Colombia - May 22nd || Sara

Despite the late night yesterday getting into Bogota and the early morning today, the team had a wonderful first day of ministry. We went to the Instituto Academico Bethel, a school from pre-K to 11th grade. The team divided up into two groups, one in charge of doing a skit and the other in charge of the craft. Our skit centered on the story of Joseph and the love that we should have for others, just as God loves us. We also had the opportunity to share our personal testimonies with the older kids. Not only was it encouraging for them, but it was definitely encouraging for us as well. When we finished sharing with the older students a young man told us that he wanted to pray for us and so they all joined hands and prayed for the team, thanking God for bringing us to his country. Needless to say, we instantly became friends with the students. Some of them even came up to us asking for autographs. After a delicious Colombian lunch we went back to the hostel for the day to rest because we were exhausted. We also sorted and organized all of the supplies and prepped for going to another school the next day. Richard and Bri went over some tips for leading games/crafts/lessons and also classroom control. Afterwards, some of the team members went grocery shopping while the others stayed to continue planning. Kristin, Nasia, Richard, and Maxwell graciously prepared dinner for the team and then we had team devotions from Hebrews 12:1-2. Some of the things that stuck out to me from the whole day were the comforting thought that God is alongside us and remembering to praise the Lord even in the chaos. Just as Hebrews says, we need to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus." That means keeping our eyes on Him as we seek to serve Him in Colombia. There will most likely be moments of chaos, stress, and impatience, but God is our strength and He will give us the grace that we need to minister to the children and to the church of Bogota.~Sara