This year I had the opportunity to go to Bogota, Colombia. I never thought I would have gotten the opportunity to go once, much less, twice. The experience was indescribable. You go on these trips hoping to be a blessing to others, but as it turns out you’re the one getting blessed. I had a lot more trouble saying goodbye this year; this is because the relationships that you make while serving God and being in His will are the ones that will last a lifetime. I especially connected with three young girls, who praise Jesus, have a family! I have never felt so much love for a child as I did when these girls smiled at me, ran to me, and just simply wanted to be held. After playing with them for two days it became even more evident to me that our time together was just about over. The last day I was sick, so I decided it would be best if I didn’t interact with the babies to prevent them from getting ill. This was hard to do as one of the girls I had connected with was about two. I went to go wave goodbye to her through the glass doors, and upon doing so, this little girl ran up to the door, with her hands on the window, just smiling at me. Ah, how this broke my heart and filled it with so much love! Wow, parents, you have such blessings in your lives and are blessings to your children. I encourage you all to keep your arms stretched out and your hands on the glass window right there next to your child spurring them on.
My time in Colombia was something that I always hold near and dear to my heart. It has given me so many different perspectives on life and has shown me some of the things that I take for granted. Please pray for the missions that are being done in Colombia and the people and children that are involved in it. There are so many caregivers that don’t know their true role/impact and countless children who crave and are waiting to have that indescribable relationship with a mom and dad. It is such a blessing to know and have connections with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world. Missions start where you are and how you can better serve the community you live in, to then be able to pour out into others as far as you can reach.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
God’s love to you all,
Kirbie Kolkhorst
