Drawn by Nature's Valley

Friday, I took the overnight bus to Bogotá. When I arrived on Saturday, I was kindly welcomed by Rotarian hosts for the week, who invited me to various activities throughout the day. I even took my first warm shower since I was traveling with my family! I have had many neat experiences since I arrived here (like dining with a local member of the City Council), but the most impacting of them thus far was a day spent with a local community surrounding Bogotá. It is an area similar to many found outside of Cali, consisting of lots of displaced people who've migrated to the city and set up their new homes with makeshift materials. Most of these neighborhoods are technically "illegal" because they are not officially recognized by the government and therefore are not often provided with basic services, like water and electricity. (Many outside of Cali have recently been recognized). In order to reach these communities, one must hop into one of the jeeps that can transverse through the steep and uneven dirt roads-- an ascent which is impossible after heavy rains. Luckily, we were able to make it!
The day was special because the people were celebrating the opening of a new community room (made possible through various organizations), which will soon be the home of useful trainings, workshops, and events of the people.One of the first people I met was María Cecilia, one of the local leaders who has been involved with all sorts of projects to improve the zone, serving as an adviser and liaison between the people served and the agencies and organizations working to help them. She told me about how her life had been threatened by paramilitaries, who often see people like her as a threat because they help to empower others-- who will then not be as easily intimidated. (For instance, human rights workers are often listed as victims of targeted assasinations). She had recently returned after being "protected" for a little while. She told me, "I've already been displaced once, and I'm not going to be displaced again!"The service project of the day was basically a yard sale that sold clothing and household goods to the people for very cheap prices (like 50 cents or less for each thing), with the proceeds going to other projects. While this was interesting to watch, what will stick with me the most was my encounter with these two boys:They are two brothers (named Diego and Cristian), and they have lived in this area for all of their lives. Cristian (the older brother) had to interpret for Diego because (as much as I tried) I had trouble understanding him. He had obviously been born with a cleft lip and pallet. Although he told that he had had five surgeries to fix it (funded by Operation Smile), his speech was still really unclear, and the poor thing really struggled with communicating (even though it was obvious he was saying really intelligent things). I think perhaps his teeth were simply in the way of his tongue??

Here I am with Diego. He bought this sweater at the sale because he said he was always cold.

The two instantly began following me around, pretty much attached at my hip for the entire day. At first, I thought it was because of my digital camera, which always makes me very popular with the kids. Like many others of their age, they enjoyed getting their picture taken and taking pictures of other adorable children, like these ones:


Soon, though, I told them that they were going to take their "very last photo" because the "camera was retiring," and they still were right there beside me. I thought that perhaps they were just drawn to my evident charm or kindness (haha!) until I opened the second half of a Nature's Valley Bar. I could tell that they really wanted some, but they were just afraid to ask for it-- and it dawned on me that they'd become my shadow shortly after eating the first half. I gave them some pieces of it, and they seemed quite satisfied. I later went to buy some water (in a bag, of course!), and I bought them some empanadas. Other volunteers went to get some soft drinks and snacks, and they shared with them as well. The people in charge of the little sale had brought sandwiches for us, and I gave most of mine to Diego and Cristian, too. They never actually asked for anything, but they were always there, patiently waiting for an offer.

I learned a lot about them throughout our conversation. Their father had died, and they lived with their younger sister and mother, who does not work. We started talking about food, and I discovered why they were so eager to eat everything, "We only get food at school on weekdays. On weekends, we don't get anything, unless we find something," Cristian told me. I have seen many families begging for food or spare change in Colombia, but what struck me about these two was that they never, ever asked. They were strategic, but very dignified and gracious, in finding ways to eat.