOVIES.....in espanol :) 

 To end our beautiful day, we took the kids to go see Ice Age 4. Now, I am very thankful that I have already seen this movie because the whole thing was in Spanish. But, i have to admit, it was a nice way to brush up on some Spanish words and it was defiantly something I have never done before!

The kids loved it, of course. Candy, soda, and a funny movie = success.

The kids, lupe, carlene, and our new volunteer sara, making silly faces before the movie :)


One of my favorite pictures from today.

                                                           Day out = success :) 

Today was simply, amazing. They are such beautiful kids and they deserved every moment of today. I hope this is something they remember forever because I know that I will!

So far...

My journey in Bogota, Colombia has been rewarding, exciting, scary, and life changing. It seems cheesy to say "life changing" but it really is. 

The point of this trip, for those of you who may be wondering why on earth I would leave everything behind for two months, is to grow. I have a degree in Social Work and I want to use it. I want to learn more than a text book can teach me. I want to experience the "real world" and take on the challenges that it may give me. 

Staying at home and volunteering is wonderful, I have done it since I was fourteen when my mom told me I needed something to do. But I wanted to expand my view of volunteering and take it to the next level. It's important to learn what is going on around the world and get a different perspective on life. 

We cannot stay in our comfort zone forever. 

"Go Find Yourself" 

I find this message beautiful, and the fact that it is placed with the map of the world is fitting at this moment in my life. 

My expectation for this trip was not to "find myself" but I believe it is what I have ended up doing. 

I have found that I am braver than I thought. 

I have realized that social workers are awesome. 

I know that I love where I live and I wouldn't change it. 

I have found that I love Dr. Pepper more than I thought. 

I have a better appreciation for my parents and the life they gave me.

I am thankful for my friendships. 

I am thankful to have found someone to love. 

I have found that the smallest act of kindness can go a long way. 

I can't wait to see what else I learn on this trip. It has become more than just saving the children of Bogota. 

It has become a life lesson of gratitude, love and appreciation of life. 

Find yourself. 

Blind children, orphanage, homeless, and pizza!

First of all, 

I apologize for my absence, I have not written as much as I should be writing.
I wish I could say, "Iv'e been so busy saving the world and picking up trash that my hands are too tired to type about my amazing day!" Instead, this is my reason.... television shows.

SORRY.

For those who know me, I am a TV addict. BAM, first step is admitting and I think I just did that. 
Leaving my television behind was like leaving a small child behind. I take great care of my TV, she never feels abandoned or abused. So this has been a very hard trip, for the both of us.

But, a week ago, I did come across this amazing website that gives me access to any television show my little heart desires. So, needles to say, when I am not saving the world.... I am watching TV on Larry the laptop.

So the point of my TV rant: this blog will be long and I am sorry to have fallen behind. I would like to say it will not happen again, but that's like saying I'll never eat pizza again.

Blind Children 
Last Tuesday, September 4th, a fellow volunteer and I went to a school for blind children. This was a beautiful experience. We were with the teacher, another volunteer/ co-leader of the house, and we followed her to two classrooms.

The first group of kids were amazing; they were around 10-12 years old and all had personalities that some people only dream of having. Each child got a chance to ask us questions about ourselves, it was a good way for them to practice their English. Then, we were able to turn the tables and ask them questions.
Throughout the Barbra Walters interview somehow the topic of music came up and OH MAN, did that start a fiesta! They sang for us, harmonized, and even threw out some beats using their desks. You can tell that music is truly a passion in their life and I loved that they shared it with us.

The second group of kids were a little younger and so the "interview game" did not last as long. But, they did end up playing a board game and that caught their attention for a while.

I really enjoyed being at this school. I can see how, at times, it could be challenging and different, but I can also understand how rewarding it is.

HOGAR (orphanage aka my favorite place to be)

Lupe, Carlene, and I have been super busy at Hogar these past couple of weeks. Helping at the bakery, painting, teaching, and hanging out with the kids!

The kids have been doing such a great job at the tutoring classes we have for them!

Carlene (volunteer from Australia) is a teacher back and home, so her teaching skills have really come in handy! She does a great job at coming up with activities for the kids and making learning fun.

It really is amazing to see the kids improve and learn something new everyday.
They are on their way to a new country, a new family, new culture... it is going to be a complete shock for them. These kids have a lot going on and yet they still work hard everyday to learn English. I really admire them!

Our big project! 

This shed will hold all the children's outside equipment. As you can see, it is not so great looking at the moment. So, Lupe and I have rolled up our sleeves and decided to make it something really special for the kids! Our first task, getting rid of the brown and making it stand out. 

We started painting the shed and after about 20 minutes of painting the kids came outside to play. As soon as they saw paint...well, there was no stopping them! They really wanted to help, even if that meant getting paint in there hair, on their clothes, and I'm sure in their eyes,mouth,and nose. 

Don't be too serious

The best part of Hogar is hanging out with the kids. When we are not teaching, we spend a good amount of time playing games with the kids, eating lunch, helping in the bakery, or just playing outside. 

These kids are adorable, so of course if they want to put glittery, gooey, stars on our face... we let them. You want my chips? OK.  You want my water? OK. You want to chase me and then jump on my back? OK. 

Some of our favorite memories have been in the bakery. For obvious reasons: it's delicious. 

But, also because it's something different for us to do. We get to help cook, bake, and we also wash dishes. The baker has a cooking class every day at 3:30 for the kids. Were invited to help her out on Monday (September 10th) and of course we said YES! 

Homeless project

Tuesday = Erika get over her fear of scary neighborhood day. 

That's right, I went back to the scene of the crime. OK that's a bit dramatic. Basically, the neighborhood where I got my stuff taken, is the neighborhood that 2 projects are in. This time: 

- I know not to take a back pack

- keep my money in my bra

- look a bit dirty

- keep my American mouth quiet

- head down

- go save the world

Me and two other volunteers (both guys, that's right.. this time i took bodyguards) took a taxi straight to the front door of the "soup kitchen." When we arrived, we were welcomed by the nicest people I have met so far! 

We did a quick introduction and then got straight to work! The food is already being cooked when we get there, so our job is to prepare for the next day. Lots of cutting and peeling. Now, back at home I consider myself a pretty good peeler. I can peel potatoes like no ones business. But when you hand me a dull knife and put 50+ potatoes in front of me.... i die a little inside. 

Don't worry, I got it done! The time went by really fast and before I knew it, people started coming in to eat their lunch. 

The people that come into this soup kitchen are homeless, and the majority of them are drug users. There are young people, older people, men and women. It's a very wide range. To be honest, I was in a bit of shock when the first round of people came through. 

I have seen poor, I know what poverty is. But, I don't think I was expecting to see so many people that truly needed a free meal. 

After my shocked face went away, I was able to open up a little and talk to some of the people that came in. We are not allowed to pass out the plates of food, but we can hold the trays of food for the man that does the passing. We also help gather the empty plates and get ready for the second round of people. 

This was a great experience for me. I really enjoyed this project more than I expected and I am excited to go back! The neighborhood is not the best, and I defiantly have to be more careful than I have ever been...but I truly enjoy being there. This placement is instant gratification. We cut the food, it gets cooked, we pass out the food, and feed people who have not had a meal in 24 hours. Sure, their lifestyle may not be ideal but that doesn't mean they do not deserve food. Who knows why they live the way they do. Maybe it's the only life they know and don't know how to get out of it. I wish there was more ways to help the people of this neighborhood, but a hot meal will have to work for now :) 

One Friend is back

Too much fun with Alyssa on a stick? YES. Lupe had the great idea to bring Alyssa with us to American Monday. She laughed, she cried, she was happy, and she loved the pizza. So glad to have my little friend on a stick back in my life. I missed her. 

Great Week (well, weeks) 

Yet again, another great week in Bogota! Only about 3 1/2 weeks left, I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I will spend most of my time at the orphanage but I will also take a day or two out of my week to help at the soup kitchen. This weekend I decided to be adventurous again and go help build houses. I'm sure my blog this weekend will be fantastic. Erika... with a hammer. hahaha! so great. 

ADIOS AMIGOS!