A Special Visit

Today we were honoured to have a visit with Trevor and Sherri, two incredible people that Joel and I got to know during our trips to Colombia 1 1/2-2 years ago. As you may remember, Joel went in April of '06 and I went in November '06. We both got to spend time with Trevor and Sherri while we were there, as they are missionaries that work there that we are connected with through Zurich Mennonite.

During my trip a year and a half ago I really connected with Sherri. We shared some pretty personal stories together and were able to relate on so many topics, especially the joys and struggles of being a mom. When I heard a few weeks ago that they were headed to Ontario for a visit I e-mailed her right away to say that we would love to see them when they were here.

So today Trevor and Sherri came up for lunch. It was so great to re-connect and to hear the stories of our brothers and sisters from Colombia and what was going on in their ministry so far away. I loved hearing about the amazing people that i had met and catching up on their lives again. It's incredible to me the bond that both Joel and I felt for our Colombian friends after spending such a short time with them so long ago. I believe it's a "God-thing" that people can connect so quickly and easily. When we share a similar Father and although the cultures we live in are so vastly different, our vision is exactly the same. We are truly brothers and sisters. This was so evident to me especially when I stayed there and was completely embraced by the people I met. I immediately felt like I belonged...incredible. I pray that someday I might be able to return there to visit those friends again.

Like Elsa, the sweetest Colombian lady who didn't speak a word of English, but opened her heart and her home to me. I stayed with her for a night when I first arrived in Bogota and then the final 2 nights before I came home again. Each morning she would feed me a wonderful breakfast and pray for me. I couldn't understand anything she said, but believe me when I say that I could feel the power of God in that place when she prayed for me. Hugs were given freely and she was the most gracious host...even though compared to my life in Canada, she has so much less material wealth. She certainly was rich in her faith and her walk in the Lord. I would have loved to spend more time getting to know her.

Then there were some of the other ladies I had the privilege of getting to know: Sandra beside me, then Alicia, Sherri and her daughter Kristina. Sandra was another absolutely incredible Colombian woman who shone with the love of Christ. She and her husband have started a church in their apartment and are sharing some of the same experiences we are as we have begun our church here in our home.

Thank you Lord for reminding me of the lessons I learned while in Colombia. Thank you for people like Trevor and Sherri (and their children) who are willing to live their lives so far from their families to spread Your love to people who need to know about You. Thank You for helping me once again to gain perspective in my busy Canadian life.

Your daughter,
Melanie