When we were in Calanderia a couple weeks ago,  we ran across the Ant lady...
She was selling hormigas- we asked if it was for the birds... they said NO! Its for you! Here's a little video of our experience with ant ingestation. 

 This couple is from Venezuela.  They are special pioneers, and Sub CO's.  Just got reassigned to help out in English- which is a growing field both here in Colombia, and in Venezuela.  Venezuela is verging on Communism, and doesn't like the US.  They wanted to get some US dollars.  They had to fill out an application to a bank, then wait weeks.  Finally before just giving up, he went in- the teller  said that he had been denied,  as he was walking out of the bank, the supervisor called him over and asked if there was a problem.  He explained the situation, and the supervisor said "don't worry, I'll take care of this"  A few minutes later the police showed up and took away the teller.  They were extorting the money from people.  Our brother did get the money, but they only allowed $300.00 US.  They took 12 copiess of the bills, placed his thumbprint on each photocopy, and took pictures of him with each bill! A lot of work just to get some US dollars.

We have a lot more work to do.  The project keeps growing and growing!  We have been moving fast though.  With two setters, and the girl's hard work, we have been flying through the tile. The brothers who are working with us worked all day from 8:00 am to 5:00, then from 5pm -4:00 am the next morning,  tearing out tile for us so it would be ready to tile on Monday! 

On this one, we actually did about fall!

It has been raining a little everyday. It is getting a little colder too, somewhere in the 60's, but the brothers are absolutely freezing.  Every morning when walking to morning worship, they cover their mouths with scarves, medical masks, and their hands. 

For the CO visit (Right) the brothers have a special meal prepared by one of the Mamas.  It is a Colombian Soup called Ajiaco. 

It was hilarious... this guy across the street heard all the laughing, and started taking pictures of the party! 

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We were invited to a wedding shower for a young couple.  He is from France, and she is Colombian.  We ended up being part of the entertainment, in the Newly Wed Game.  The party was so much fun!  Everyone- young and old dance, and dance and dance! Here's some footage! 

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We had a need to get some American food, so we when we were in Bogota, we went to Crapes and Waffles!  And had Flufey drinks like real men. 

This is Andres and Alejandra- working hard translating. 

The Congregation had its district convention in Cota, Colombia, about 1 hour from the Branch in Faca.  It was the first time that it was translated into English.  The brothers had each talk translated simultaneously into English.  I had two talks.  The first one was introducing the new brochures- that was pretty easy because the brother spoke at a moderate pace.  The second talk was so hard!  The brother used speech that the other speakers don't use, and don't understand!  Then he started to marvel at the galaxies, in great detail, and in scientific terminology!  My brain fried, and a sister had to help to translate.  But it was a good experience, and I have a lot of respect for the  brothers who have learned English, and were translating!

Ricki- a Bethelite in Bogota Bethel  and Alejandra

Eutimeo- A wonderful brother who is really taking care of us ( we call him Papa Timeo!)  Andres and Alejandra.  
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This is the drama in Spanish- just as tear-jerking as the English! 

Fourth & Fifth Week- A Lot of Work & a Little Play!

The Traffic in Bogota is really intense!  There are technically two lanes, but usually they find a way to cram four lanes, plus motorcycles swerving in and out of traffic, people running across the roads, with bicyclists in the mix!  We have been saying  we're really glad we don't have to drive in this... Well, on Sunday Eutimeo ( We call him papa Timeo- because he is always taking care of us- the Americans!)  said he needed to pick up his car in Bogota, and he needed to drive the Branch's shuttle.  So he said "you guys will have to follow me in the car!"  So white knuckled- but brave Jason took the wheel.  We followed the shuttle, darting in and out of traffic- until Eutimeo was stopped by the police for a random check point- we stopped behind him- nervous because we didn't even know if we were supposed to be driving!  (Eutimeo knew we could drive for three months while visiting Colombia)  We decided to just pull around the check point, and keep going.  It all ended well, and we got safely to the Bogota Branch.

These are some of the brothers and sisters in the Bogota English Congregation.  The congregation is very strong- made up of brothers and sisters reaching out to help contact people who speak English.  There are 15 regular Pioneers,  41 Publishers, the average hours is around 16 hr not counting Aux and Reg Pioneers!  To come over and help, publishers have to fill out an application, and be accepted into the congregation, dependent upon if they know English well enough!  This is to ensure that they will be Spiritually strong to help, and not miss out on what they need.   Three members from the Branch Committee have just been assigned to the Congregation- which has sent a panic through some of the young brothers with parts on the meetings!  But it will be a huge boost for the Brothers, and the members on the Committee will be able to improve their English so that they can qualify to attend the Branch School in Patterson. 

Colombian food is quite interesting at times.  They don't like any spice hardly at all, and there are not very bold flavors, that doesn't mean it is not good, but it doesn't mean its always good!  The other day we had scrambled eggs with potato chips on top! This is an example of interesting cuisine- it is spaghetti with beef, and to top it off... KETCHUP!  

Since we were ahead of schedule, the brothers added some more work for us.  We now have the large wall, hallway walls, and a few small rooms to tile- it will make a big difference in the kitchen! 

This is Andres and Johnathan.  Andres (left) speaks one of the Indian Languages. Johnathan is from the Coastal region.  All the brothers tease him because his Spanish is so different and funny. 

These brothers worked all day grinding the existing wall tile, so we can tile over the top. 

This sister lived with her English husband in England. She speaks English with a Colombian/English accent! 

The Presidents residence

  This is the Catholic church located in Bolivar Square in Bogota.  

This is Arol and Diana witnessing to tourists on the steps of the Church!

 This is a video of the Museum of Gold

This is the original artwork of the Colombian painter Fernando Botero- he is an abstract artist that features Round people!  It was actually quite entertaining!

 This area of Bogota is called La Candelaria.  Is it the oldest part of the city.  It is built on hills, with Spanish style homes and buildings.  It is the artists/hippie area of Bogota.  Lots of hostels, American students like to come here. 

 The View from the top of Montserrate- good view of the almost 9 million people!

 These girls are awesome! They took us all around the city on Saturday.  Marsela, and Alejandra. 

A cool American style restaurant called BBC- we don't mind the Colombian food, but sometimes you've just gotta have a pizza!

 Back to work!

The new wall.

Now that's a cute helper!

Who needs a Forklift! 

 Our little friend showing off!

He fanned   his feathers to get attention, then when we were all staring, he jumped up near the blue flowers and posed as if to say "The blue flowers show off my eyes!"