Inspired

Being in Colombia always inspires me. But I've realized that it's not the place... though I love Colombia and I would like to say that the country itself inspires me. But I don't think that's necessarily true.

It's the people I meet.

They inspire me. They really do.

Now, this isn't to say that my friends in other places of the world don't inspire me... no, not at all. I am definitely inspired by people around the world. Colombia just happens to have a high concentration of people who inspire me.

They often live quiet lives, fully aware of the needs of others and constantly seeking to serve God. And through their silent devotion, I am inspired.

My former class advisor Mr. T inspires me. His humble heart that continually seeks to please Jesus amazes me. The way he has re-arranged his life in a way that will allow him to better serve individuals and families in the Prado and Santafe neighborhoods in Colombia touches my heart. With a determined consistency, he pursues the lost, pouring out his life and love so that one may find Jesus. The way he walks into squatter communities and run down houses and connects with individuals and families is beauitful. The way children squeal with glee when they see him is precious. The way he and his wife live sacrificially so that others may be blessed inspires me.

The Bartel family is another family that truly just inspires me. I don't know how else to explain it. For over 25 years they have lived in Colombia reaching out to street children. They have roamed the streets of Bogota, seeking those who sleep on the streets and live from hand to mouth. They have searched for these lives lived in quiet desperation and have pursued them. They've adopted three children and are called "Mamita Evie" and "Papito Esteban" by dozens and dozens of children. Their home is filled with the sounds of kids. Nope, they're not always squealing for joy. Sometimes you hear the yelling, the screaming, the crying. Evie explains that they all have such strong temperments because these kids... these ones are the survivors. And it is for these survivors that the Bartels pour out their lives... so that these survivors would live to find Jesus.

And today we're off to Barrio Egipto where I'll be with more people who truly inspire me.

These people who live with the poor, the hurting, the broken, the empty, the sick. These people who reach out to the least of these...

They inspire me.