Some of you may be wondering what it is like to be back in
Colombia. This morning I ventured out to the crowded streets of downtown
Armenia to purchase some supplies for different activities in Journey of
Hope. While being careful where I stepped (the sidewalks have lots of
obstacles that can cause you to trip) my senses were over stimulated.
- A young man obviously coming out of a drug stupor turned his head to follow a scantily dressed female. As his eyes followed her my EYES saw something glimmering. He pulled out his switchblade and I heard a loud POP as he flipped it open and grunted a couple of words.
- The scantily dressed young female walked a bit further and then leaned against a post positioning her body as if she were a mannequin in a store window. She then proceeded to tilt her head and smile at the large group of men standing in front of her. Tears came to my eyes as I realized what was going on.
- Continuing my journey I observed small mounds on the sidewalks; dirty feet or worn out shoes peeking out from the tattered blanket.
- As I made my way to the center of downtown I needed to remember how to navigate my body turning to the right, no to the left, now toward the wall in order to avoid colliding with other pedestrians. At stand after stand men and women had set up their merchandise hoping to make some money selling TV remote controls, kitchen sink strainers, and other gadgets. It would be a long day in order to go home with perhaps $10 worth of Colombian pesos in their pocket.
However, there were other sites that brought a smile to my face;
- The little girl who kept chasing the pigeons in one of the plazas, hoping she would be able to reach out and catch one with her small hands.
- The young man who gently helped an older handicapped lady make her way through the overcrowded streets.
- The young bus driver who waited patiently for each passenger to find a seat and get situated before taking off. (not to common here!)
What is it like to be back in Colombia? I notice the differences. Sometimes I don't understand all that my senses take
in. At times I am deeply saddened by what I see. But I am so glad
to be back and even to walk the congested streets of downtown Armenia.
