Goodbye...for now...

Our time has come to an end here in Colombia. We do not know exactly where the road of life will lead us next, but we are excited about the adventure. We do know that we have loved living this part of the journey and feel so blessed to have laughed, loved, and learned so much over the past 3 years.

We have learned that...
1) Colombia is a diamond in the rough. Very few people from around the world come here to visit or to live and that is a true shame. It is a marvelous place in which so many have discovered true beauty in the people, culture, oceans, mountains, and plains.

2) Being gringo must mean that you are tall, rich, & white. It is amazing how one's view on stereotypes can be changed when you leave your homeland.

3) Living in a different country is an adventure from the first day to the last day.

4) Eating in Latin America doesn't mean eating burritos, rice, & beans all day long. There is no authentic Tex-Mex here. As a matter of fact there is no authentic Tex-Mex in Mexico. Authentic Tex-Mex is from the Latinos in the States.

5) The British can be laid back and enjoy a good joke or two. One of our best friends made in Colombia is an Englishman who moved here to teach. We always have a good time doing anything and "taking the piss" out each other.

6) There are many ways to do one thing. Not all of them have to be my way. (Very difficult to learn by the way).

7) At times, sitting through a church service can be boring. But sitting through a church service that is in a language we are trying to learn but haven't fully grasped can be... Although, singing praise in another language is so amazing.

8) Family is of blood relation. But, there are those friends who become closer than brothers and sisters. This is the family that you gain and they gain you. Our family now is worldwide.

9) Life is truly a story. It has chapters, characters, and a plot that remains to be discovered. It is a grand story about all of us. It is bigger than all of us. It is an adventure in discovery and knowledge. We are forever grateful for this chapter in our lives.

10) Bottom Line: This life, this world is much bigger than us. There is a history that we were born into, and there is a larger story that we are a part of now. It is more than money, or fame, or things, or legacy. This life is about our Creator. It is His story and His work. We are a part of His creation. And so are you. We must love Him with all our being, and love others as we would love ourselves. It is this that we have learned. Could I have gained this knowledge in the US? Sure, but it would have taken a lot longer for us to understand how big and diverse this world really is today.

Colombia, thank you for opening your country to us...with its rich culture, gorgeous nature, vibrant music, incredible food, and loving people...our hearts will forever be part Colombian.

Con carino, abrazos, y besos...Mil Gracias!