Calle 5 #14-32
La Mesa, Colombia
aaronlaurak@gmail.com
The Festivities Begin
Dear friends and family,
The 50th anniversary celebrations at Colegio Americano Menno started with a bang at 5:00 am, Saturday morning, October 15th. A truck rolled through the streets, setting off firecrackers and announcing over a loudspeaker that the festivities were about the begin. We woke up from the noise, then promptly rolled back over to sleep.
We were, however, bright-eyed and ready for the parade at 9:30. The school was humming like a beehive, full of excited students and parents and teachers. Eventually everyone lined up in their appropriate places and started the parade through town. The bright visual impact of the students costumes amazed us. Each grade wore clothing representing a different region of Colombia. This looked impressive even when they were simply marching, but once they reached the main street and began to dance, the parade turned into a human kaleidoscope. The coordination and leadership demonstrated by the students during the event made us feel proud to be a part of it. Students at this Mennonite school can dance! (See our website for pictures, kauffmanhome.net.)
The next day over two thousand people packed into the school for the mega-bingo day, bingo like we've never seen in the USA. Granted, the prizes were alluring, like a computer, digital camera, TV, washing machine, stove, refrigerator, and the grand prize, a brand new motorcycle. Guillermo, the school principal, told us they typically sink $4,000 US into the event, earning back roughly $9,000. They use the profit to purchase special things for the school, like the computer lab they now have. So it was quite an experience to be swimming through the crowds of ecstatic bingo players. Much to Aaron's disappointment, we left before he had a chance to win the motorcycle. Laura was just fine with that decision.
Almost every day since there have been equally interesting events happening at the school. Last week they hosted a sports tournament, including contests in indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ping pong. Thankfully, we had good weather during these often rainy weeks, and none of the players got injured. Laura was supposed to be "on call" in case something happened.
In addition there was a concert featuring a favorite Latin American ballad, Bolero. Other events have included science projects, an art gallery, and several workshops led by the Associated Biblical Societies of Colombia. We were privileged to serve as "judges" in a children's art contest.
The main events are still to come this weekend, with delegations from the region, Colombian Mennonite Church, and North America arriving on Friday. We're preparing to host visitors from La Mesa Mennonite's sister church in Nebraska, as well as Linda Shelly, the director for Latin America at Mennonite Mission Network, our agency. She was already here for a few days over the weekend, and we had a great time showing her the school and church, treating her to local food, and talking with her about our ministry here in Colombia.
In the midst of all this, Abigail continues to grow and develop. She has begun taking her first tentative steps on her own. Most of the time she still prefers to hang on to furniture, an extended hand, or whatever else is within her reach. She has taken to entertaining us with a really cheesy grin, which she flashes repeatedly when she's on a roll. (Again, see our website for examples.)
Our Spanish is coming along, though we realize that the next phase of learning will require a bit more focused study. Pray that we'll be able to find the right people to tutor us during the months of November and December. We've got some people in mind, but have not made formal arrangements.
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We excitedly read each email we get from our beloved friends and family back home.
Blessings,
The Kauffmans